To Be or Not To Be: A Look at Other Linking Verbs

ONE linking verb-also called copulate—is a verb that connects a subject to a predicate that usually assigns a quality to that subject. Linking verbs are often distinguished from action verbs, which denote an action performed by the subject (Bob) eat forSarah SleepTony welcome Mary).

The part of the predicate where the subject is connected with the linking verb is called . additional. In most cases, the complement can be a noun (My brother is a ) architect), an adjective (My brother is uncomfortable), or sometimes a pronoun (Some people are global blood donors; my brother is one).

copulas verb linking how to use

“My brother is an annoying, charitable architect.”

By far the most common linking verb is To be, as illustrated in the examples above. But there are other verbs that also act as linking verbs in that they connect to a subject with an object that assigns an attribute to the subject, rather than indicating what the subject does.

Some linking verbs are transitive (or lack transitive) verbs, such as become, develop, turn or maintain:

Sky became dark.

Children grow up silent.

His hair turn grey.

Stock market still steady.

There are also linking verbs that connote an impression, such as prove, appearAnd look:

Mission prove difficult.

Driver appeared lost.

My mother sound distraction.

And there are linking verbs that are tied to the five senses:

stove feel hot.

Soup smelly delicious.

Drinks taste bitterness.

Engine resounded smooth.

cat look hungry.

Many of these verbs have alternate meanings suggesting an action: I turn handle, I feel heater. Also, some verbs don’t jump out like explicit linking verbs. For example, a word like Gohas many meanings as an action verb, functions as a linking verb of a transitive meaning in a phrase such as “the crowd”. Go wild,” since wild describe the state of the crowd.

See more:  Arrant or Errant?

A clue to the function of Go this is in fact an adjective following it rather than an adverb, as it might if Go is active in the intransitive sense of “continue” (“the crowd rushes to the exit”).

Speaking of exits, though, we’ll do it now before anyone here gets tired.

Categories: Usage Notes
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn

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