Understanding the difference between linking and helping verbs can be a bit tricky, but it’s essential for mastering English grammar. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or renames it, while helping verbs work with the main verb to express shades of meaning.
Many common linking verbs, such as “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” and “were,” don’t show action but instead link the subject to the rest of the sentence. On the other hand, helping verbs like “can,” “will,” “should,” and “might” help to show possibility, necessity, or permission in a sentence.
linking versus helping verbs
Linking Versus Helping Verbs
For example, in the sentence “She is happy,” the linking verb “is” connects “she” to the adjective “happy.” In contrast, in the sentence “She can sing,” the helping verb “can” works with the main verb “sing” to show ability.
It’s important to note that linking verbs do not show action but instead connect the subject to the rest of the sentence, while helping verbs assist the main verb in expressing various meanings. Understanding these distinctions can help you communicate more effectively in English.
So next time you’re writing or speaking in English, pay attention to whether you’re using a linking verb to connect the subject to a description or a helping verb to express shades of meaning. By mastering the difference between these two types of verbs, you can improve your grammar and communication skills.
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