English Grammer

Question

How to easily identify that the verb is either transitive, intransitive or linking verb? .....

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Sarim Sana ChathaHow to easily identify that a verb is e~~ither~~ transitive, intransitive, or a linking verb?

You can't identify that from just the verb alone. You need to see how the verb is used in a sentence.
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Most of the verbs that can be used as linking verbs can be memorized because there are so few of them. When they are used as linking verbs they connect a subject to a expression that says what the subject is (a noun), or gives a description of the subject (an adjective), or tells the location of the subject (often a prepositional phrase). The most frequently used linking verb is be.
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Gary was a carpenter. / Lucy is smart. / The photos are on the table.
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Besides be, there are a few other verbs that are used as linking verbs, for example become, turn, grow, remain, lie, seem, appear, look, sound, smell, taste, feel, prove
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My son became a doctor. / The leaves turned brown. / This tea tastes sour. / The experiment proved fatal. / The house lies near the village. / Wilma looked sad. / Robert seems a helpful sort. / That dog seems friendly enough. / The patient remained quiet for some time.
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If the verb is not a linking verb, it is transitive if it has an object (not connected to the verb by a preposition); otherwise it is intransitive.
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Transitive: Bill threw the ball to Tom. / James spoke the truth in court. / Laura found a pen on the floor. / Gina accidentally broke the vase.
Intransitive: We waited for the rest of them. / George slept for three hours. / The children laughed at the little dog. / The boss objected to the plan.
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CJ

CalifJim · Answer

Sarim Sana ChathaEnglish Grammar

Note the spelling of 'grammar'.
CJ

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