A linking verb links or connects the subject to the words in the predicate that identify or describe it.
Read and study the sentences in Columns A and B. Take note of each word that comes after the verb be.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| The sea was peaceful. Martha is friendly. |
The guest was a man. She is Cecile. |
In the sentences above, note that the form of the verb be is followed either by an adjective or a noun.
In Column A, the be verbs are followed by adjectives describing the subjects, namely, peaceful and friendly.
In Column B, the be verbs are followed by nouns identifying the subjects, namely, man and Cecile.
The forms of the verb be in the sentences above are called linking verbs or state of being verbs.
A linking verb does not tell an action. It tells a state of being or condition of the subject.
There are other verbs from the various forms of the verb be that are used as linking verbs.
Examples of these are:
All of these appeal to the senses.
Examples: