12.3: Linking
- Page ID
- 6536
We define linking verbs as all verbs (other than be) that are completed by a subject complement—an adjectival or a noun phrase that describes or identifies the subject. Subject complements describe or redefine the subject. Common linking verbs include seem, look, smell, sound, and become.
- (subject)+(linking verb)+(subject complement [NP or adj.])
Subject Linking Verb Subject Complement [NP or adj.] The children Became Restless The soup Smells Delicious Marcel Looks Like a businessman
Review Questions
Identify the subject, linking verb, and subject complement (noun phrase or adjective) of each sentence.
- The taxi driver seemed like a nice man.
- The inside of the bakery smells delicious.
- On that day, Francis became a criminal.
- It sounds like a good idea!
- Ms. Yeziersky became a schoolteacher.