Action vs. Linking Verbs

Attribute	Action	Linking Verbs
Definition	Verbs that express an action or movement	Verbs that connect the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective
Examples	run, eat, jump	be, seem, appear
Expresses	Physical or mental activity	State of being or condition
Transitivity	Can be transitive or intransitive	Always intransitive
Direct Object	Can have a direct object	Does not have a direct object
Subject Complement	Does not require a subject complement	Requires a subject complement
Tense	Can be used in all tenses	Can be used in all tenses
Usage	Describes actions or events	Describes states or conditions

Introduction

Verbs are an essential part of any sentence, as they express actions, states of being, or conditions. Two main types of verbs are action verbs and linking verbs. While both types serve different purposes in a sentence, understanding their attributes is crucial for constructing clear and effective sentences. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of action verbs and linking verbs, highlighting their differences and providing examples to illustrate their usage.

Action Verbs

Action verbs, as the name suggests, describe actions or activities performed by the subject of a sentence. They convey a sense of movement or physical activity. Action verbs can be further categorized into transitive and intransitive verbs.

Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning. For example, in the sentence "She ate an apple," the verb "ate" is transitive, and "an apple" is the direct object. Without the direct object, the sentence would be incomplete.

In contrast, intransitive verbs do not require a direct object to make sense. They express actions that do not transfer to an object. For instance, in the sentence "He ran quickly," the verb "ran" is intransitive, as it does not require an object to complete the meaning.

Action verbs are dynamic and often add energy and movement to a sentence. They help to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind and make the writing more engaging. Examples of action verbs include "run," "jump," "write," "sing," "dance," "swim," and "climb."

Linking Verbs

Linking verbs, on the other hand, connect the subject of a sentence with a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes it. They do not express action but rather establish a relationship between the subject and the complement.

One common type of linking verb is the verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were, etc.). For example, in the sentence "She is a doctor," the verb "is" links the subject "She" with the complement "a doctor." The linking verb helps to identify or describe the subject.

Other examples of linking verbs include "seem," "become," "appear," "feel," "look," "sound," and "taste." These verbs often express a state of being or condition rather than an action. For instance, in the sentence "The soup tastes delicious," the linking verb "tastes" connects the subject "soup" with the complement "delicious."

Linking verbs play a crucial role in sentence structure, as they help to provide additional information about the subject. They are particularly useful when describing characteristics, conditions, or states of being. By using linking verbs, writers can convey a specific mood or atmosphere in their writing.

Differences in Usage

While both action verbs and linking verbs serve distinct purposes, there are several key differences in their usage.

1. Action Verbs: Expressing Physical Activity

Action verbs are primarily used to express physical activity or actions performed by the subject. They provide a clear sense of movement and are often used to describe events or activities in a sentence. Action verbs are commonly found in narratives, instructions, and descriptions where the writer wants to engage the reader's senses and create a vivid image.

For example:

• "The dog chased the ball eagerly."
• "She painted a beautiful landscape."
• "He played the guitar skillfully."

2. Linking Verbs: Describing States of Being

Linking verbs, on the other hand, are used to describe the state of being or conditions of the subject. They establish a connection between the subject and the complement, providing additional information about the subject's identity, characteristics, or state.

For example:

• "She is a talented musician."
• "The flowers smell fragrant."
• "The cake looks delicious."

Linking verbs are commonly used in sentences that express opinions, judgments, or sensory perceptions. They help to convey the writer's perspective or provide a description of the subject.

3. Action Verbs: Direct Objects

Action verbs, especially transitive verbs, require direct objects to complete their meaning. Direct objects receive the action of the verb and answer the question "what" or "whom" after the verb. They provide further information about the action being performed.

For example:

• "He kicked the ball."
• "She wrote a letter."
• "They built a house."

In these sentences, "the ball," "a letter," and "a house" are the direct objects that receive the action of the verbs "kicked," "wrote," and "built," respectively.

4. Linking Verbs: Subject Complements

Linking verbs, on the other hand, are followed by subject complements, which provide additional information about the subject. Subject complements can be nouns, pronouns, or adjectives that rename or describe the subject.

For example:

• "She is a doctor." (noun)
• "He seems tired." (adjective)
• "They became friends." (noun)

In these sentences, "a doctor," "tired," and "friends" are subject complements that provide more information about the subjects "She," "He," and "They," respectively.

Conclusion

Action verbs and linking verbs are two distinct types of verbs that serve different purposes in a sentence. Action verbs express physical activity or actions performed by the subject, while linking verbs establish a connection between the subject and a complement, describing the subject's state of being or conditions. Understanding the differences between these verb types is essential for constructing clear and effective sentences. By using action verbs, writers can add energy and movement to their writing, engaging the reader's senses. On the other hand, linking verbs help to provide additional information about the subject, describing its characteristics or state. Both types of verbs play a crucial role in sentence structure and contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the writing.