Grammar basics
Linking verbs
A linking verb connects the subject to a word that describes it. It does not show an action. The most common linking verb is be.
Subject + linking verb + description
| Subject | Linking verb | Description |
|---|---|---|
| John | is | a developer. |
| You | look | tired. |
| The soup | smells | delicious. |
| She | became | a teacher. |
Easy test: Change the verb to is. If the sentence still makes sense, it is a linking verb. The soup smells delicious → The soup is delicious. ✓
Don't drop the verb
In Thai, you can say ฉันเหนื่อย with no verb. In English, you need a linking verb: I am tired, not I tired. Also use an adjective after it, not an adverb: The food tastes good, not tastes well.
Look
To seem a certain way when you see it.
You look tired today.
Seem
To give the idea that something is true.
The new manager seems nice.
Feel
To have a feeling in your body or mind.
I feel happy when my code works.
Sound
To seem a certain way when you hear it.
That sounds like a great idea.
Taste
To have a certain flavor.
This som tam tastes very spicy.
Become
To begin to be something.
I want to become a better speaker.