What is the difference between transitive and intransitive anyway?

Transitive verbs do things to other things. They need an object.

Intransitive verbs can function all on their own.

Going off Kristin's example, for instance:

Hec enjoys baseball. What does Hec enjoy? Baseball. That's transitive.

Hec walks down the sidewalk. What does Hec walk? Well, he's not walking anything; he's just walking. That's intransitive.

Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive.

Hec eats gourmet food. What does Hec eat? Food. Transitive.

Hec eats at gourmet restaurants. What does Hec eat? We don't know; all we know is that he eats, just like any other creature. Intransitive.

Hec really enjoys baseball; therefore, he coaches Little League. (This is another example of two independent clauses joined by a semicolon.)

Hec really enjoys baseball, so he coaches Little League.

Why isn't there a comma before "therefore", because it's not one of the FANBOYS? (I love that by the way)

Connie, would it help you if I sent you a grammar workbook? I've got a few extra that I know can go 'missing'.

It would be immensely useful! Profile addy good to work out details.

The Transitive/Instransitive thing makes sense, it's a matter of remember which one goes which way. I keep thinking "intransigent", which I may be able to work with.

You guys are the most useful, helpful people ever.

it transitions, sort of

Ah ha! The link to the terminology! The answer is in the thing itself!

Am I a complete and utter dork for getting choked up at the resolution of a 40-year intellectual roadblock?

I sure you can ace the grammar test, Connie. You're a good writer and you read. You'll recognize something that looks wrong.

Why isn't there a comma before "therefore", because it's not one of the FANBOYS? (I love that by the way)

Yep, basically.

Hec really enjoys baseball; therefore, he coaches Little League.

The italics show the first independent clause.

"Therefore" is a conjunctive adverb (and I just had to look that up, so obviously knowing the term isn't all that important) that begins the next independent clause:

Hec really enjoys baseball; therefore, he coaches Little League.

Here's a good site for understanding conjunctions: [link]

Am I a complete and utter dork for getting choked up at the resolution of a 40-year intellectual roadblock?

No, not at all! It is incredibly freeing to get past one of our academic bogeymen! And as is probably obvious by my ridiculous excitement in posting all of this, I really enjoy teaching grammar. Any time you have questions, ask here or feel free to email.

Also, can I just say that P-C's explanation of transitive vs. intransitive is brilliant and is going to be stolen (with his permission) for a future lesson?

My eyes started filling with goo about 15 minutes ago. Allergies? Some weird eye disease? I took an antihistamine.

In case GG's generous offer of a grammar workbook doesn't work out, I recommend Writers Inc. for their clear, concise explanations of grammar and mechanics. I've found that students with grammar blocks really respond to this book. Amazon has used copies for cheap, looks like, too.

Connie -- go to the library and look for a grammar book -- grammar the easy way -- the ( something) vampire is amusing

Okay, and now that I'm done burbling about grammar...

Jilli, I just read your latest column and I'm just infuriated with the school authorities for targeting goth kids in this manner. (Particularly the boy who's been forced to stop dressing like a Victorian. I mean, what possible leg do these people have to stand on? (Beyond "you should be sheep! We want you to be identical sheep! It makes us nervous when you aren't!")

As an educator, one of the things we're actively encouraging (at least at primary level!) is that people become independent thinkers, and that they have the courage to take risks and to be creative. Forcing people to merge into the crowd seems like the very antithesis of good teaching!

Yes, this. What Fay of the Sparkling Brains said.

Also, GG, your students are so very lucky to have you.

And Ginger, eek! I hope the antihistamine helps!