Linking verbs are essential components of English grammar, connecting the subject of a sentence to more information about it. Unlike action verbs that describe what the subject does, linking verbs describe what the subject is or is like. They don’t express an action; instead, they establish a relationship or state of being. Let’s delve into the world of linking verbs and explore their function, usage, and identification.
Defining Linking Verbs
A linking verb connects the subject to a noun or adjective that describes or identifies the subject. In essence, it “links” the subject to additional information about it. Think of them as bridges, connecting the subject to a description or redefinition.
- She is a doctor.
- The soup tastes delicious.
- He seems happy.
In these examples, the verbs is, tastes, and seems do not describe actions. Instead, they connect the subjects (she, soup, he) to words that describe them (doctor, delicious, happy).
The Role of Subject Complements
Linking verbs are always followed by a subject complement, which is a word or phrase that renames or describes the subject. There are two main types of subject complements:
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Predicate Nominative (or Predicate Noun): A noun or noun phrase that renames the subject.
- My favorite sport is basketball.
- The president is a leader.
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Predicate Adjective: An adjective or adjective phrase that describes the subject.
- The sky is blue.
- The music sounds relaxing.
In both cases, the subject complement provides essential information about the subject, completing the meaning of the sentence.
Common Linking Verbs
While the most common linking verb is “to be” in its various forms (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been), other verbs can also act as linking verbs. Here’s a breakdown of common linking verbs:
- Forms of “to be”: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
- Verbs of Sensation: look, smell, taste, sound, feel (when describing a quality)
- Verbs of Becoming: become, seem, appear, grow, turn, prove, remain, stay
It’s important to note that some verbs can be both linking verbs and action verbs, depending on how they are used in a sentence.
Distinguishing Linking Verbs from Action Verbs
The key to identifying a linking verb is to determine whether the verb describes an action or a state of being. If you can replace the verb with a form of “to be” and the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
Linking Verb:
- The flower smells sweet. (The flower is sweet.)
- He looks tired. (He is tired.)
Action Verb:
- He smells the flower. (He is the flower – doesn’t make sense)
- She looked for her keys. (She is for her keys – doesn’t make sense)
In the first set of examples, the verbs smells and looks link the subject to a description. In the second set, they describe an action.
Tricky Cases: Verbs with Dual Roles
Some verbs, particularly those related to the senses (look, smell, taste, sound, feel), can be tricky because they can function as both linking verbs and action verbs.
- Linking Verb: The cake tastes delicious. (Describing the cake)
- Action Verb: He tasted the cake. (Describing the action of tasting)
To differentiate, consider whether the verb describes the subject or the action performed by the subject. If the verb describes the subject, it’s a linking verb. If it describes an action, it’s an action verb.
Mastering Linking Verbs for Effective Communication
Understanding linking verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. By correctly identifying and using linking verbs, you can effectively describe subjects, express states of being, and create more vivid and descriptive writing. Pay attention to the role of the verb within the sentence and how it connects the subject to additional information. With practice, you’ll become more confident in your ability to identify and use linking verbs, enhancing your overall communication skills.
