| File info: Linking verbs, also known as copular verbs or copulae, are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence with a complement or a subject complement. They do not show action but rather describe a state of being or a relationship between the subject and the complement. Here's a description of linking verbs:
1. State of being: Linking verbs are commonly used to express a state of being or existence. They indicate what the subject is or how it is described. Examples include:
- "She is a doctor." (The linking verb "is" connects the subject "she" with the complement "a doctor.")
- "They were tired." (The linking verb "were" connects the subject "they" with the complement "tired.")
1. Descriptive qualities: Linking verbs can describe or identify qualities or characteristics of the subject. They link the subject with an adjective or a noun as a subject complement. Examples include:
- "The cake smells delicious." (The linking verb "smells" connects the subject "cake" with the adjective complement "delicious.")
- "He became a successful entrepreneur." (The linking verb "became" connects the subject "he" with the noun complement "a successful entrepreneur.")
1. Sensory experiences: Linking verbs can express sensory experiences or perceptions. They link the subject with a noun or an adjective that describes the sensory experience. Examples include:
- "The flowers look beautiful." (The linking verb "look" connects the subject "flowers" with the adjective complement "beautiful.")
- "The soup tastes salty." (The linking verb "tastes" connects the subject "soup" with the adjective complement "salty.")
1. Linking verbs can also connect the subject with other types of complements, such as prepositional phrases, adverbial phrases, or clauses. Examples include:
- "She felt a sudden pang of regret." (The linking verb "felt" connects the subject "she" with the noun complement "a sudden pang of regret.")
- "The team remained in first place." (The linking verb "remained" connects the subject "team" with the prepositional phrase complement "in first place.")
Linking verbs play a crucial role in sentence structure, connecting the subject with a complement that provides additional information or describes the subject's state or quality. They help convey information about identity, characteristics, conditions, or sensory experiences without indicating any action. Some common examples of linking verbs include "be," "appear," "seem," "become," "feel," "look," and "sound." |
