Language is a beautiful, intricate system, and understanding its nuances can unlock a deeper appreciation for how we communicate. One often overlooked, yet crucial, element of grammar is the linking verb. These verbs, though seemingly passive, are the connectors that build meaning and create vivid descriptions. Let’s explore what linking verbs are, how they function, and how to effectively use them in your own writing.
What is a Linking Verb?
At its core, a linking verb doesn’t show action. Instead, it links the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or renames the subject. Think of it as an equals sign (=) in a sentence. It connects the subject to additional information about that subject. The most common linking verb is the verb “to be” in all its forms: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been. However, other verbs can also function as linking verbs.
Simple Examples of Linking Verbs
Here are a few straightforward examples to illustrate the concept:
- The sky is blue. (is links “sky” to the description “blue”)
- The soup tastes delicious. (tastes links “soup” to the description “delicious”)
- She seems happy. (seems links “she” to the description “happy”)
Notice that in each example, the verb doesn’t describe something the subject does; it describes what the subject is or appears to be.
Identifying Linking Verbs
Distinguishing linking verbs from action verbs can sometimes be tricky. The key is to consider what the verb is doing in the sentence. If you can replace the verb with a form of “to be” and the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
Let’s look at an example:
Original: The dog ran quickly.
Replacement: The dog is quickly. (This doesn’t make sense.)
Now consider:
Original: The flower smells sweet.
Replacement: The flower is sweet. (This makes sense.)
Therefore, “ran” is an action verb, while “smells” is a linking verb in this context.
Common Linking Verbs
While forms of “to be” are the most common, here’s a list of other verbs that frequently function as linking verbs:
- appear
- become
- feel
- grow
- look
- remain
- seem
- smell
- sound
- taste
- turn
It’s important to remember that these verbs can also be action verbs depending on how they’re used in a sentence. Context is everything!
In-Depth Examples & Nuances
Let’s explore more complex examples to solidify understanding.
- The athlete became a champion. In this sentence, “became” isn’t showing an action the athlete performed; it’s stating a change in the athlete’s status. “Champion” renames the athlete.
- The music sounds beautiful. “Sounds” doesn’t describe the music doing anything. It describes what the music is like to the listener.
- The bread tastes burnt. Similarly, “tastes” doesn’t tell us what the bread is doing; it describes the flavor of the bread.
- She appears tired. “Appears” links “she” to the description “tired,” indicating a state of being.
- The weather remained cold throughout the winter. “Remained” shows a state of continuing to be cold, rather than an action.
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs: A Closer Look
Consider these paired sentences:
Action Verb: He is running a marathon.
Linking Verb: He is exhausted.
In the first sentence, “is running” shows an action – the act of running. In the second, “is” simply links “he” to the adjective “exhausted”, describing his state of being.
Another example:
Action Verb: She smelled the roses. (She performed the action of smelling.)
Linking Verb: The roses smelled fragrant. (Describes the roses’ scent – a state of being.)
The Role of Subject Complements
Linking verbs are almost always followed by an subject complement. A subject complement is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject. There are two types of subject complements:
- Predicate Adjectives: These are adjectives that describe the subject.
Example: The cat is fluffy. (“fluffy” describes the cat) - Predicate Nominatives: These are nouns or pronouns that rename the subject.
Example: My brother is a doctor. (“doctor” renames the subject)
Why are Linking Verbs Important?
Linking verbs are more than just grammar trivia. They give writers a way to express facts and conditions that exist in the world, and they help us see that language can be both descriptive and precise. By using linking verbs, writers can convey complex ideas in a concise way, making the text easier to understand. They allow you to move beyond simply stating what something does to exploring what something is.
Linking verbs also help us emphasize relationships between subjects and objects. When a sentence is framed with a linking verb, it invites the reader to focus on the qualities or identities that define the subject, rather than on actions that might distract from those qualities.
For instance, compare:
The house stood on the hill.
The house seemed lonely on the hill.
The second sentence uses the linking verb “seemed” to highlight an emotional state, creating a richer description than a simple action verb could provide. The second sentence, using the linking verb “seemed”, evokes a stronger emotional response and provides a more vivid image.
Conclusion
Linking verbs are powerful tools that enhance the clarity and depth of our language. They allow us to convey essential details about people, places, and objects without relying on action verbs. They provide a bridge between a subject and the information that completes it. By understanding how linking verbs function, writers can enrich their prose, creating sentences that are more descriptive, precise, and engaging. Linking verbs are a subtle yet essential element that elevates writing from functional to truly captivating.