Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[shuhuang]

Hi, teachers

I came across the following sentence in a grammar book: He recovered his health. I checked my dictionaries and the word "recover" is listed as an intransitive verb when used to refer to someone restoring their health. So I assume the above-mentioned sentence is not acceptable. Am I right?

Thanks a lot.

[pugachevV]

One of the primary meanings of recover is to return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.
You need not say he recovered his health.
"He recovered" suffices, and in this case the verb is intransitive.
However, in everyday usage you will hear the tautology quite often.

[shuhuang]

Your explanation really helps. Thanks a lot.