What is the function of a transitive verb? to direct action toward the sentence’s subject to define or rename the verb’s object to direct action toward the verb’s object

  To direct action toward the verb´s object.

Explanation:

  A transitive verb is one that only makes sense if it exerts its action on an object. Without an object to affect the sentence with the transitive verb will seem incomplete.

  They contrast with intransitive verbs that do not require an object to be understood.

  I hope this answer helps you.

the sentence does not violate the phrase structure second rule (introduced by noam chomsky) because noun phrases consist of a determiner such as a, the or every, and a noun. in the sentence, the noun phrase the cake includes a determiner (the) and a noun (cake).

on the other hand, the first rule indicates that a sentence encloses a noun phrase, followed by a verb phrase. the example sentence can be analysed as follows:

john (n) + ate (v) + the (det) + cake (n).

answer: false i agree with milkshakegrande101.