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Verbs that take a direct object are transitive verbs. I used to think that
"display" was strictly transitive, but it's now acceptable (according to some
dictionaries) to use it without an object (for example, "The paragraph
designer window displays").
I can't speak for "populate," but I can say that I've never heard it used, in
reference to database management, without an object.
Bill Burns *
Assm. Technical Writer/Editor * LIBERTY, n. One of imagination's most
Micron Technology, Inc. * precious possessions.
Boise, ID *
WBURNS -at- VAX -dot- MICRON -dot- COM * Ambrose Bierce
