link a complement to the subject of a sentence. All forms ofbecan function as
linking verbs, as can all sensory verbs, such astaste, smell, feel, look,and
sound.Other linking verbs includeseems, prove, grow,andbecome(gotalso
can function as a linking verb when it is used in the sense ofbecome,as inFred
got tired). Note, however, that some of these verbs, specificallysmell, feel,
sound, prove,andgrow,also can function as regular verbs, as inFred smelled
the flowers.
Linking verbs can be followed by only three types of constructions: (a) noun
phrases, (b) adjective phrases, and (c) prepositional phrases. The latter con-
structions are discussed on pages 78 and 89, respectively.
Gerunds
One of the interesting things about language is its flexibility. Words that we
normally think of as existing in a certain category can easily function in another
category. Many verbs, for example, can function as nouns, usually just by add-
ing the suffix-ing,as inrunning, jumping, driving,and so forth. When verbs
function as nouns, we call themgerunds.As noted on page 59, another (per-
haps more useful) name isnominals.
APPLYING KEY IDEASAn important part of mastering grammar lies in the ability to observe how peo-
ple use language and then to compare it to a conventional standard. Listening to
others helps one “listen” to one’s own language. Spend some time listening to
others speak, in the school cafeteria, on TV, on the bus, or some other place
where you can be unobtrusive. Focus on two topics that were examined ear-
lier—case and reflexive pronouns—using a notebook to record instances of
nonstandard usage. Meet later with your class to discuss what you learned from
this activity.
Modifiers
As indicated earlier, we can say that sentences essentially are composed of
nouns and verbs and that nearly everything else provides information about
those nouns and verbs. The words and constructions that provide such informa-
tion are classified broadly asmodifiers.Modifiers are of two major types; those
that supply information to nouns and those that supply information to verbs.
We call theseadjectivalandadverbialmodifiers, respectively. These terms de-
scribe function, not form. Nouns, for example, can function adjectivally.
TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR 77