Transitive vs. intransivite verbs

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #12 [color=blue]“No good”, question 6

I honestly don’t know how you do it because personally I couldn’t cope.

(a) would be unable to manage
(b) would be unable to stay
(c) would be unable to hold
(d) would be unable to handle

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #12 [color=blue]“No good”, answer 6

I honestly don’t know how you do it because personally I would be unable to manage.

Correct answer: (a) would be unable to manage

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
I honestly don’t know how you do it because personally I would be unable to handle.
[size=200]_________________________[/size]

Why is (d) incorrect? Is it because handle is a vt.?
Thanks again.

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2

Hi Haihao

Yes, that’s right. The verb handle is almost always a transitive verb.

There is one way (with one specific meaning) to use handle as an intransitive verb, but that meaning doesn’t fit the context of the sentence here.

m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary

Amy

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