The Ultimate Connection Anchors
6.2 ⚓ The Ultimate Connection Anchors
The verb To Be (am, is, are, was, were, been, being) is the single most common linking verb in the English language.
📊 Forms of “To Be” as Linking Anchors
| Subject | “To Be” Form | Description / Identity | Complete Linking Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | a system developer | I am a system developer. |
| The project | is | behind schedule | The project is behind schedule. |
| The servers | are | operational | The servers are operational. |
| The contract | was | invalid | The contract was invalid. |
| They | were | satisfied | They were satisfied with the results. |
📝 Real-World Examples Explained
1. Identity Linking (Noun Complement)
“Alex is the project manager for this department.”
- is: Connects Alex to his job title (project manager).
2. Condition Linking (Adjective Complement)
“The security protocols were strict during the audit.”
- were: Links security protocols to their state (strict).
🚫 Common Mistakes: Correct vs. Incorrect
1. Using Adverbs Instead of Adjectives After “To Be”
❌ Incorrect: “The office layout is modernly.”
✅ Correct: “The office layout is modern.”
Why it’s wrong: Forms of to be link to adjectives that describe nouns, not adverbs.
✏️ Quick Quiz: Link the Subject!
Complete the sentence using the past simple linking form of To Be:
“The financial report ________ accurate and thorough.”
🔑 Quiz Answers
was (The financial report is singular).