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Linking Verb
Phonetics:
lɪŋkɪŋ vɜːb
Pronunciation:
The Power of Linking Verbs: Understanding their Role in English Grammar
Comprehensive Definition, Description, Examples & Rules
Linking verb definitions and examples can go a long way in strengthening your English language skills. You can achieve a high score on your English language proficiency test or express yourself confidently with the help of linking verbs. Get on board with Edulyte to upgrade your English language competence.
Introduction to Linking Verbs: What are linking verbs?
A linking verb is a specific verb that connects a sentence’s subject with a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes it. It shows no action but a state of being or a condition.
Linking verb examples can include “be,” such as “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” and “were,” as well as verbs like “become,” “seem,” “appear,” “feel,” “remain,” “look,” and “sound.”
Role of Linking Verbs in Sentences
The linking verb definition indicates that it connects the subject of a sentence with a complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective. By doing so, a linking verb helps to provide additional information or clarify the subject’s state of being or condition.
When a linking verb is used, the complement that follows it either renames the subject (nominative complement) or describes it (descriptive complement). Nominative complements identify or rename the subject, whereas descriptive complements provide information about the subject’s state or characteristics. For example:
Nominative Complement:
- She is a doctor. (The complement “doctor” renames or identifies the subject “she.”)
Descriptive Complement:
- The flowers smell fragrant. (The complement “fragrant” describes the state of the flowers.)
Linking verbs also help construct sentences in passive voice, where the subject is acted upon rather than acting. In passive voice sentences, the linking verb “be” is combined with the past participle of an action verb.
For example:
- The cake was baked by my sister. (The linking verb “was” connects the subject “cake” with the past participle “baked.”)
Common Linking Verbs: Exclusive List of Common Linking Verbs and How to Use Them in Sentences.
Several common linking verbs are used in sentences. The linking verb list includes:
“Be” (is, am, are, was, were, etc.):
- She is a talented singer.
- They were happy with the results.
“Become”:
- The caterpillar becomes a butterfly.
- With practice, you will become a skilled writer.
“Seem”:
- The movie seems interesting.
- He seems tired after the long journey.
“Appear”:
- The sun appears bright in the sky.
- The magician made the rabbit appear out of thin air.
“Feel”:
- I feel tired after a long day at work.
- The fabric feels soft and smooth.
“Look”:
- The painting looks beautiful on the wall.
- They look like a happy couple.
“Sound”:
- The music sounds melodious.
- Her voice sounds familiar.
Examples of Sentences Using Linking Verbs
Nominative Complement:
- She is an architect.
- The dog was a loyal companion.
Descriptive Complement:
- The soup smells delicious.
- The room feels cozy and warm.
Passive Voice:
- The car was repaired by the mechanic.
- The bookshelf is made of wood.
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs: Understand Their Difference Easily With Examples
Understanding the difference between linking verbs and action verbs is essential for proper sentence construction and conveying accurate meaning.
Linking Verbs
- Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a complement that renames or describes it.
- They express a state of being or a condition rather than physical or mental actions.
- Example:
She is a teacher. (Linking verb: “is”; complement: “teacher”)
Action Verbs
- Action verbs depict physical or mental actions performed by the subject.
- They show what the subject is doing or the action it is taking.
- Example:
She teaches English. (Action verb: “teaches”; what she does)
Functions of Linking Verbs: Subject-Complement Relationship
Linking verbs serve essential functions in sentences, particularly in establishing the relationship between the subject and its complement.
Subject-Complement Relationship
- Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with its complement.
- They establish a relationship of equivalence or identity between the subject and the complement.
- Examples:
She is a doctor. (Subject: She; Linking verb: is; Complement: doctor)
Types of Complements
- Predicate Nominative:
- A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that renames or identifies the subject.
- It follows the linking verb and agrees with the subject.
- Examples:
They are students. (Predicate nominative: students)
- Predicate Adjective:
- A predicate adjective is an adjective that describes or modifies the subject.
- It follows the linking verb and provides additional information about the subject.
- Examples:
She looks happy. (Predicate adjective: happy)
Examples of Linking Verbs in Different Tenses
Linking verbs can be used in various tenses to convey different time references.
Linking Verbs in Present Tense:
“Be” (is, am, are) is present-tense sentences’ most common linking verb.
Examples:
- They are happy.
- The cake smells delicious.
Linking Verbs in Past Tense:
Linking verbs in past tense typically use the past tense forms of “be” (was, were) or other linking verbs like “seem” or “appear.”
Examples:
- He was a teacher.
- They appeared tired.
Linking Verbs in Future Tense:
In future tense, linking verbs can be combined with auxiliary verbs like “will” or “shall.”
Examples:
- They shall become successful.
- The event will seem exciting.
Using Linking Verbs in Questions and Negations: Harness their power to improve your communication.
