Overview
A conjunctive verb, also known as a linking verb, connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement. Unlike action verbs, conjunctive verbs do not express an action. Instead, they express a state of being, a condition, or a relationship between the subject and the complement.
Key Concepts
Subject Complement
The subject complement follows the conjunctive verb and can be either a noun phrase (predicate nominative) or an adjective phrase (predicate adjective). It provides more information about the subject.
- Predicate Nominative: “She is a doctor.” (Doctor renames She)
- Predicate Adjective: “He seems tired.” (Tired describes He)
Common Conjunctive Verbs
The most common conjunctive verb is ‘to be’ in its various forms (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been). Other frequent conjunctive verbs include:
- seem
- become
- appear
- feel
- look
- taste
- smell
- sound
- remain
- grow
Deep Dive
Distinguishing from Action Verbs
The key difference lies in what the verb connects. If a verb can be replaced by a form of ‘to be’ without changing the sentence’s core meaning (linking subject to complement), it’s likely a conjunctive verb. If it describes an action performed by the subject, it’s an action verb.
Action Verb: The dog barked loudly. (Barked is an action)
Conjunctive Verb: The dog looks tired. (Looks links 'dog' to 'tired')Applications
Conjunctive verbs are fundamental to sentence structure, enabling descriptive and classificatory statements. They are crucial for:
- Describing states of being: “The sky is blue.”
- Identifying or renaming subjects: “He became the manager.”
- Expressing sensory experiences: “The soup tastes salty.”
- Indicating changes or transformations: “She grew anxious.”
Challenges & Misconceptions
‘Feel’ and ‘Look’ as Action Verbs
Verbs like ‘feel’ and ‘look’ can sometimes function as action verbs. The context determines their role. If the verb describes an action the subject is performing, it’s an action verb. If it describes the subject’s state or appearance, it’s conjunctive.
“I feel the fabric.” (Action verb – touching) vs. “I feel happy.” (Conjunctive verb – state of being)
FAQs
What is the most common conjunctive verb?
The most common conjunctive verb is ‘to be’ and its various forms.
How can I identify a conjunctive verb?
Try substituting a form of ‘to be’ (is, am, are, was, were). If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is likely conjunctive.
Are all verbs that don’t show action conjunctive verbs?
No. Auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) do not show action but do not link subjects to complements either. They assist main verbs.