Grammar - Linking and Action Verbs

 


Linking and Action Verbs: A Guide

When learning English, understanding the difference between linking and action verbs is essential. They play different roles in sentences but are both crucial for effective communication. Let’s explore their definitions, uses, and examples.

What Are Linking Verbs?

Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about it. They don't show action; instead, they describe a state of being or condition.

For example:

  • She is happy.
  • The soup smells delicious.

Structure:

Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (typically a noun, pronoun, or adjective) that gives more information about the subject. These verbs do not express action. Instead, they link the subject to additional details or characteristics.

Purpose:

Linking verbs are essential in forming subject complements, which provide more information or describe the subject's state of being, qualities, or condition.

 

Common Linking Verbs

  1. To be - Ser / Estar
  2. To seem - Parecer
  3. To become - Convertirse / Llegar a ser
  4. To appear - Aparecer / Parecer
  5. To feel - Sentirse
  6. To look - Verse
  7. To sound - Sonar
  8. To taste - Saber (a)
  9. To smell - Oler (a)
  10. To grow - Volverse / Crecer (en contexto figurativo)
  11. To remain - Permanecer
  12. To stay - Quedarse / Mantenerse
  13. To turn - Volverse

Notes on Usage

  • In English, linking verbs are often followed by adjectives or nouns that describe the subject. For example:
    • She looks happy. (Ella parece feliz.)
    • It smells delicious. (Huele delicioso.)
  • In Spanish, the choice between ser and estar often depends on the context, such as whether the description refers to an inherent quality (ser) or a temporary state (estar).

 

What Are Action Verbs?

An action verb expresses physical or mental action that the subject of the sentence performs. Action verbs are dynamic and represent something that can be done.

Action verbs describe an action performed by the subject. These actions can be physical (e.g., run, write) or mental (e.g., think, imagine).

For example:

  • He runs every morning.
  • She thinks about the problem.

Types of Action Verbs:

  1. Physical Action Verbs – These describe actions that involve movement or physical activity.
    • Examples: run, jump, swim, eat, write, sing
      • She ran to the store.
      • They ate pizza for dinner.
  2. Mental Action Verbs – These describe actions that involve thinking, understanding, or perceiving.
    • Examples: think, believe, understand, know, imagine, remember
      • I believe in fairy tales.
      • He understands the problem.

Examples of Action Verbs in Sentences:

  1. He runs every morning. (Physical action verb runs)
  2. She thinks deeply about the topic. (Mental action verb thinks)

Purpose:

Action verbs are fundamental in describing what a subject does. They are used to express activities, states of action, or processes. They make the sentence dynamic and show movement or mental activity.

 

Comparison: Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs

Linking Verbs

Action Verbs

Connect the subject to more information about its state or condition.

Express physical or mental actions performed by the subject.

Do not show action.

Show movement, thinking, or doing.

Often followed by adjectives or nouns that describe the subject.

Followed by objects or adverbs that describe the action.

Example Sentences:

  • Linking verb example: She is happy. (The verb "is" links the subject "She" to the adjective "happy," which describes her state.)
  • Action verb example: She runs every day. (The verb "runs" describes the physical action the subject "She" performs.)

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