Linking verbs play a crucial role in forming questions and negations in sentences.
Forming Questions with Linking Verbs:
Using a linking verb, the verb is placed before the subject when creating a question.
Examples:
- Is she a doctor?
- Are the flowers blooming?
Creating Negative Sentences with Linking Verbs:
To make a negative sentence with a linking verb, the word “not” is added after the linking verb.
Examples:
- She is not a dancer.
- They were not satisfied.
Linking Verbs in Different Sentence Structures: Get Familiar With their Role in Each of them
Linking verbs can be used in various sentence structures, including simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Linking Verbs in Simple Sentences:
In simple sentences, a linking verb connects the subject to a complement.
The complement can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject.
Examples:
- She is a teacher.
- The flowers smell fragrant.
Linking Verbs in Compound Sentences:
In compound sentences, linking verbs can be used independently in each clause or connect two subjects to a single complement.
Examples:
- She is a teacher, and he is a doctor. (Linking verb used independently in each clause)
- The cat and the dog are best friends. (Linking verb connecting two subjects to a single compliment)
Linking Verbs in Complex Sentences:
In complex sentences, linking verbs can be part of a dependent clause or connect the main clause with a subordinate clause.
Examples:
- Although he seemed tired, he continued working. (Linking verb in a dependent clause)
- The book that I read is interesting. (Linking verb connecting the main clause with a subordinate clause)
Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs: Find Out How to Avoid Them!
Using linking verbs correctly is essential for precise and accurate communication. Some common mistakes to avoid when using linking verbs and provide tips for using them correctly:
Mistake: Confusing linking verbs with action verbs
- Some verbs can function as linking and action verbs, leading to confusion.
- Tip: Understand the context and the role of the verb in the sentence. Determine if it expresses a state of being or an action.
Mistake: Overusing “to be” as a linking verb
- Reliance on “to be” (is, am, are, was, were) as the primary linking verb can result in repetitive and monotonous writing.
- Tip: Explore other linking verbs such as “seem,” “appear,” “become,” or specific verbs that describe the state or condition you want to convey.
Mistake: Incorrect subject-verb agreement
- Failing to ensure that the linking verb agrees with the subject regarding number and person.
- Tip: Ensure that the form of the linking verb matches the subject (e.g., “She is” vs. “They are”).
Mistake: Misplacing the complement
- Incorrectly positioning the complement in the sentence leads to confusion or ambiguity.
- Tip: Place the complement directly after the linking verb to establish the subject-complement relationship.
Mistake: Neglecting the use of linking verbs in questions and negations
- Forgetting to include linking verbs when forming questions or negative sentences.
- Tip: Remember to use the appropriate linking verb before the subject and use “not” to create negations.
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Key Takeaways
- Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a complement that either renames or describes the subject.
- Common examples of linking verbs include “be” (is, am, are, was, were), “become,” “seem,” “appear,” “feel,” and “look.”
- Linking verbs are crucial in establishing the subject-complement relationship, providing information about the subject’s characteristics or state.
- Linking verbs can be used in various tenses, questions, negations, and sentence structures.
- Some linking verbs have irregularities or exceptions, such as “become,” sensory verbs (taste, smell, sound, feel), and the verb “get” in specific contexts.
Quiz
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Frequently Asked Questions
Linking Verbs:
- Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a complement that either renames or describes the subject.
- Examples of linking verbs include “be” (is, am, are, was, were), “become,” “seem,” “appear,” “feel,” and “look.”
Action Verbs:
- Action verbs depict physical or mental actions performed by the subject.
- Examples of action verbs include “run,” “eat,” “write,” “think,” “dance,” and “play.”
Identifying a linking verb in a sentence can be done by following these steps:
- Look for a verb that connects the subject to a complement
- Determine if the verb expresses a state of being, condition, or identity
- Check if the verb can be replaced with a form of “be” (is, am, are, was, were)
- Pay attention to verbs such as “seem,” “appear,” “become,” “feel,” and “look”:
No, not all forms of “to be” are linking verbs. While “to be” (is, am, am, was, were) are commonly used as linking verbs, they can also function as auxiliary verbs in verb phrases or as helping verbs in various verb tenses.
Yes, linking verbs can be used in questions and negative sentences.
In questions, linking verbs connect the subject to the complement, just like affirmative statements. For example:
- Is she a doctor?
- Were they happy?
In negative sentences, linking verbs can indicate the absence or negation of a state or condition. “Not” is typically added after the linking verb to create the negative form. For example:
- She is not a dancer.
- They were not satisfied.
While many languages have linking verbs, it is essential to note that not all languages have the same grammatical structures or categories as English. The concept of linking verbs as a distinct category may not be present or expressed in the same way in all languages.
Some types of linking verbs can act as action verbs.
