Linking-Verb

Linking Verbs

A linking verb is used to re-identify or to describe its subject. A linking verb is called a linking verb because it links the subject to a subject complement. Subject + linking verb + adjective

The word, phrase, or clause that follows a linking verb to re-identify or describe the subject is called the subject complement. In these next four examples, everything after the linking verb is the subject complement. Also note that a subject complement functions as either an adjective or a noun.

Example - He seems drunk. (Linking verb will add ‘S’) In the ordinary sentence is “ He is drunk” the subject complement describes. It is an adjective. - The soup tastes too garlicky to eat. the subject complement describes. It is an adjective phrase. - His proposal is madness. the subject complement re-identifies. It is a noun.

Linking verbs do not express actions. The verbs to be, to become, and to seem are always linking verbs. However, some verbs can be linking verbs or non-linking verbs depending on the context.

Example - Tony always smells like the soup. Smells is a linking verb. It describes Tony, the subject. - Tony always smells the soup. Smells is not a linking verb. Remember that a linking verb does not express an action. - He felt sick when he felt the heat. the first felt is a linking verb, but the second felt isn't.

Exercise 1.The pizza smelled wonderful. A: as B: smelled C: walked D: past 2.This math test will be the hardest yet. A: test B: this C: will be D: yet

Exercise 3.I thought the movie was very good. A: thought B: movie C: was D: very 4.Homework seemed hard after we have finished. A: seemed B: hard C: have D: finished. 5.My bedroom is a mess; I need to clean it up. A: to B: need C: mess D: is

The end