
Linking verbs are essential for connecting the subject of a sentence with a complement, such as a noun, pronoun, or adjective, that describes or identifies the subject. Common linking verbs include forms of the verb “to be” like “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” and other verbs such as “seem,” “appear,” and “become.” These verbs help describe the subject and provide more information about it.
In this blog, we will explore linking verbs, their meaning, usage, and examples to help you understand their role in English grammar. Mastering linking verbs will improve your sentence structure and make your writing more descriptive and clear. This understanding will also enhance your spoken English, helping you speak with more confidence.
इस blog में, हम linking verbs के बारे में जानेंगे, उनके अर्थ, use और examples को समझेंगे। यह आपके English grammar को बेहतर बनाएगा।
What is a Linking Verb?
A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement that either describes or identifies the subject. Unlike action verbs, which express an action, linking verbs serve to link the subject with additional information about it. For example, “She is a teacher” and “The sky looks blue.”
Linking verb वह verb होता है जो sentence के subject को एक subject complement से जोड़ता है, जो subject का वर्णन या पहचान करता है। Action verbs की तरह, जो क्रिया को व्यक्त करते हैं, linking verbs subject को अतिरिक्त जानकारी से जोड़ने का काम करते हैं। जैसे, “She is a teacher” और “The sky looks blue।”
Definition of Linking Verb
A linking verb is defined as a verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a complement (a noun, pronoun, or adjective) that gives more information about the subject. These verbs do not show action but instead help describe or identify the subject. Common linking verbs include the different forms of “to be” (am, is, are, was, were) and other verbs such as “seem,” “appear,” “feel,” “become,” and “taste.”
For example:
“He is tired.”, “The cake smells delicious.”, “They became friends.”
Linking verb वह verb है जो sentence के subject को एक complement (noun, pronoun, या adjective) से जोड़ता है जो subject के बारे में अधिक जानकारी देता है। ये verbs क्रिया नहीं व्यक्त करते, बल्कि subject का वर्णन या पहचान करते हैं। सामान्य linking verbs में “to be” के विभिन्न रूप (am, is, are, was, were) और “seem,” “appear,” “feel,” “become,” “taste” जैसे अन्य verbs शामिल होते हैं।
For example:
“वह थका हुआ है।”, “केक अच्छा महकता है।”, “वे दोस्त बन गए।”
Tricky Linking Verbs Examples
Though linking verbs are simple to use, common mistakes can arise with sentence structure and word choice, especially when linking the subject with the complement. Here are examples of common mistakes with linking verbs:
Is
Incorrect: “She is beautiful very.”
Correct: “She is very beautiful.”
Hindi: “वह बहुत सुंदर है।”
Note: The adjective should follow the linking verb with proper word order.
Are
Incorrect: “They are hungry very.”
Correct: “They are very hungry.”
Hindi: “वे बहुत भूखे हैं।”
Note: The adverb should be placed correctly to modify the adjective.
Was
Incorrect: “He was sad yesterday too much.”
Correct: “He was too sad yesterday.”
Hindi: “वह कल बहुत उदास था।”
Note: Avoid placing adverbs after the complement in a confusing way.
Linking Verbs Sentences
Here are some examples of linking verbs in sentences with Hindi translations:
- English: “She is happy.”
Hindi: “वह खुश है।” - English: “The cake smells fresh.”
Hindi: “Cake ताजा है।” - English: “They are tired.”
Hindi: “वे थके हुए हैं।” - English: “The sky looks beautiful.”
Hindi: “आसमान सुंदर दिखता है।” - English: “I feel excited.”
Hindi: “मैं उत्साहित महसूस कर रहा हूँ।”
When Do We Use Linking Verbs?
Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement that provides more information about the subject. These verbs help describe, identify, or state the condition of the subject, creating clear and meaningful sentences. For example, in sentences like “She is happy” or “The sky looks blue,” the linking verbs “is” and “looks” connect the subject with its complement to describe its state or appearance.
हम linking verbs का use subject को complement से जोड़ने के लिए करते हैं, जो subject के बारे में अधिक जानकारी देता है। यह verbs subject का वर्णन, पहचान या स्थिति व्यक्त करते हैं, जिससे वाक्य स्पष्ट और अर्थपूर्ण बनते हैं। जैसे, “वह खुश है” या “आसमान नीला दिखता है,” में “is” और “looks” subject को उसके complement से जोड़ते हैं।
Rules for Using Linking Verbs
- Describing the Subject
Linking verbs are used to describe the subject by connecting it with an adjective or noun.
