key term - Linking verb

Definition

A linking verb is a type of verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be a predicate nominative or a predicate adjective. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not express action; instead, they serve to link the subject with more information about it, helping to describe or identify the subject more clearly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common examples of linking verbs include 'be,' 'seem,' 'become,' 'appear,' and 'feel.'
2. Linking verbs can often be identified by substituting them with an equal sign, as they do not convey an action but rather indicate a state of being.
3. The function of linking verbs is essential in sentences that provide descriptions or identify subjects, allowing for clearer communication.
4. In Latin, linking verbs are often represented by forms of 'esse,' which conveys existence or identity.
5. Understanding how to use linking verbs correctly helps improve sentence structure and enhances clarity in writing.

Review Questions

• How does a linking verb function differently than an action verb in a sentence?
  • A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence with additional information about that subject, such as a predicate nominative or predicate adjective, without expressing any action. In contrast, an action verb indicates something that the subject is doing. For example, in the sentence 'The sky is blue,' 'is' serves as a linking verb connecting 'sky' to 'blue,' while in 'The cat runs,' 'runs' is an action verb that describes what the cat is doing.
• Provide examples of sentences using linking verbs and identify the subject complements.
  • In the sentence 'She is a teacher,' 'is' acts as the linking verb connecting the subject 'She' with the predicate nominative 'teacher.' Another example is 'The soup tastes delicious,' where 'tastes' links 'soup' to the predicate adjective 'delicious.' Both sentences illustrate how linking verbs connect subjects to complements that provide more information about them.
• Evaluate the role of linking verbs in enhancing clarity and understanding in writing.
  • Linking verbs play a crucial role in enhancing clarity and understanding by connecting subjects to descriptors or identifiers, allowing readers to easily grasp the intended meaning. By using linking verbs effectively, writers can construct sentences that clearly articulate relationships between subjects and their attributes or roles. This clarity is especially important in complex sentences where precise identification and description are necessary for effective communication.

Related terms

predicate nominative:

A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject.

predicate adjective:

An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject.

subject complement: A word or phrase that follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject, which can be either a predicate nominative or a predicate adjective.