Linking verbs are an important part of English sentences that connect the subject to additional information. They describe a state of being instead of an action, making them crucial for providing clarity and depth in our communication. So, without further ado, here are linking verbs, what they are, and how they work.
What is a Linking Verb?
Linking verbs serve as a bridge between the subject and its complement, and they generally come in the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject. Linking verbs connect the subject of the verb to additional information about the subject. Action verbs show specific actions, whereas linking verbs show a state of being.
Take “to be” for example (the different forms are: am, is, are, was, were). In the following sentence: She is a teacher, the verb “is” connects the subject “She” with the complement “a teacher“.
Common Linking Verbs
In addition to the verb “to be,” several other verbs can function as linking verbs, including:
- Become: “He became tired.” (showing a change in state)
- Seem: “The cake seems delicious.” (suggesting perception)
- Feel: “She feels happy.” (indicating an emotional state)
Why Are Linking Verbs Important?
Linking verbs play an important role here as they provide a context to the subject. They help convey qualities, conditions, and identities, enriching the meaning of sentences. For example, in “The flowers smell beautiful,” the verb “smell” connects the subject “flowers” with the adjective “beautiful,” enhancing our understanding of their quality.
Identifying Linking Verbs
To identify a linking verb, look for one that connects the subject to more information without indicating an action. Here are a few examples:
- “They are friends.” (The verb “are” links the subject to the complement.)
- “The soup tastes amazing.” (The verb “tastes” connects the subject to the description.)
Real-Life Examples of Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are commonly used in everyday conversations:
- In Education: “The lesson was informative.” (The verb “was” links the subject to a description.)
- In Relationships: “He seems upset.” (The verb “seems” connects the subject to the emotion.)
- In Descriptions: “The sunset is beautiful.” (The verb “is” links the subject to an adjective.)
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
Understanding the difference between linking and action verbs is essential. Action verbs express specific actions while linking verbs connect subjects to descriptions or identities. For example in “She runs fast,” the verb“runs” is an action verb, while in “She is fast,” the verb“is” serves as a linking verb.
Understanding linking verbs improves our ability to connect the subject with descriptive information, enhancing clarity and depth in communication by accurately describing states or qualities.
