LINKING VERBS
Since linking verbs, also referred to as copulas or copular verbs, don't function in
the same way as typical verbs in showing action, it can sometimes be tricky to
recognize them. These types of verbs:
- Show a relationship between the subject and the sentence complement, the part of the sentence following the verb
- Connect or link the subject with more information – words that further identify or describe the subject
- Identify a relationship or existing condition
These types of verbs are sometimes described as
performing the function of an equal sign because they provide the connection
between a subject and a certain state.
Words That
Are True Linking Verbs
Some words are always linking verbs. These are
considered "true." They do not describe the action, but always
connect the subject to additional information. The most common true linking
verbs are forms of "to be," "to become" and "to
seem."
Any time you see these words in a sentence, you know
they are performing a linking or connective function in showing a relationship
or describing a state.
For example:
- "I am glad it is Friday." Here the linking verb "am" connects the subject (I) to the state of being glad.
- "Laura is excited about her new bike." Here "is" describes Laura's emotional state of excitement.
- "My birds are hungry." The word "are" identifies that the birds currently exist in a physical state of hunger.
Testing for Linking Verbs
Since these
verbs can function as either action verbs or copular verbs, how do you make the
distinction? A common test is to replace the verb you suspect in the sentence
with an appropriate form of a true linking verb.
- If it makes sense, it is linking.
- If it isn't logical with the substitution, it's an action verb.
For example,
take these two sentences:
- "The flowers looked wilted."
- "She looked for wildflowers"
Substitute
the copular verb "are" for the word "looked" in both
sentences. In the first sentence, it makes sense: "The flowers are
wilted." In the second sentence, however, it doesn't make sense: "She
are for wildflowers."
- "The spaghetti sauce tasted delicious."
- "She tasted the delicious spaghetti sauce."
The
sentence: "The spaghetti sauce is delicious" works, but "She is
the delicious spaghetti sauce" is illogical. The verb in the first
sentence is copular, and in the second sentence it is not.
Additional Online
Resources for Teachers
Teachers in upper elementary and middle school may
need to include lessons on linking verbs in their curriculum. ESL students may
also be learning about distinguishing this verb type.
Along with repetition, identification worksheets and
quizzes work well for many teachers. There are many online grammar exercises
and resources available for teaching, learning, and understanding copular
verbs, including:
- Grammar Bytes gives quick tips and examples on identifying verb forms. Interactive exercises are also available.
- Quia offers an interactive online quiz to identify linking and action verbs.
- Lesson Tutor has simple hints for verbs and assignment to test your knowledge.
- Using English, a site designed for ESL students, has a short section on linking verbs. You can also use their forum to ask questions.
- The Verb Song, submitted by Sara Jordan on Songs for Teaching, is a fun way for younger students to learn this concept.
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