Linking Verbs

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Linking verbs are a crucial component of the English language, serving as connectors that link the subject of a sentence to its complement, which can be either an adjective or a noun. These verbs, often underestimated, play a vital role in constructing clear and meaningful sentences. In this article, we will look into the significance of linking verbs, how they function, and their importance in effective communication.

 

What are Linking Verbs?

Linking verbs, also known as copular verbs, are a specific type of verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a complement that provides additional information about the subject. Unlike action verbs that indicate an action performed by the subject, linking verbs describe a state of being or a relationship between the subject and the complement.

Common linking verbs in English include “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “become,” “seem,” “appear,” and “feel,” among others. These verbs act as bridges, allowing us to link the subject and the complement, resulting in a complete sentence.

 

The Function of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs serve several important functions in a sentence:

  1. Connecting Subject and Complement: Linking verbs establish a link between the subject and the complement, enabling the reader or listener to understand the relationship between the two.

    • Example: She is intelligent. (Here, “is” links the subject “She” to the complement “intelligent.”)

  2. Describing States of Being: Linking verbs are used to express states of being, feelings, or conditions.

    • Example: The cake smells delicious. (In this sentence, “smells” describes the state of the cake.)

  3. Providing Additional Information: Linking verbs allow for the addition of descriptive words (adjectives) or nouns that provide more context or details about the subject.

    • Example: The flowers are beautiful. (The linking verb “are” connects the subject “flowers” to the adjective “beautiful.”)

 

Importance of Linking Verbs in Communication

Linking verbs play a pivotal role in making sentences more expressive and meaningful. They help in:

  1. Clarity and Coherence: Linking verbs clarify the relationship between the subject and the complement, making sentences more coherent and easier to understand.

  2. Description: Linking verbs allow us to describe the attributes, characteristics, or conditions of the subject, enabling us to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

  3. Variety in Sentence Structure: By using linking verbs, writers can create a variety of sentence structures, enhancing the overall flow and style of their writing.

 

List of Examples of Linking Verbs

Here is a list of examples of linking verbs in various sentences:

  1. She is a talented musician.
  2. The cake smells delicious.
  3. They seem very happy.
  4. The book became a bestseller.
  5. The flowers look beautiful.
  6. The weather appears to be improving.
  7. Those shoes sound squeaky.
  8. The soup tastes salty.
  9. The room feels warm and cozy.
  10. The exam seemed difficult at first.
  11. The steet becomes quite noisy in the evenings.
  12. Her voice sounded melodic.
  13. The movie appears to be interesting.
  14. The children looked excited about the trip.
  15. The dog became a loyal companion.
  16. The situation feels overwhelming.
  17. The idea sounds intriguing.
  18. The water tastes refreshing.

These examples showcase how linking verbs connect the subject of the sentence to a complement, whether it's an adjective or a noun, to provide additional information or describe a state of being.