Example:
English: “She is kind.”
Hindi: “वह दयालु है।”
Note: The adjective follows a linking verb to describe the subject.
- Identifying the Subject
Linking verbs are used to identify or define the subject, connecting it with a noun or pronoun.
Example:
English: “He is a doctor.”
Hindi: “वह एक डॉक्टर है।”
Note: Linking verbs like “is” or “was” connect the subject to a noun that identifies it.
- Expressing a State or Condition
Linking verbs express the state or condition of the subject. They link the subject to an adjective describing how the subject feels or appears.
Example:
English: “The weather feels cold.”
Hindi: “मौसम ठंडा महसूस हो रहा है।”
Note: The adjective follows a linking verb to describe the subject’s condition.
- Avoiding Confusion with Action Verbs
Linking verbs are often confused with action verbs, but they do not show action. Instead, they connect the subject to more information, often an adjective or noun.
Example:
English: “The soup tastes delicious.”
Hindi: “सूप स्वादिष्ट लगता है।”
Note: “Tastes” is a linking verb here, connecting the subject “soup” to the adjective “delicious.”
- Linking Verbs with Compound Subjects
When a compound subject is linked by “and,” linking verbs connect the compound subject to its complement. The verb should agree with the plural subject if it’s compound.
Example:
English: “Tom and Jerry are friends.”
Hindi: “Tom और Jerry दोस्त हैं।”
Note: The verb “are” is used because the subject “Tom and Jerry” is plural.
- Describing Appearance or State with Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are often used to describe the appearance or state of the subject, typically with adjectives like “beautiful,” “happy,” or “tired.”
Example:
English: “The child looks tired.”
Hindi: “बच्चा थका हुआ दिखता है।”
Note: The linking verb “looks” connects the subject “child” with the adjective “tired.”
Typical Errors with Linking Verbs
Using linking verbs accurately is essential for clear communication. Mistakes in their use can lead to unclear or grammatically incorrect sentences.
Linking verbs का सही उपयोग स्पष्ट संचार के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। इनका गलत उपयोग वाक्यों को अस्पष्ट या व्याकरणिक रूप से गलत बना सकता है।
Common Errors:
1. Using Action Verbs Instead of Linking Verbs
A common mistake is using action verbs where linking verbs are needed. Linking verbs do not express action; instead, they connect the subject with a complement. Using an action verb instead of a linking verb can confuse the sentence structure.
Example:
Incorrect: “She feels tired.” (using “feels” as an action verb)
Correction: “She is tired.” (using “is” as a linking verb)
Hindi:
गलत: “वह थकी हुई महसूस करती है।”
सही: “वह थकी हुई है।”
Note: “Feels” is an action verb, while “is” is the correct linking verb in this context.
2. Using Too Many Linking Verbs
Using multiple linking verbs in a sentence can create redundancy and confuse the reader. It’s important to limit the use of linking verbs to avoid unnecessary repetition.
Example:
Incorrect: “The cake is soft and is delicious.”
Correction: “The cake is soft and delicious.”
Hindi:
गलत: “केक नरम है और स्वादिष्ट है।”
सही: “केक नरम और स्वादिष्ट है।”
Note: Using “is” only once makes the sentence more concise and clear.
3. Forgetting to Use a Linking Verb
Sometimes, a sentence may be missing a linking verb, making it incomplete or awkward. Ensure that a linking verb connects the subject to its complement.
Example:
Incorrect: “The soup smells.”
Correction: “The soup smells delicious.”
Hindi:
गलत: “सूप महकता है।”
सही: “सूप स्वादिष्ट महकता है।”
Note: The complement (“delicious”) is needed to complete the idea, linked by the verb “smells.”
4. Incorrectly Using “Being” with Linking Verbs
Using “being” with linking verbs is unnecessary in some cases, leading to awkward sentences. The verb “being” should only be used when describing continuous actions or states.
Example:
Incorrect: “He is being happy.”
Correction: “He is happy.”
Hindi:
गलत: “वह खुश हो रहा है।”
सही: “वह खुश है।”
Note: “Being” is unnecessary here because “is” already links the subject to the adjective “happy.”
5. Confusing Linking Verbs with Helping Verbs
Linking verbs are sometimes confused with auxiliary (helping) verbs. While both are forms of “to be,” linking verbs connect the subject to a compliment, while helping verbs assist the main verb in forming tenses.
Example:
Incorrect: “She is going happy.”
Correction: “She is happy.”
