Representing being and having

Students' problems

page 7 of 7

Problems with linking verbs

When the linking verb look is followed by an adjective to describe people or things, like should not be added:

The girl looked like very frightened. (TeleNex Students)

Although wearing fur looks like elegant, we need to protect nature.
(TeleNex Students)

Become should be used in the continuous when describing a change that is taking place over a period of time:

Moreover, I suggest that the government spend greater resources on educating the public about AIDS. AIDS becomes a global problem and so the government should not underestimate its effects. (TeleNex Students)

Moreover, I suggest that the government spend greater resources on educating the public about AIDS. AIDS is becoming a global problem and so the government should not underestimate its effects.

Today, a storm of controversy is sweeping over our community and affecting all of us, especially students. Between schoolwork and romantic relationships, which is more important? This issue becomes increasingly acute in Hong Kong. (TeleNex Students)

Today, a storm of controversy is sweeping over our community and affecting all of us, especially students. Between schoolwork and romantic relationships, which is more important? This issue is becoming increasingly acute in Hong Kong.

Last year our school ran an anti-crime campaign. Why did we need to do this? It was because juvenile crime became more and more serious in our society, and we needed to fight against it. (TeleNex Students)

Last year our school ran an anti-crime campaign. Why did we need to do this? It was because juvenile crime was becoming more and more serious in our society, and we needed to fight against it.

For further information about linking verbs, see Representing being and having: Using linking verbs.

Introduction
Ungrammatical use of there be
Overuse of there are…who
Underuse of have to describe things
 Problems with have
 Problems with lack
 Problems with linking verbs