unexpressed, covert Direct Objects

Transitive verbs can sometimes occur without an overt direct object, although there is almost always an unexpressed, covert direct object, one that is somehow understood.

eg. He ate./ The children are reading./ Martha is studying.

The verbs bake, hunt, and iron can all occur with unexpressed but commonly understood direct objects. When someone hunts something other than wild game, a direct object is required and for typically follows the verb--Wayne is hunting versus Wayne is hunting for his shoes.

When drink occurs without a direct object, it usually implies the consumption of alcohol.-Tina drinks.