What is the function of transitive verbs in a sentence?

Transitive verbs play a crucial role in a sentence by requiring a direct object to complete their meaning. This means that they express an action that is performed and is directed towards someone or something. For example, in the sentence "She kicked the ball," the verb "kicked" is transitive because it needs the direct object "the ball" to clarify what was kicked. Without a direct object, the action lacks specificity and the sentence would feel incomplete.

In contrast, the other answer choices highlight different functions that certain types of verbs might serve. Some verbs may describe actions, linking words to convey relationships without needing an object, or express states of being, but they do not specifically indicate the necessity of a direct object as transitive verbs do. This key characteristic is what fundamentally differentiates transitive verbs from the other types of verbs mentioned.