Understanding the Distinction- What Follows a Linking Verb vs. an Action Verb in English Grammar

What follows a linking verb or action verb is a crucial aspect of English grammar that often confuses learners. Understanding the difference between these two types of verbs and how they function in a sentence is essential for clear and effective communication. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of linking verbs and action verbs, their roles in a sentence, and how they differ from each other.

Linking verbs and action verbs are two distinct categories of verbs that play different roles in a sentence. A linking verb connects the subject of the sentence to a noun or形容词 that describes the subject, while an action verb describes an action or state of being performed by the subject.

Linking verbs are also known as state verbs or copulative verbs. They are used to link the subject to a complement, which can be a noun, an adjective, or a pronoun. The most common linking verbs include “be,” “seem,” “appear,” “look,” “sound,” “taste,” “smell,” and “feel.” For example, in the sentence “The cake tastes delicious,” “tastes” is the linking verb that connects the subject “The cake” to the complement “delicious.”

Action verbs, on the other hand, describe actions or states of being performed by the subject. They are used to convey the main action or state in a sentence. Action verbs can be simple, such as “run,” “eat,” and “sleep,” or they can be more complex, such as “solve,” “improve,” and “create.” For example, in the sentence “She is cooking dinner,” “cooking” is the action verb that describes the action being performed by the subject “She.”

One of the key differences between linking verbs and action verbs is their ability to be followed by a gerund or an infinitive. A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun, while an infinitive is a verb form that functions as an adjective or adverb. Linking verbs can be followed by a gerund, but not an infinitive. For example, “She seems to be happy” is correct, but “She seems to happy” is incorrect. On the other hand, action verbs can be followed by both a gerund and an infinitive. For example, “She started to cook” and “She started cooking” are both correct.

Another important distinction between linking verbs and action verbs is their tense consistency. Linking verbs typically use the present tense form to describe a state or condition that is ongoing or true at the moment of speaking. For example, “He is tall” and “She looks happy” are both present tense linking verbs. Action verbs, however, can be used in various tenses to describe actions that occur at different times. For example, “She cooked dinner yesterday,” “She cooks dinner every day,” and “She will cook dinner tomorrow” all use action verbs in different tenses.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between linking verbs and action verbs is essential for proper sentence construction and clear communication. Linking verbs connect the subject to a complement, while action verbs describe actions or states of being. By recognizing the unique characteristics of each type of verb, learners can improve their grammar skills and express themselves more effectively in English.