Download Intro to Linking Verbs and PN and PN

Before we go on to learn about linking verbs,
let’s first refresh our memory about a simple
sentence’s structure…
A sentence in its simplest or most complex form MUST
have a subject and a predicate (verb).
Simple sentence: Tony runs.
Tony
runs
However, most sentences are not this simple. Many
sentences have complements in order to add detail. We
have learned about one kind of complement called the
direct object.
Tony
loves
running (D.O)
The direct object follows a transitive verb and answers either Whom? or What?
We also learned that transitive verbs
display action and can be one word or
more than one word when a helping
verb is added:
Peter enjoyed the movie.
Peter may enjoy the movie.
Peter should have been enjoying the movie.
Recall the
23 Helping Verbs:
So, now you are ready to move on to
learn about another type of verb:
The Linking Verb
But wait…you might be asking,
“Aren’t the verbs
is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been
helping verbs?”
The simple answer is “Sometimes.”
In order to be a helping verb, these words must help
out a main, action verb. If they do not, but still link to
some other description of the subject, then they are
being used as linking verbs.
Still confused?
Let’s try a few examples.
The student has been studying. Studying is the main
verb and has been is the helping phrase.
vs.
The student will be exhausted. Exhausted is NOT a
verb, but an adjective, so will be is a linking phrase.
A linking verb can connect the subject with
either a noun or a pronoun called the predicate
nominative or predicate noun.
Mr. Sampson is a teacher.
The linking verb IS links Mr. Sampson to a noun that
renames him as a teacher.
Mr. Sampson and teacher are one in the same.
Mr. Sampson
teacher
(Tip: Sentences with a PN can usually be reversed.
The teacher is Mr. Sampson.)
The noun “teacher” is called the predicate nominative
(or predicate noun) because it follows a linking verb and
renames the subject—in this case, Mr. Sampson.
Here is how we diagram a predicate
noun:
Mr. Sampson is a teacher.
This line slants back
towards the subject.
Mr. Sampson
is
teacher
a
The movie will be Lord of the Rings.
This line slants back
towards the subject.
movie
will be
Lord of the Rings
A linking verb can also connect the subject with an
adjective. (An adjective describes a noun or pronoun.)
Henry can be quiet.
The linking verb phrase can be links Henry to an adjective
that describes him. Quiet is called the predicate adjective.
Here is another sentence about Henry.
Henry seems quiet.
Seems is the linking verb. If you are not sure, substitute
the linking verb with the word “is.” If it still makes sense,
the verb is linking.
Henry seems quiet. = Henry is quiet. (It makes sense!)
Henry looks lonely. = Henry is lonely. (Still makes sense!)
Henry feels sad. = Henry is sad. (Feels is a linking verb!)
Here is how we diagram a predicate
adjective (just like a predicate noun):
The concert was amazing.
concert
was
This line slants back
towards the subject.
amazing (PA)
Jackie appears thrilled.
Remember: If in doubt, substitute the verb with the word “is” (or “are” if
plural), and if it still makes sense, then the verb is linking.
This line slants back
towards the subject.
Jackie
appears
thrilled (PA)
So now you know about action verbs, helping verbs, and linking
verbs. However, keep in mind, that the English language is full of
some confusing grammar rules. Here is one other type of verb
that you should not confuse with either helping or linking. It is
called an intransitive complete action verb. Here is an example:
I have been
there.
“There” is NOT a PN or PA. “There”
answers the question “Where?”
and is being used as an adverb in
this sentence. Don’t worry, you
don’t have to know this yet. We
will study this type of sentence
later on. But for now…watch this
video from Grammar Revolution.