Linking Verbs and Complements: A Closer Look at "Seems"

In English grammar, an understanding of linking verbs and their complements is crucial for proper sentence structure and interpretation. A common point of confusion in this area is the sentence structure of 'He seems to have done well in the exam'. This article aims to elucidate the roles of different parts of speech in this sentence and provide clarity on the use of linking verbs.

Understanding the Sentence Structure

The sentence 'He seems to have done well in the exam' is structured to highlight the subject ('He'), the linking verb ('seems'), and the complement ('to have done well in the exam'). As we will delve deeper into, this complement includes not just a to-infinitive but also other elements that together form a complete predicate.

Breaking Down the Sentence

1. He

The subject, 'He', is the person about whom the statement is being made. In this case, 'He' refers to a specific individual.

2. seems

'Seems' is a linking verb. Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence with a word or phrase that provides more information about the subject. Other common linking verbs include 'is', 'was', 'are', 'were', 'becomes', 'seemed', etc.

3. to have done well in the exam

This phrase is a complement, providing additional information about the subject 'He'. Complements are words, phrases, or clauses that follow certain verbs (linking verbs) and provide more information about the subject. In English, complements can take many forms, including nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and participial phrases.

Linking Verbs and Complements: An In-Depth Explainer

1. Role of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs like 'seems' do not express an action; they connect the subject to additional information that defines or describes it. In the sentence 'He seems to have done well in the exam', 'seems' indicates a state or feeling regarding how well 'He' performed on the exam.

2. Function of Complements

Complements serve to provide more detail about the subject, verifying the state expressed by the linking verb. In this sentence, 'to have done well in the exam' is the complement, indicating the extent of the subject's performance.

3. Grammatical Structure

In this context, 'to have done' is a passive infinitive phrase. An infinitive is a verb form that begins with 'to' and functions as a noun, adverb, or adjective. The phrase 'to have done well' does not express an action in the active voice but rather describes the state or result of the occurrence.

'Well' is an adverb modifying the verb 'done', indicating the quality or manner in which the action was performed.

'In the exam' is a prepositional phrase that provides context or specifies the setting of the action.

Examples of Linking Verbs with Complements

Example 1: 'She feels tired today.' Here, 'feels' is the linking verb, and 'tired' is the complement, providing a description of the state of the subject.

Example 2: 'The sky appears to be clear at dawn.' In this sentence, 'appears' is the linking verb, and 'to be clear at dawn' is the complement, supplying the necessary information about the subject's appearance.

Conclusion

The sentence 'He seems to have done well in the exam' is a prime example of the use of linking verbs and complements in English grammar. Understanding the roles of different parts of speech in this sentence not only helps in correct sentence construction but also aids in accurate interpretation of meaning. Whether serving as definitions or descriptions, complements play a vital role in enriching the information conveyed by the sentence.

To summarize, a clear understanding of linking verbs and complements is essential for mastering English grammar and effective communication.