Linking Verbs: Be, Appear, Seem; Become, Get, etc.

Introduction: Understanding Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are essential components of English grammar, connecting the subject of a sentence with its complement. Complements can be either adjectives or noun phrases, providing more information about the subject. Common linking verbs include "be," "appear," "seem," "become," "get," among others. In this enhanced lesson, we'll delve deeper into the usage of linking verbs, focusing on clarity, structure, and examples. 

1. Linking Verbs and Complements

Linking verbs establish a connection between the subject and its complement, which can be either an adjective or a noun phrase. For example:

• "Olan is a doctor."
• "She seemed unable to concentrate."
• "The house became Peter's in 1980."

2. Common Linking Verbs

The most frequently used linking verb is "be," but others are also important. These include verbs related to "being," "becoming," and "seeming." Examples include "keep," "prove," "remain," "appear," "look," "sound," "come," "grow," "turn out," among others.

3. Usage Patterns of Linking Verbs

a. After verbs like "appear," "look," "prove," "seem," and "turn out," "to be" can often be included or omitted:

• "The room appears (to be) brighter than when I last saw it."
• "She proved (to be) an extremely enthusiastic teacher."

b. "To be" is usually included before adjectives such as "alive," "alone," "asleep," "awake," and before "-ing" forms of verbs:

• "I didn't go in because she appeared to be asleep."
• "The roads seem to be getting icy, so drive carefully."

c. "To be" may be omitted when giving an opinion about the subject:

• "He walked into what seemed to be a cave."
• "She seems (to be) a very efficient salesperson."

4. Usage of "Become" The verb "become" describes a process of change, and it can be replaced by verbs like "come," "get," "go," "grow," or "turn (into)." "Become" is preferred for abstract or technical changes:

• "He became recognized as an expert."
• "Their bodies have become adapted to high altitudes."

5. Specific Usage Patterns

a. "Get" is used in informal speech and imperatives, particularly before adjectives like "difficult," "ill," "interested," and in phrases such as "get changed," "get married," etc.
b. "Go" or "turn" are used when talking about colour changes or unwanted situations.
c. "Go" is used with specific phrases like "go deaf," "go blind," and expressions like "go wrong," "go crazy," etc.

6. Usage with Infinitives After the verbs "come," "get," and "grow," a to-infinitive can be used to denote gradual change:

• "I eventually came/grew to appreciate his work."
• "I soon got to know their names."

Conclusion Understanding linking verbs and their usage patterns is crucial for constructing clear and coherent sentences in English. By mastering these concepts, learners can express ideas effectively and accurately.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

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