Examples: Linking verbs and stative verbsI am a vegetarian. For example, in the statement ‘I recognise that woman’, ‘that woman’ is not a subject complement it is a direct object receiving the action of the stative verb ‘recognise’. While linking verbs always connect a subject with a subject complement, some stative verbs do not. However, not all stative verbs are linking verbs. Many verbs can be classed as both linking verbs and stative verbs (for example, the sense verbs ‘taste’, ‘sound’, ‘smell’, ‘feel’, and ‘look’). Stative verbs describe states of being or perception. If the sentence still makes sense (even if it has a slightly different meaning), it’s likely a linking verb. NoteIf you’re unsure whether a verb is a linking verb, try replacing it with a conjugated form of the verb ‘be’. Examples: Other types of subject complementThe party was yesterday. The linking verb ‘be’ can also be used along with an adverb or prepositional phrase to indicate time or location. Predicate adjectives describe the subject using an adjective or adjectival phrase.Įxamples: How to use linking verbsJessie became a respected physician.Predicate nominatives (or predicate nouns) identify the subject using a noun or noun phrase.There are two main types of subject complements: Linking verbs must follow subject-verb agreement and be conjugated for tense.Ī linking verb is always followed by a subject complement (i.e., a word or phrase that identifies or describes the subject). How are linking verbs used in sentences?.

What is a linking verb