Grammar Basics: Linking Verbs and Reflexive Pronouns

ElevatEd
English
April 14, 2025

Grammar skills are most important to achieve good writing and speaking. Parents and students in grades K-12 must understand the basics of linking verbs and reflexive pronouns to have a good grasp of language.

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In this article, we will explain what a linking verb is, what a reflexive pronoun is, and how to use them properly in sentences. We will also provide useful examples, learning tips, and how 98thPercentile can help your child learn English.

What is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb is a verb that relates the subject of a sentence to more information about the subject. Unlike action verbs, which describe physical or mental action, linking verbs serve as a bridge between the subject and its complement and typically describe a state or condition of being.

Common Linking Verbs

Some of the most common linking verbs are:

Be: am, is, are, was, were

Become

Seem

Feel

Gaze

Taste

Sound

Smell

Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences

The cake is scrumptious.
She looks cheerful today.
The flowers smell great.

In all of these examples, the linking verb connects the subject to something additional about it.

Understanding Reflexive Pronouns

A reflexive pronoun is used where the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing. Reflexive pronouns show the action of the verb is being performed on the subject itself.

List of Reflexive Pronouns

Here's a list of reflexive pronouns for making the understanding game easier for you:

Pronoun	Example
Myself	I baked the cake myself.
Himself	He taught himself to play the piano.
Yourself	You should treat yourself.
Herself	She prepared herself for the performance.
Itself	That kid dressed itself.
Ourselves	We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
Yourselves	You should all help yourselves to the dinner.
Themselves	They enjoyed themselves at the show.

Examples of Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences

I taught myself to play guitar.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
They enjoyed themselves at the concert.

In such instances, the reflexive pronoun emphasises that the action comes back to the subject.

How Linking Verbs and Reflexive Pronouns Work Together

Reflexive pronouns and linking verbs prefer to appear together in the same sentences and make the relations between subjects and their actions or states explicit.

Examples Combining Both Concepts

She feels herself becoming more confident with each practice session.
The dog seems to enjoy itself when playing in the yard.
He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled because he felt proud.

In these cases, connecting verbs connect subjects to their states or conditions and reflexive pronouns denote that these are being done back to the subjects.

Tips for Mastering Linking Verbs and Reflexive Pronouns

The following are some useful techniques for students to master linking verbs and reflexive pronouns:

1. Practice Identifying Linking Verbs

Have students read sentences and pick out linking verbs by asking themselves what ties the subject to extra information.

2. Construct Sentences with Reflexive Pronouns

Have students construct sentences with each of the reflexive pronouns to solidify their knowledge of how they are used in sentences.

3. Apply Visual Aids

Construct charts or flashcards that have common linking verbs and reflexive pronouns listed to assist students with memorising them more effectively.

4. Interactive Activities

Include games or quizzes that test students to pick out linking verbs and reflexive pronouns from different sentences.

5. Read Aloud

Reading sentences aloud can make it easier for students to listen to how linking verbs link subjects to their complements and how reflexive pronouns highlight actions that subjects do on themselves.

How 98thPercentile Can Help

We approach English instruction at 98thPercentile in a highly individualised manner that transcends conventional methods:

1. Personalised Learning Plans: Each student gets individualised lessons according to their specific requirements and objectives - be it learning grammar fundamentals such as linking verbs or enhancing overall writing skills.
2. Interactive Learning Environment:
Our live online classes are structured to keep students motivated with interactive tasks, practical examples, and group exercises.
3. Expert Guidance: With professional tutors who are experts in English language arts, learners get personalised guidance that helps them understand complex ideas such as reflexive pronouns with ease.
4. Confidence Building: Through a dual emphasis on academic achievement and communication, we give learners the confidence to articulate themselves clearly in any context.

Join 98thPercentile today and help your child achieve their potential with an English program that inspires excellence!

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FAQs

Q1: What is a linking verb?

Ans: A linking verb links the subject of a sentence to more information about the subject, frequently describing a state of being or condition.

Q2: Can you provide examples of typical linking verbs?

Ans: Common linking verbs are "be" (am, is, are), "seem," "become," "feel," "look," "taste," "sound," and "smell."

Q3: What is a reflexive pronoun?

Ans: A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence for the reason that the action is applied to itself (for example, myself, yourself).

Q4: How do I know when to use a reflexive pronoun?

Ans: Use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object of the sentence are the same individual or object (e.g., "I taught myself").

Q5: Why should one study linking verbs and reflexive pronouns?

Ans: Learning about these topics aids in clarity of writing and strengthens general language abilities, which are critical for proper communication.

It is essential for K-12 students to master grammar fundamentals such as linking verbs and reflexive pronouns. Through knowing how these elements work in sentences, students are able to enhance the clarity of their writing and the effectiveness of their communication.

If parents need structured support in their child's English education, enrol him or her in 98thPercentile's English courses - where we help your child have fun while getting great grades! Let's make your child master language arts together!