5b. Ambitransitive verbs

What is a defining characteristic of an ambitransitive verb?

• It always describes the state of the subject.

• It can function transitively or intransitively depending on the context.

• It only has a transitive function.

• It is always connected to a direct object.

What happens when a ditransitive verb is used transitively?

• The verb transfers action to the object, which is affected by the action.

• The verb describes a state or condition of the subject.

• The verb does not have a direct object.

• The verb focuses on what the subject does without affecting an object.

What is the main characteristic of an intransitive use of a ditransitive verb?

• The verb transfers action to the object.

• The verb focuses on what the subject does without affecting an object.

• The verb always includes an affected object.

• The verb connects two clauses or ideas.

How does an intransitive verb transition to a stative use?

• By focusing on the state or condition of the subject instead of an action.

• By describing the object instead of the subject.

• By transferring action to an affected object.

• By omitting any descriptive elements.

Identify the use of the verb in the following example: Greek: ἔπεισαν τοὺς ὄχλους Translation: “They persuaded the crowds.”

• Static use

• Intransitive use

• Transitive use

• Reflexive use

Determine the use of the verb in the following example: Greek: πέποιθα δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ Translation: “I am confident in the Lord.”

• Static use

• Intransitive use

• Transitive use

• Reflexive use

Which statement about the static use of ambitransitive verbs is true?

• It transfers an action to the object.

• It describes the state or condition of the subject.

• It affects the object through the action of the verb.

• It cannot occur with ambitransitive verbs.

What makes a diathesis-alternating verb flexible?

• It can only function in one way depending on the sentence structure.

• It alternates between transitive and intransitive use depending on the context.

• It always omits the subject to focus on the object.

• It negates the need for any objects or subjects.

Translate and identify the use of the verb: Greek: Χάρις πέποιθα ἐν κυρίῳ Translation: “Χάρις, I am confident in the Lord.”

• Transitive use

• Intransitive use

• Static use

• Reflexive use

Which of the following statements best summarizes the behavior of ambitransitive verbs?

• Ambitransitive verbs always describe a state.

• Ambitransitive verbs shift between transitive and intransitive use depending on the context of the sentence.

• Ambitransitive verbs always require a direct object to function correctly.

• Ambitransitive verbs are limited to describing the state of the subject.