In which of the following sentences is the verb “boil” used transitively?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Ravi boiled two eggs for his breakfast before leaving for college.
Transitive verb (a verb with an object):
- A transitive verb takes an object: it acts on someone or something.
- Ask “Ravi boiled what?” The answer is “two eggs”. So “boiled” has an object and is used transitively here.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: The milk boiled over while Amma was talking on the phone. — Incorrect. “Boiled over” has no object. The milk itself boiled. It did not boil anything else, so the verb is used intransitively.
Option 2: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. — Incorrect. “Boils” has no object. “At 100 degrees Celsius” only tells at what heat water boils.
Option 3: The kettle on the stove has been boiling for five minutes. — Incorrect. “Has been boiling” has no object. “For five minutes” only tells how long.