Hindi:
गलत: “वह खुश जाने वाली है।”
सही: “वह खुश है।”
Note: “Going” here is a helping verb, but it is incorrectly used with the adjective “happy.”
Difference Between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs
Linking verbs and action verbs differ in how they function in a sentence. While linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement (like an adjective or noun), action verbs express physical or mental actions. Here’s how they differ:
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
Linking Verbs: These verbs connect the subject to a compliment (adjective, noun, or pronoun) and describe a state or condition, not an action.
Linking Verbs वो क्रियाएँ हैं जो subject को complement (जैसे adjective, noun, या pronoun) से जोड़ती हैं और स्थिति या अवस्था को व्यक्त करती हैं।
Example:
- English: “The sky is blue.”
- Hindi: “आसमान नीला है।”
- Explanation: “Is” is a linking verb connecting the subject “sky” to the subject complement “blue.”
Action Verbs: These verbs express physical or mental activities carried out by the subject. They indicate the actions being performed by the subject.
Action Verbs वो क्रियाएँ हैं जो शारीरिक या मानसिक कार्यों को व्यक्त करती हैं। ये दिखाती हैं कि subject क्या कर रहा है।
Example:
- English: “She runs every day.”
- Hindi: “वह हर दिन दौड़ती है।”
- Explanation: “Runs” is an action verb, showing the action performed by the subject “she.”
Comparison:
Linking Verb:
English: “She is tired.”
Hindi: “वह थकी हुई है।”
Explanation: “Is” is a linking verb connecting the subject “she” to the subject complement “tired,” describing her state of being.
Action Verb:
English: “She runs every morning.”
Hindi: “वह हर सुबह दौड़ती है।”
Explanation: “Runs” is an action verb, showing the physical activity performed by the subject “she.”
Practice Questions Related to Linking Verbs
Fill in the blanks with the correct linking verb (choose the correct option in brackets):
- The sky __ clear today. (is / are)
- She __ tired after the long walk. (is / are)
- They __ friends since childhood. (were / are)
- The cake __ delicious. (is / was)
- The books __ on the table. (is / are)
- My brother __ the best player in the team. (is / are)
- The students __ excited about the trip. (is / are)
- It __ cold outside. (is / are)
- His ideas __ innovative. (is / are)
- She __ the new manager of the team. (is / was)
- The weather __ perfect for a picnic today. (is / was)
- The movie __ interesting. (is / are)
- You __ the best student in the class. (are / am)
- She __ not happy with the results. (was / is)
- He __ ready to start the meeting. (was / is)
Answers:
- is
- is
- are
- is
- are
- is
- are
- is
- are
- Is
- Is
- Is
- Are
- Is
- is
Frequently Asked Questions About Linking Verbs
Q1: What are linking verbs?
Answer: Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (such as an adjective, noun, or pronoun) and describe a state of being or condition.
Example: “She is happy.” (Here, “is” links the subject “she” to the complement “happy.”)
Q2: Can linking verbs show action?
Answer: No, linking verbs do not show action. They connect the subject with a description or state of being.Action verbs, in contrast, demonstrate physical or mental actions.
Example: “She runs every day.” (Here, “runs” is an action verb.)
Q3: How do linking verbs differ from auxiliary verbs?
Answer: Linking verbs connect the subject to a complement, while auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) are used with main verbs to form tenses, moods, or voices.
Example:
- Linking verb: “She is tired.”
- Auxiliary verb: “She is running.”
Q4: Can linking verbs be used with adjectives and nouns?
Answer: Yes, linking verbs can connect the subject to both adjectives and nouns.
Example: “He is a teacher.” (noun)
“She is happy.” (adjective)
Q5: Can linking verbs be used with more than one complement?
Answer: Yes, linking verbs can connect the subject to multiple complements.
Example: “She is smart and kind.”
Conclusion
We hope this blog on Linking Verbs has helped you understand their role and usage in English. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, such as an adjective, noun, or pronoun, to describe a state of being or condition. They are essential for making your sentences clear and effective, as they help convey the subject’s status or identity without showing action.Mastering linking verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. They allow you to describe the subject’s state, characteristics, and identity with precision. If you are looking to further improve your English skills, consider joining a Spoken English Course for structured learning and practical exercises. Begin your journey to clearer and more confident communication today!
- Definition of Linking Verb
- Linking verbs Common Mistakes
- Linking verbs Definition
- Linking verbs Rules
- Linking Verbs Sentences
- Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
- Practice Questions Related to Linking Verbs
- Rules for Using Linking Verbs
- Tricky Linking Verbs Examples
- Typical Errors with Linking Verbs
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