Identify a Linking Verb

There are three straightforward methods available to identify a linking verb.

  1. If you substitute the verb in the statement with either is or are, and the sentence maintains its meaning, then the word you are using is most likely a connecting verb. Consider the following illustration: Tony exudes a joyful air. If we change “looks” to “is,” we get the statement that Tony is pleased. Because the second statement is logical, “looks” can be interpreted as a connecting verb.
  2. Using the equals symbol (=) in place of the word is possible. If the statement does not have a strange rhythm, then the word in question is most likely a connecting verb.

Here is an illustration of that:

This song sounds amazing. In this, the song= amazing, meaning “sounds” is also a connecting word.

    3. The concluding task is determining whether the word in question represents an activity or a condition of being. If the verb describes the subject’s state of being, then the verb is most likely functioning as a connecting word.

On the other hand, if the word describes an activity, then it most likely isn’t. Consider the following illustration: Daisy’s scent is delightful. Do flowers engage in any activity? No, they simply have a pleasant odor. This indicates that the word “smell” serves as a connecting verb in this statement.

  • John Feels Tired.
  • Johns tired. (wrong)
  • Gloria seems stressed when she studies.
  • Glorias stresses when she studies. (wrong)
  • The sky looks cloudy.
  • The sky is cloudy. (wrong)

Linking Verb – Definition, List and Examples

Linking Verb: You have undoubtedly observed by now that not all of them operate in the same manner within the many different kinds of statements that can be written in English. This is because there are a variety of kinds, such as action verbs, which describe activities; auxiliary verbs, which communicate a variety of morphological meanings; modal verbs, which express a variety of modalities; and connecting verbs, which characterize the subject of the sentence.

Linking Verb

Table of Content

  • What are Linking Verbs?
  • Definition of a Linking Verb
  •  List of 30 Linking Verbs
  • How to Use Linking Verbs?
  •  Identify a Linking Verb
  • Linking Verb vs. an Action Verb
  • Examples of Linking Verbs
  • Linking verb and Helping Verb
  • Linking Verbs Exercise

Similar Reads

What are Linking Verbs?

A linking verb is used when a subject is connected to a word or sentence in the predicate, known as a subject supplement. Linking verbs, in particular, serve as the bridge that connects the subject of a sentence to its complement, providing clarity and meaning to our expressions.  By describing a condition of being related to the subject, the subject supplement provides additional information about the subject. The noun or sentence after the connecting verb (such as “unhappy” in our illustration) is referred to as the subject supplement. When a connecting verb comes after a sentence, the subject supplement that comes after it is typically an adjective (or an adjective phrase), a word (or a noun phrase), or a pronoun....

Definition of a Linking Verb

Traditional references to the English language grammar state that a linking verb is a word that characterizes the subject of a sentence by connecting it to the remainder of the sentence. In addition, they can be a single phrase or a collection of syllables instead of just one word. Unlike other verbs, this form of the word does not communicate any activity. Instead, they either designate or characterize the subject being discussed. Consider them the adhesive that binds the various parts of a statement together....

List of 30 Linking Verbs

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How to Use Linking Verbs?

Imagine a chain-link barrier as a way to comprehend the function of connecting verbs better. This image can be very helpful. Hundreds of steel wires are woven together to form a sturdy barricade that either lets something in or stops it from getting out. One of these lines by itself is not able to provide much protection for anything, but when connected to another wire, it transforms into something that is significantly more robust,In a similar vein, the use of linking verbs to “link” or connect our subjects to certain other words or adjectives that help characterize that subject makes both our subjects and the sentences as a whole more powerful....

Identify a Linking Verb

There are three straightforward methods available to identify a linking verb....

Linking Verb vs. an Action Verb

Verbs are typically referred to as “active terms.” On the other hand, connecting verbs don’t really convey any movement. They choose to characterize and connect one another in place of performing. To be more specific, this category of the word expresses a condition of being. In addition, it establishes a connection between the subject of a sentence and the subject supplements of that sentence....

Examples of Linking Verbs

The teacher is absolutely sure. My sister gets mad when she’s hungry. Dick was tired until the pre-workout kicked in. The pie tastes good. That game looks interesting. We all are really excited about the movie. Rick was the best batsman on their team. The father is upset with the boys. Siya is being extremely rude to me....

Linking verb and Helping Verb

My parents are performing at Venna’s tonight.Here, “-are” acts as a helping verb since the –ing verb follows it. The girls are happy because they’re eating altogether.Here “-are” is identified as the linking verb since a predicate adjective follows it....

Linking Verbs Exercise

Find out the linking verbs in these sentences-...

Conclusion

Linking verbs are very much essential for English grammar; these verbs not only shorten the sentences but also make them look sharper. We hope that this guide helps you in getting a better grasp on linking verbs and how you use them correctly in your sentences. So, let us embrace the magic of linking verbs and unlock the boundless potential of connection within our language. By understanding the power of these versatile words, we can elevate our communication skills and express ourselves with greater clarity....

Linking Verbs- FAQs

Q1. What is a linking verb?...