Used Transitively, Avail Is a Reflexive Verb

Used Transitively, Avail Is a Reflexive Verb Used Transitively, Avail Is a Reflexive Verb Used Transitively, Avail Is a Reflexive Verb By Maeve Maddox I noticed the following sentence in a travel blog. It refers to the availability of rental lockers in French railway stations: [Travelers] can therefore once again avail of these services particularly in main train stations in France. In this sentence, avail requires an object: avail themselves of these services. Avail can be used intransitively (without an object). Here are some examples of the intransitive use of avail from Websters Unabridged: Heroism could not avail against the enemy fire. The wall could not avail to protect the town against cannon. No comparison would avail; he was one of a kind. When used transitively, the object of avail is usually the reflexive form of the subject: I availed myself of the library facilities. He availed himself of the free lunch. They availed themselves of the coupon. We availed ourselves of the use of the neighbors lawnmower. Here are some quotations from newspapers: (It seems George over-cheered at their gathering two years ago when the New York Giants won the big game, then availed himself of the toilet in their master bedroom.)Newman shows up near the end, toting a box (www.usatoday.com) the ability to live and work throughout the EU in exchange for a cash investment. We know that among those who have availed themselves of this right are billionaire Russian oligarchs and Ukrainians accused of corruption. For the financial (www.theguardian.com) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Cost-Effective vs. Cost-Efficient16 Misquoted QuotationsNominalized Verbs