Use Adjectives After Linking Verbs

Generally an adverb rather than an adjective will come directly after a verb because the adverb is describing the verb.

Example:

• She spoke nicely.

Explanation: In this example, the verb spoke is followed by the adverb nicely. This adverb describes the verb spoke.

However, you must be very careful if the verb is a linking verb. A linking verb is followed by an adjective rather than an adverb.

Example:

• She looks nice.

Explanation: In this example, the linking verb looks is followed by the adjective nice. This adjective describes the subject She.

You should be sure to use an adjective rather than an adverb after a linking verb. Be careful, however, because the adjective that goes with the linking verb does not always directly follow the linking verb.

Example:

• He seems unusually nice.

Explanation: In this example, the adjective nice, which describes the subject he, is itself described by the adverb unusually. From this example, you should notice that it is possible to have an adverb directly after a linking verb, but only if the adverb describes an adjective that follows.

The following chart lists commonly used linking verbs and outlines the different uses of adjectives and adverbs after regular verbs and linking verbs:

ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS AFTER VERBS

• (subject) + (regular verb) + (adverb) A regular verb is followed by an adverb. The adverb describes the verb.
• (subject) + (linking verb) + (adjective) A linking verb is followed by an adjective. The adjective describes the subject.
• (subject) + (linking verb) + (adverb) + (adjective) It is possible that a linking verb is followed by an adverb and an adjective. The adverb describes the adjective, and the adjective describes the subject.

LINKING VERBS:

• appear
• be
• become
• feel
• look
• prove
• seem
• smell
• taste