Action vs. Linking Verbs: Unlocking the Power of Language

Linking And Action Verbs

Linking and action verbs serve different functions in a sentence. Let's delve into each type:

Action Verbs

Action verbs express physical or mental actions performed by the subject of the sentence. They tell what the subject does. There are two main types of action verbs:

1. Physical Action Verbs:

• These verbs describe observable actions.

• Examples: run, jump, write, eat, swim.

• Sentence Example: She ran a marathon last weekend.

1. Mental Action Verbs:

• These verbs describe actions that are not visible, related to cognitive processes.

• Examples: think, believe, consider, understand, hope.

• Sentence Example: He believes in fairies.

A person sprinting on a track, sweat flying off their face, and the background blurred to emphasize speed.

A close-up of a hand holding a pen, writing in a notebook with visible words forming on the page.

A girl is taking a big bite out of a juicy burger, with the focus on their mouth and the burger.

Linking Verbs

Linking verbs, also known as copular verbs, do not express action. Instead, they connect the subject of the sentence to additional information about the subject. They serve as a link between the subject and the subject complement (which can be an adjective, noun, or pronoun).

1. Forms of the Verb "To Be":

• These are the most common linking verbs.

• Examples: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been.

• Sentence Example: She is a doctor.

1. Sense Verbs:

• These linking verbs are related to the senses.

• Examples: look, sound, smell, feel, taste.

• Sentence Example: The cake smells delicious.

1. State of Being Verbs:

• These verbs describe a state or condition.

• Examples: appear, seem, become, grow, turn, prove, remain.

• Sentence Example: He seems tired.

Key Differences

• Function:

• Action verbs show what the subject does.

• Linking verbs connect the subject to a description or identifier, showing what the subject is or seems.

• Action vs. State:

• Action verbs indicate an action (run, think, jump).

• Linking verbs indicate a state of being or condition (is, seem, appear).

• Complement:

• Action verbs may be followed by direct objects, indirect objects, or none.

• Linking verbs are followed by subject complements that describe or rename the subject.

Examples in Sentences

• Action Verb: The cat chased the mouse.

• Linking Verb: The cat is tired.

Identifying Linking and Action Verbs

To identify whether a verb is a linking verb or an action verb, you can use the substitution test:

• Replace the verb with a form of "to be" (am, is, are, was, were). If the sentence still makes sense (even if it changes meaning slightly), the original verb is likely a linking verb.

• Example: She seems happy. (She is happy.)

• If the sentence doesn't make sense with the substitution, the verb is likely an action verb.

• Example: She ran fast. (She is fast.) – While "She is fast" is a valid sentence, it changes the meaning, indicating that "ran" is an action verb.

Understanding these differences can help improve your grammar and sentence structure.

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A student looking at a test paper with a relieved smile, and a caption saying, "He appears satisfied."

: A close-up of a person’s face looking serene and content, with a caption saying, "He feels happy."

A lady is smelling a bouquet of flowers, eyes closed, with a contented expression, and a caption saying, "The flowers smell wonderful."

Let's Practice!

Identify the verb in each sentence as linking or action.

1. The old house looks haunted.

2. She runs every morning.

3. The soup tastes salty.

4. The children played happily in the park.

5. He became a doctor.

6. The music sounds beautiful.

7. The students studied diligently for the exam.

8. The flowers smell lovely.

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