Asked by Alexis

Can you explain linking verbs? I'm getting confused. (To decide, I used 'is' or 'was' to replace the verb). These are the ones I missed.

1. Paul's exhibit remained on display for an entire month.

By replacing with 'was', the sentence still makes sense (exhibit was on display). Correct answer is an action verb, but I thought it was a linking verb.

2. This shampoo smells like citrus fruit.

Replaced with 'is' and it still makes sense (shampoo is like citrus). Correct answer is action verb, but i thought it was linking verb.

Answered by Steve
#1 "on display" is just a prepositional phrase, so the basic sentence is

exhibit remained.

No linking verb there.

#2 same thing. Toss out the PP to get

shampoo smells.

No linking.

If you say the shampoo smelled nasty, then it links, because nasty describes the shampoo, not the smelling.
Answered by Alexis
ok.. i think i got it. thanks!
Answered by Ms. Sue
Your reasoning is good, but these are tough.

A linking verb links the subject with a noun that means the same or an adjective that describes the subject. Both of those verbs are followed by prepositional phrases that do not describe the subject.

If the first sentence said "Paul's exhibit remained <i>popular</i>." the verb would be a linking verb. In the second sentence, "The shampoo smells <i>fragrant</i>, the verb would be linking.
Answered by Alexis
Thanks Steve and Ms. Sue!
Answered by Ms. Sue
You're welcome.
Answered by peter
The sky appears sunnier than yesterday.
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