Linking Verbs

also known as copular verbs, are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement, which describes or identifies the subject.

Unlike action verbs, which express actions performed by the subject, linking verbs serve to link or equate the subject with additional information.

Common linking verbs in English include:

"be" verbs



as well as other verbs such as:



Here's how linking verbs function in a sentence:



The subject complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that follows the linking verb and provides more information about the subject.

It completes the meaning of the sentence by describing or identifying the subject.

Example with an adjective complement:
She is happy.

The linking verb is connects the subject she with the adjective complement happy describing her state of being.

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Example with a noun complement:
He is a doctor.

The linking verb is connects the subject he with the noun complement doctor identifying his profession.

Linking verbs do not show action but rather express a state of being or a relationship between the subject and the complement.

Example:

The flowers smell lovely.

The linking verb smell connects the subject flowers with the adjective complement lovely describing their scent.

Linking verbs often express characteristics
conditions
or states that remain relatively constant.

Example:

She seems tired.

The linking verb seems connects the subject she with the adjective complement tired describing her current condition.

The various forms of "be" am · is · are · was · were · be · being · been" are the most common linking verbs in English.

They link the subject to a complement that describes or identifies it.

Example with "am":
I am a teacher.

The linking verb am connects the subject I with the noun complement teacher identifying my profession.

In summary, linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement, which provides more information about the subject. They do not express action but rather describe states of being, conditions, or relationships. Understanding linking verbs helps in constructing sentences that accurately convey information about the subject.