In English there is a very special type of word. Bearing the name of a verb but itself does not refer to an action. Speaking of which, do you know what it is? That is the linking verb. Join EnglishTopVN to learn interesting knowledge about linking verbs now.
Linking verbs are verbs used to express the state of the subject instead of expressing an action. The linking verb is followed by an adjective or a noun phrase. |
- Normally, to express the state of the subject, we use the verb "to be".
For example:
For example:
- After the linking verb is an adjective or a noun phrase:
They remained good friends in spite of their quarrel.
Some common linking verbs are:
For example:
It has become cold.
Dinner smells good.
- After linking verbs, we use adjectives, not adverbs.
Let's compare:
He spoke intelligently. (Intelligently is an adverb that tells you how the person talks.)
(He spoke wisely.)
He seems intelligent. (Intelligent is an adjective, it tells you about the person instead of saying He is intelligent. Seem is a linking verb.)
(He seems smart.)
Some linking verbs are also used with other meanings as a regular verb. In this way, they are used with adverbs, not adjectives.
Compare:
Do not use:... impossibly.
Do not use: ...sudden...
Other verbs that can be used in both ways are look, taste, and feel.
Some linking verbs are used to talk about changing or remaining unchanged. Common verbs are become, get, grow, go, turn, stay, remain, keep.
For example:
It's becoming/getting colder.
How does she stays so young?
I hope you will always remain so happy.
The leaves are going/turning brown. brown.
- Sometimes other verbs can also be followed by adjectives. This happens when we are focusing on describing the subject of the sentence and not the action of the verb. Common verbs are sit, stand, lie, fall.
For example:
Do not use: ...unconsciously...
Adjectives can also be used in structures verb + object + adjective to describe the object of the verb.
For example:
Do not use: ...whitely...
He pulled his belt tight and started off.
Do not use: ...tightly...