Action Verbs and Linking Verbs

Action Verbs

An Action Verb shows some action; for example :

The bat plucked an insect inches above my head.

Can you run so quickly?

Linking Verbs

Some Verbs need, not an object, but something that will complete the sense. Such a Verb is called a Linking Verb; for example :

The room is airy.

That machinery was old and weary.

The camel looks fresh and healthy despite a long walk in the desert.

This dosa tastes good.

In the first example above, airy has been added to give a complete sense to the Verb (is); here airy is not the Object, but it helps to complete the sense. Such a word or word-group is called the Complement. In the other examples, the Linking Verbs are was, looks and tastes.

A Complement can be a Subjective Complement or an Objective Complement. A Subject Complement speaks about the Subject, and an Object Complement speaks about the Object; for example :

The old man appears strong.  [Strong speaks about the Subject (the old man), so it is a Subjective Complement.]

Victor painted the boundary brown. [Brown speaks about the Object (the boundary) and not the Subject, so it is an Objective Complement.]

Some Linking Verbs for Subjective Complements are : act, be, become, feel, appear, grow, taste, sound, smell etc.

Some Linking Verbs for Objective Complements are : hold, pronounce, name, ask, order etc.

Integrative Learning : Some Verbs can function as both Linking Verbs and Transitive Verbs :

Linking Verbs	Transitive Verbs
You will feel good after some time. The song sounds loud.	The doctor felt his pulse. The soldier sounded the siren.