How to Identify Linking Verbs in English Grammar: Easy Tips
Learn how to tell if a word is a linking verb by replacing it with 'to be' verbs. Understand common linking verbs like seem, become, and appear.
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Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement that gives more information about the subject. To identify a linking verb, see if the verb can be replaced by a form of 'to be' (am, is, are, was, were). Common linking verbs include 'seem,' 'become,' and 'appear.' If replacing the verb with a form of 'to be' still makes sense, it is a linking verb. For example, 'He seems tired' can become 'He is tired.'
FAQs & Answers
- What is a linking verb? A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, often describing a state or condition.
- How can I tell if a verb is a linking verb? You can test if a verb is linking by replacing it with a form of 'to be' such as 'is' or 'are.' If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is likely a linking verb.
- What are some common linking verbs? Common linking verbs include 'seem,' 'become,' 'appear,' and all forms of 'to be' such as 'am,' 'is,' 'are,' 'was,' and 'were.'
- Can action verbs be linking verbs? No, action verbs describe physical or mental actions, while linking verbs connect the subject to a subject complement and do not express action.