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Linking verbs connect the subject to its predicate complement from "summary" of Basic English Grammar For Dummies - UK by Geraldine Woods

Linking verbs are a special kind of verb that connect the subject of a sentence to a word or words that describe or rename the subject. These words that describe or rename the subject are known as predicate complements. The linking verb acts as a sort of bridge between the subject and the complement, linking them together in a meaningful way. Unlike action verbs, which show the action that the subject is performing, linking verbs do not show any action at all. Instead, they simply connect the subject to the complement. Examples of linking verbs include "be," "become," "seem," "appear," "feel," "look," and "taste." These verbs do not show action, but rather a state of being or a condition. When using a linking verb in a sentence, it is important to remember that the complement should describe or rename the subject in some way. For example, in the sentence "She is a teacher," the linking verb "is" connects the subject "she" to the complement "teacher," which describes what she is. In some cases, the complement can also be an adjective that describes the subject. For example, in the sentence "He seems happy," the linking verb "seems" connects the subject "he" to the complement "happy," which describes his emotional state. It is important to note that not all verbs that may seem like linking verbs actually function as linking verbs in a sentence. For example, the verb "feel" can be both a linking verb and an action verb, depending on how it is used in a sentence. In the sentence "She feels the fabric," the verb "feels" is an action verb, showing the action that she is performing. But in the sentence "She feels tired," the verb "feels" is a linking verb, connecting the subject "she" to the complement "tired."
  1. Linking verbs play a crucial role in connecting the subject of a sentence to its predicate complement, helping to clarify the relationship between the two and provide more information about the subject. By understanding how linking verbs work, you can improve your sentence structure and communicate more effectively in English.
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Basic English Grammar For Dummies - UK

Geraldine Woods

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