Since linking verbs express a state of being instead of an action, adjectives are used after them instead of adverbs. An adjective that follows a linking verb is referred to as a predicate adjective. Be careful not to use an adverb simply because of the proximity to the verb.
Example
Correct (adjective follows linking verb): Kelly is selfish.
Incorrect (adverb follows linking verb): Kelly is selfishly.
Correct (adjective follows linking verb): Beth seems eager.
Incorrect (adverb follows linking verb): Beth seems eagerly.
Linking Verbs That Can Be Followed by Adjectives
- appear
- be
- become
- feel
- get
- grow
- keep
- look
- prove
- remain
- seem
- smell
- sound
- stay
- taste
- turn
Adapted from Appendix A, “Writing for Nonnative English Speakers” in Writer’s Handbook v 1.0 used according to Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 3.0