Linking Verb Definition, Examples, Sentences, And List » OnlyMyEnglish

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Table of Contents

1. What are Linking Verbs?
2. How to Use Linking Verbs
3. List of Common Linking Verbs
4. Difference between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs
5. Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences

What are Linking Verbs?

Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to a complement, which can be a predicate noun, predicate pronoun, or predicate adjective. They do not show any action but rather describe a state of being or a condition of the subject. For example, in the sentence "She is happy," the linking verb "is" connects the subject "she" to the complement "happy." The subject "she" is in a state of being "happy." Some common linking verbs include "be," "appear," "seem," "become," "feel," and "sound."

How to Use Linking Verbs

To use linking verbs correctly, you need to identify the subject of the sentence and then choose the appropriate linking verb to connect it to the complement. Here are some tips on how to use linking verbs: 1. Identify the subject of the sentence. 2. Determine what the subject is doing or what state of being it is in. 3. Choose an appropriate linking verb to connect the subject to the complement. 4. Make sure the complement agrees with the subject in number (singular or plural) and case (nominative, objective, or possessive). For example, in the sentence "He seems nervous," the subject "he" is connected to the complement "nervous" by the linking verb "seems." The complement agrees with the subject in number and case.

List of Common Linking Verbs

Here is a list of common linking verbs that you can use in your sentences: - be - appear - become - feel - grow - look - prove - remain - seem - smell - sound - stay - taste - turn Remember that not all forms of these verbs are linking verbs. For example, "be" can also be an auxiliary verb in the progressive tense, as in "He is running."

Difference between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs

Linking verbs differ from action verbs in that they do not show any action but rather describe a state of being or a condition of the subject. Action verbs, on the other hand, show what the subject is doing. For example, in the sentence "She ran to the store," the action verb "ran" shows what the subject "she" is doing. In contrast, in the sentence "She is happy," the linking verb "is" describes the state of being of the subject "she."

Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences

Here are some examples of linking verbs in sentences: - The food smells delicious. - He became a doctor. - She looks tired. - The flowers remain beautiful. - They seem happy. In these sentences, the linking verbs "smells," "became," "looks," "remain," and "seem" connect the subjects to the complements.

Conclusion

Linking verbs are an important part of English grammar as they help us describe the state of being or condition of the subject. By understanding how to use linking verbs correctly, you can improve your writing and communication skills. Remember to choose the appropriate linking verb to connect the subject to the complement, and make sure the complement agrees with the subject in number and case. With practice, you can master the use of linking verbs in your writing.