To be more specific, direct objects follow transitive verbs. Sounds "jargony," right? In truth, a transitive verb is simply an action verb. So, why not call them action verbs? Action verbs can be followed by a number of different phrases. Transitive verbs, however, can only be followed by direct objects, as they need to act upon something or someone. They're a match made in heaven and they don't like to part.