a state of being what

These verbs are the words in bold

They are state of being verbs or state verbs.

1. My uncle is a pilot.

2. The pie looks good.

3. You seem upset.

These verbs can also be linking verbs. 

 

Some common linking verbs are is, am, are, was, were, be,  

 

being, been, seem, look, feel, and become. 

 

They do not show action. 

 

They just show that something exists.

 

 

Here are more examples showing action and/or linking verbs.

1. Suddenly someone sneezed loudly. [action]

2. There are holes in my shirt. [state]

3. He appears happy. [action/state?]

Sneezed and appeared are action verbs.  

 

Are and appears are linking or state of being verbs. 

 

Some verbs like appear can be either action or linking verbs. aha!

 

It depends on whether it shows action or not.  

 

Appears above is like saying seems which shows no action 

 

while appeared above shows the action of the image.

 

 

Confused? please contact me for a tuition lesson!

 

thanks, Alex Tseng