017 DOERS - TRANSITIVE VERBS - OBJECTS

TRANSITIVE VERB

transit = movement or transfer.
transitive= the person/thing which transfers.
transitive verb = A verb which transfers the effect of its action to an object.

Basic principles

*The object of the transitive verb should follow the verb as closely as possible. The meaning may get distorted , if the distance between the two increases.

*The transitive verb should refer to its 'doer' (performer of the action , often the subject), as directly as possible. The doer should precede the transitive verb, and they must be as close as possible.

*Short crisp sentences following the word order subject + transitive verb + object (SVO) will do this job very effectively.

This world, unfortunately, is not such a simple world. Great authors wrote lengthy sentences. Publishing houses patronise lengthy sentences. Examination-paper-setters use lengthy sentences.

The following GMAT question demonstrates it:

`Studying the fruit fly, a household nuisance but a time-honored experimental subject, has enabled the secrets of how embryos develop to begin to be unraveled by scientists.
(A) Studying the fruit fly, a household nuisance but a time-honored experimental subject, has enabled the secrets of how embryos develop to begin to be unraveled by scientists.

(B) By the study of the fruit fly, a household nuisance and also a time-honored experimental subject, it was possible for the secrets of how embryos develop to begin to be unraveled by scientists.

(C) By studying a household nuisance but a time-honored experimental subject, the fruit fly enabled scientist to begin to unravel the secrets of how embryos develop.

(D) By studying the fruit fly, a household nuisance and also a time-honored experimental subject, the secrets of how embryos develop are beginning to be unraveled by scientist.

(E) The study of the fruit fly, a household nuisance but a time-honored experimental subject, has enabled scientist to begin to unravel the secrets of how embryos develop.

Ans: E. A is incorrect because secrets cannot be the object of the transitive verb enable. Enable whom? the scientist. C and E have this combination. Who enabled? C says that the fruit fly enabled. 'Study' is the doer of the action enable.

I invite your views and corrections, if I have gone wrong anywhere.