With some transitive verbs we can change the subject of a sentence without using the passive. We don't mention or even imply an agent. Verbs that allow us to change the subject to 'the thing affected by the action' without using the passive are called 'ergative' verbs. By changing the subject of the sentence in this way, the active transitive verb becomes intransitive:

The dog opened the door. (= active)
The door was opened by the dog. (= passive)
The door opened. (ergative - as if the door opened by itself)

• Here are more examples of ergative verbs:

The whistle blew.
That jumper does up at the neck.
The car crashed into a post.
The soup thickened.

Describing change

Most verbs that we can use in this way describe change of some kind:

Transitive	Non-passive intransitive
This book will change your life. The sun had dried their clothes by the time they got home. She broke her pencil because she was pressing too hard.	His life changed completely when he moved to Denmark. Their clothes had dried by the time they got home. Her pencil broke because she was pressing too hard.

• Other examples include:
begin * vary  * decrease * expand * increase * open * close * finish * fade * stretch * crack * smash

Watch out! We can't use all verbs describing change in this way. For example, destroy and demolish must stay transitive: The old building demolished. - INCORRECT They demolished the old building. The old building was demolished. - CORRECT

Describing movement

Other verbs that we can use in this way describe movement of some kind:

Transitive	Non-passive intransitive
He reversed the car into the garage. The pilot landed the plane on only one engine. He moved his chair closer to hers.	A car reversed round the corner. The plane landed on time. That new restaurant has moved.

• Other examples include:
turn * stop * fill * shake * spin * sail * tip * shift * bounce


Cooking

Another group of verbs that we can use in this way relate to cooking:

Transitive	Non-passive intransitive
Dissolve the mixture in a little water. Simmer the stock for an hour.	Stir until the sugar has dissolved. After the stock has simmered for an hour, add seasoning.

• Other examples include:
bake * boil * cook * fry * melt * toast * thicken * burn * heat up * cool down * warm * brown * freeze * thaw

She photographs very well. (= she is photogenic)
Her voice records well. (= her voice sounds good on tape)
Will this stain wash out? (= Will the stain disappear with washing?)
Your composition reads well. (= your style is very good)
Black jeans are selling well. (= many people are buying them)
This skirt creases so easily. (= the skirt becomes creased very quickly)