Linking Verbs

Definition

Linking verbs are a type of verb that connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject. They serve as a bridge between the subject and additional information, helping to convey meaning without expressing action. Common linking verbs include 'is,' 'are,' 'was,' 'were,' 'seem,' and 'become.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Linking verbs do not show action; instead, they connect the subject with more information.
2. The most common linking verb is 'to be' in its various forms (is, are, was, were).
3. 'Seem,' 'become,' and 'appear' are also examples of linking verbs that convey states of being.
4. Linking verbs can sometimes be confused with action verbs, so context is important for understanding their function.
5. In sentences like 'She is a doctor,' 'is' links the subject 'She' to the complement 'a doctor,' providing more information about her identity.

Review Questions

• How do linking verbs differ from action verbs in terms of their function within a sentence?
  • Linking verbs differ from action verbs primarily in that they do not express physical or mental actions but instead serve to connect the subject to additional information about itself. While action verbs indicate something that the subject does, linking verbs simply link the subject to its complement, which may describe or identify it. Understanding this distinction is crucial when analyzing sentence structure and meaning.
• Discuss the role of subject complements in relation to linking verbs and provide examples.
  • Subject complements play a vital role in sentences with linking verbs by providing essential information that completes the idea expressed by the subject. For instance, in the sentence 'The sky is blue,' 'blue' serves as an adjective complement linked by the verb 'is' to describe the subject 'The sky.' Similarly, in 'He became a lawyer,' 'a lawyer' is a noun complement that identifies 'He.' These complements enrich our understanding of the subject's state or identity.
• Evaluate how recognizing linking verbs can enhance your understanding of sentence structure and meaning.
  • Recognizing linking verbs can significantly enhance comprehension of sentence structure and meaning because they help clarify how subjects relate to their complements. By identifying these verbs, one can better understand how information is organized within a sentence and how it contributes to overall meaning. This understanding allows for deeper analysis of written texts, helping readers and writers convey clear ideas effectively. Moreover, this skill aids in differentiating between sentences that convey action versus those that provide descriptive or identifying information.

Related terms

Subject Complement:

A word or group of words that follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject, often functioning as a noun or adjective.

Action Verbs:

Verbs that express physical or mental actions performed by the subject, as opposed to linking verbs that do not indicate action.

Predicate: The part of a sentence that tells what the subject does or is; it includes the verb and any objects or complements related to the verb.