Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement (a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject): A linking verb does not express an action. Instead, it expresses a state of being or a sensory condition and links the subject to additional information about it.

Usage

• Linking verbs are followed by a noun, pronoun, or adjective (the subject complement) that renames or describes the subject.
• Common linking verbs include , , , , , , , , and .
• The verb (in its forms: , , , , , , ) is the most frequently used linking verb.

Examples

• Using be:

  • She is a doctor. (The linking verb "is" connects the subject "She" to the noun complement "a doctor".)
  • They were happy. (The linking verb "were" connects the subject "They" to the adjective complement "happy".)

• Using other common linking verbs:

  • He became a teacher. (The linking verb "became" connects "He" to "a teacher".)
  • The soup tastes delicious. (The linking verb "tastes" connects "The soup" to "delicious".)
  • You seem tired. (The linking verb "seem" connects "You" to "tired".)

Advanced Usage

• Distinguishing linking verbs from action verbs: Some verbs (like feel, look, smell) can function as either linking verbs or action verbs. They are linking verbs when followed by an adjective describing the subject. They are action verbs when followed by an adverb describing the action.

  • Linking verb: The flower smells sweet. ("Sweet" describes the subject "flower".)
  • Action verb: She smells the flower carefully. ("Carefully" describes the action of smelling.)

• Linking verb with a predicate nominative: When the complement is a noun or pronoun that renames the subject.

  • This is she. (Formal structure where "she" is a pronoun complement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Copula (n): A technical, linguistic term synonymous with "linking verb".
• Subject complement (n): The word or phrase (adjective, noun, pronoun) that follows a linking verb and completes the meaning of the subject.

Synonyms

• Copulative verb: Another term for a linking verb.
• Equating verb: A verb that equates the subject with its complement.

Related Phrases / Concepts

• Predicate adjective: An adjective that functions as the subject complement after a linking verb.
  • The sky is blue. ("Blue" is a predicate adjective.)
• Predicate nominative: A noun or pronoun that functions as the subject complement after a linking verb.
  • My friend is a musician. ("Musician" is a predicate nominative.)

Noun

1. an equating verb (such as `be' or `become') that links the subject with the complement of a sentence