Transitive verbs used reflexively with intransitive
meaningVerbs commonly used transitively (i.e. with a direct object) are also often
found in reflexive form without an object (i.e. are used intransitively). Some
of the most frequently used such verbs are discussed below, grouped
according to their meaning.Change-of-state verbsIn their reflexive form, these verbs convey the idea of a change of state
(often corresponding to English ‘to become’, ‘to get’, ‘to go’):Se asustan con el ruido de los animales.
They get frightened by the sound of animals.En Canadá los lagos se hielan en invierno.
In Canada the lakes become frozen in winter.
La ropa todavía no se ha secado.
The clothes still haven’t dried.See similar verbs in Table 14.1.Reflexive verbs describing what happens to the subjectParticularly when the subject is inanimate, a reflexive verb formed from a
transitive verb states what happens to the subject. English can express this
as ‘get.. .’ or ‘got.. .’:Se hundieron las ruedas en el barro.
The wheels sank into/got stuck in the mud.
La comida se está quemando.
The food is burning/getting burned.
Al sacarlo, el vaso se rompió.
As it was taken out, the glass broke/got broken.Las luces se apagan a medianoche.
The lights are/get switched off at midnight.14.8.214.8.1(^1111) 14.8
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1011
1
12111
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
20111
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
30111
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
40
41111
Transitive
verbs used
reflexively
with
intransitive
meaning