Representing being and having
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Using linking verbs | page 2 of 7 |
Identifying clauses
Linking verbs are used in two types of clauses, called identifying
and descriptive. This page deals with identifying clauses.
As their name suggests, identifying clauses identify something by equating it with something else:
I think that group discussion is the answer. (Bank of English)
"x" symbolises the unknown quantity. (Maths Class)
Because they function to equate two things, identifying clauses normally contain two noun groupswhose
order can be reversed:
I think that the answer is group discussion.
The unknown quantity is symbolised by "x"
.
For further information about using passive voice with linking verbs, see 
Using passive voice: Passive voice with linking verbs.
Identifying clauses
