What follows a linking or action verb?
Linking verbs are followed by subject complements -- predicate nouns, predicate pronouns, or predicate adjectives.
Not all action verbs are followed by any complement. However, other action verbs are followed by direct objects and some also by indirect objects.
After a linking verb, a subject complement follows. A subject complement can be a noun, pronoun, or an adjective that describes or renames the subject.
After an action verb, an object usually follows. An object can be a noun or a pronoun that receives the action of the verb. Alternatively, an action verb can be followed by an adverb or a prepositional phrase that provides additional information about the action being performed.
To determine what follows a linking or action verb, let's start by understanding the difference between them.
1. Linking verbs: These verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes it. Common linking verbs include "is," "am," "are," "was," "were," "become," "seem," "appear," and "feel."
Example: "She is a doctor." In this sentence, "is" is the linking verb, and "a doctor" is the noun phrase that follows it and renames the subject "she."
2. Action verbs: These verbs describe an action performed by the subject of a sentence. They show what the subject is doing.
Example: "He runs every morning." In this sentence, "runs" is the action verb, and there is no specific word that necessarily follows it.
Now, when it comes to what follows a linking or action verb, the answer varies:
- Linking verbs: After a linking verb, the subject can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or adjective.
Example: "She is tired." Here, "tired" is an adjective that describes the subject "she."
- Action verbs: After an action verb, there can be various possibilities for what can follow it. It depends on the context and what the action verb is describing.
Example 1: "He eats an apple." Here, "an apple" is a direct object that follows the action verb "eats."
Example 2: "They are playing soccer." In this case, "soccer" is a noun acting as the object of the action verb "playing."
So, in summary, after a linking verb, you can expect a noun, pronoun, or adjective to follow. After an action verb, various possibilities exist based on the context and the specific verb being used.