Linking Verbs
* Definition: Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word that renames or describes it. They don't show action.
* Common Examples:
* "be" verbs: is, am, are, was, were, been, being
* Other linking verbs: seem, appear, become, feel, look, smell, taste, sound, grow, remain, stay, turn
Predicate Nouns & Predicate Adjectives
* Predicate Noun: A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject.
* Predicate Adjective: An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject.
Here's how they work together:
* Subject + Linking Verb + Predicate Noun: The subject is renamed by the predicate noun.
* Example: *The teacher* *is* *a kind person*. ("Person" renames "teacher")
* Subject + Linking Verb + Predicate Adjective: The subject is described by the predicate adjective.
* Example: *The flowers* *are* *beautiful*. ("Beautiful" describes "flowers")
Direct Objects
* Definition: A direct object receives the action of a verb. It answers the question "What?" or "Whom?" after the verb.
* Example: *She* *wrote* *a letter*. ("Letter" receives the action of "wrote")
How to Tell the Difference
* Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs: Action verbs describe an action. Linking verbs connect the subject to a noun or adjective.
* Ask "What?" or "Whom?": If the word after the verb answers "What?" or "Whom?" it's likely a direct object.
Let's Practice:
1. *The sky* *is* *blue*. (Linking verb, predicate adjective)
2. *He* *became* *a doctor*. (Linking verb, predicate noun)
3. *The dog* *chased* *the ball*. (Action verb, direct object)
4. *The music* *sounds* *lovely*. (Linking verb, predicate adjective)
5. *She* *bought* *a new car*. (Action verb, direct object)
Key Takeaway: Understanding the role of linking verbs is crucial for identifying predicate nouns and predicate adjectives. It helps you grasp how sentences connect words and create meaning.