Action vs Linking Verbs
Languages, particularly the English language, are versatile and can be used to convey various ideas with varying intensity. This is achieved through the use of various grammatical components, such as action verbs and linking verbs. Although the two can be easily confused, understanding the difference between action and linking verbs is essential for effective writing.
Key Takeaways
- Action verbs describe a person, animal, or force of nature’s capability to perform an activity, while linking verbs connect two or more words in a sentence without expressing an action.
- Action verbs can be transitive, requiring a direct object, or intransitive, not requiring a direct object.
- Linking verbs are used to connect a subject to its predicate without expressing action; they merely link the subject to additional information.
What are Action Verbs?
Action verbs describe an activity that occurs at any given time and can be performed by a person, animal, or force of nature. These verbs can be classified as transitive or intransitive. Transitive verbs are used with a direct object, while intransitive verbs do not require a direct object. Examples of transitive and intransitive action verbs are as follows:
Transitive verbs:
- I will eat the pie once it has cooled down.
- My mother is going to make lasagna tonight.
- She ate the apple without a second thought.
Intransitive verbs:
- She sneezed every five minutes.
- My brother is playing in the garden.
- She ran when she saw the robbers.
What are Linking Verbs?
Linking verbs connect or link two or more words in a sentence or phrase without expressing an action. They connect a subject to its predicate, providing additional information about the subject. Examples of linking verbs include:
- Kate is a beautiful girl. (is is the linking verb)
- Dogs are loyal creatures. (are is the linking verb)
- I always feel sleepy in the morning. (feel is the linking verb)
What is the difference between Action Verbs and Linking Verbs?
Understanding the distinction between action verbs and linking verbs is crucial for effective writing. The key differences are:
- Action verbs convey an action, while linking verbs do not.
- Action verbs describe something a person, animal, or natural phenomenon can do, while linking verbs connect the subject to additional information without expressing an action.
