Page 6 - Modul teks ESSAY NARRATIVE_Tini Mulyantini

One way to tell action verbs from stative verbs is to look at the verb tenses. Because
stative verbs usually describe a state of being that is unchanging, they can’t be used in
the continuous (or progressive) tenses. Action verbs, on the other hand, can be used in
continuous tenses.

Examples: How to use stative verbs

I am wanting some food.
I want some food.

Another way is to look at the meaning of the sentence and ask yourself if the verb
shows what someone does or how someone feels or is. If the verb describes what
someone does, it is an action verb. Otherwise, it is probably a stative verb.

Action verbs vs. linking verbs

Action verbs should not be confused with linking verbs, like “be,” “become,” and “seem.”
Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (i.e., a noun
or adjective that describes it).

Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not describe an action, but add more details about
the subject, such as how it looks or tastes.

For example, the sentence “The children seem happy” uses the linking verb “seem” to
link the subject (“the children”) with the adjective (“happy”).

Some verbs can be either linking verbs or action verbs. If you are unsure, try replacing
the linking verb with a conjugated form of the verb “be.” If the sentence still makes
sense, then it is a linking verb.

Examples: Action verbs vs. linking verbsThis pasta tastes delicious.
He tasted the soup and said it was too salty.
You look exhausted.
We all took turns looking through the microscope.