To link subject to subject complements, to describe state or identity of subject, to describe state or condition, we use linking verbs in English grammar. Linking verbs do not work with main action verbs like primary helping verbs. These verbs only describe what the subject is about. They do not describe what the subject does. The later part belong to helping verbs that I just explained in previous article. In this article, I’m going to explain “Correct use of linking verbs” in English grammar.
Understanding types of verbs: linking, helping, and action verbs
In tthe process of understanding role and usages of linking verbs in English grammar, let’s take a short look at the various verbs form used in English grammar form more clarity. For this purpose, I’m going to give short summary of action verbs, helping verbs and at the last will describe linking verbs in detailed way.
1. Action or main verb: describe what the subject does
Action verbs Vs stative verbs
The role of action verbs or main verbs in english grammar describe action performed by subject in the form of things or persons. Action verbs or main verbs are used to describe physical or mental actions performed by subject or doer. There are two types of action verbs or main verbs: action verbs and stative verbs.
Stative verbs describe state, condition, or static situations; while action verbs explain actions and progressive activities. In short, mental activities are described by stative verbs; on the other hand, physical activities are expressed through action verbs.
Examples of Basic Action or main Verbs
Only material processes, including doing, happening, causing, and transferring take action verbs.
1 Close
2 Open
3 Dance
4 Clean
5 Cook
6 Walk
7 Drop
8 Rain
9 Pull
Examples of stative verbs
We can also call Stative verbs of senses, emotions, and possessions. Surely, for all mental processes, including perception, desiration, affection, and cognition, use stative verbs.
1.Enjoy
2 Think
3 Imagine
4 Feel
5 Mediate
6 Understand
7 Want
8 Desire
9 Aspire
2.Helping verbs : help the main verb to express tense, mood, voice
There are two types of helping verbs: primary helping and secondary helping verbs. Primary helping verbs including to be, to have, and to do, are used to form verb tense like present, past and future.
They are also used to form passive voice of above verb forms. Besides, primary helping verbs form interrogative as well as negative sentences.
Examples of forming verb tense by primary helping verbs
- Today, Rohan is painting his house.
- Now, I’m am washing my bicycle.
- All the day, they are planting mango plants.
- In summer, hot wind was blowing through groves.
Useful Examples to form interrogative and negative sentences by primary helping verbs
- Does he exercise regularly?
- Did she qualify for semifinal?
- I do not understand stock market.
- Tiger does not run too long.
Examples to form passive voice by primary helping verbs
- The food is cooked by master chef.
- My bike is being serviced by service center.
- The road was constructed by government itself.
- Tiger has been trapped by forest guard
Modal auxiliary verbs or secondary helping verbs
And, Modal auxiliary verbs like can, could, may, might, shall, should, might, will, would, are secondary helping verbs used to describe different moods including indicative, subjective, conditional, imperative, and interrogative. In next article, I will explain in detail the modalities and speech acts.
- I can go by bus. (Ability)
- Shall I inquire for you? (Making offer)
- You should be punctual. (Duty and advice)
- They may reach on time. (Possibility)
- He cannot be late. (Possibility)
- You have to follow the instructions here. (Necessity)
3.Linking verbs in English grammar: what the subject is
Linking verbs in English grammar have different role to play. They neither describe mood nor form verb tense or help main action verbs. They describe subject with complement, express state or conditions, and describe sensory as well as verbs of change etc.
1.Examples of true linking verbs or verbs of being like:am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been.
These linking verbs used to describe subject by the help of subject complement. Subject Complement: Subject complements are words or phrases that follow a linking verb and provide additional information about the subject. They can be either adjectives or nouns.
‘He is a talented actor,’ ‘talented actor’ is the subject complement that describes the subject ‘he.’
- Horse is a sturdy animal.
- Tiger is very powerful animal.
- The dog is in the garden.
- They are in front of my house.
- The elephant was weak and feeble.
2. Examples of sensory linking verbs
The linking verbs describing five senses called the sensory linking verbs: feel, look, smell, sound, taste
- The flower smells pleasant. (Smell)
- The food tastes delicious. (Tastes)
- She looks gorgeous. (Looks)
- It sounds good. (Sounds)
- He feels demotivated. (Feels)
3. Linking verbs for change: become, grow, decrease, stay, decline, etc.
- The weather becomes stormy.
- The tree grows slowly.
- The color turned dark.
- Audience have gone mad.
- Clouds become darker.
4. Linking verbs of state
Linking verbs describing state, condition, or qualities of subject of the sentence are termed as linking verbs of state or condition.
- She seems overwhelmed.
- The car looks too old and outdated.
- Candidate appear confident and optimistic.
- They remain silent for longer duration.
- After instructions, the students stay calm and quite.
Last words on Correct use of linking verbs,
So far, through this article, we have discussed about all the types of verbs in English grammar with special focus on linking verbs. After studying every aspect we have realized that verbs in English grammar have many roles to play like describing subject, helping actions, forming verbs tense, passive voice, and mood. Linking verbs in English grammar are mostly used to describe subject, state or condition. It also used to form interrogative and negative sentences as well. I hope, After going through this article, you will comfortably deal with the linking verbs section more effective manner.