Linking Verbs and Subject Complements
Use linking verbs to attribute states, appearances, changes, and sensory impressions to a subject without treating complements as objects.
Learning Objective
Linking Verbs and Subject Complements
Distinguish linking from lexical uses of verbs and select adjective, noun, or clause complements appropriately.
Clear Explanation
A linking verb connects the subject with a subject complement that identifies or describes it. Be, seem, appear, become, get, remain, and sensory verbs can act as linking verbs, but several also have lexical uses.
Form and Structure
subject + linking verb + adjective/noun phrase/clause complement
“The explanation seems plausible.”
A subject complement normally takes an adjective rather than a manner adverb after a sensory linking verb, but an adverb may modify the verb when it describes the act itself.
Meaning and Use
State and appearance
Be, seem, appear, look, sound, and feel can link a subject to a perceived or inferred property.
“The estimate appears reasonable.”
Change and persistence
Become, get, turn, grow, remain, and stay encode entry into or continuation of a state.
“The distinction grew clearer.”
Linking versus lexical use
The complement pattern and meaning show whether a verb links or describes an action.
“She looked tired; she looked at the screen.”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
The proposal sounds convincingly.
The proposal sounds convincing.
Use an adjective as the subject complement after linking sound.
She became as the director.
She became the director.
Become links directly to the noun phrase complement without as.
He looked angrily after the dispute.
He looked angry after the dispute.
When look describes appearance, use an adjective complement.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“The negotiations became increasingly tense.”
“What matters is that the evidence is reproducible.”
Use five different linking verbs, then contrast one linking use with a lexical use of the same verb.
Quick Recap
A linking verb connects the subject with a subject complement that identifies or describes it. Be, seem, appear, become, get, remain, and sensory verbs can act as linking verbs, but several also have lexical uses.
Be, seem, appear, look, sound, and feel can link a subject to a perceived or inferred property.
A subject complement normally takes an adjective rather than a manner adverb after a sensory linking verb, but an adverb may modify the verb when it describes the act itself.
Use an adjective as the subject complement after linking sound.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “The explanation seems plausible.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “The proposal sounds convincing.” is the recommended revision for “The proposal sounds convincingly.”.
Use five different linking verbs, then contrast one linking use with a lexical use of the same verb.
Continue at C1-C2 Level
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Linking Verbs and Subject Complements?
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