linkingverbia

Linkingverbia is a hypothetical linguistic phenomenon characterized by an excessive and often redundant use of linking verbs, such as "to be," "to seem," "to become," and "to appear," in written or spoken language. This overuse can lead to sentences that are grammatically correct but stylistically weak, lacking in directness and impact.

The term "linkingverbia" itself is not a recognized linguistic term but rather a descriptive label for a stylistic issue. While linking verbs are essential for constructing many types of sentences, particularly those that express states of being, identity, or sensory perceptions, their overuse can make prose feel passive and wordy. For instance, instead of "The sky was blue," a sentence suffering from linkingverbia might read, "The sky was observed to be a blue color."

Identifying linkingverbia often involves looking for sentences where a more active verb could convey the same meaning more concisely. Writers prone to this habit might subconsciously rely on linking verbs as a crutch, particularly when constructing complex sentences or when attempting to sound more formal. However, the result is often the opposite, as it can make the writing appear less sophisticated due to its lack of conciseness.

Strategies to combat linkingverbia include actively seeking out and replacing instances of linking verbs with stronger, more active verbs whenever possible. This often requires a careful review of one's writing, focusing on sentence structure and verb choice. The goal is to create clearer, more engaging, and more impactful communication by reducing unnecessary verbiage and enhancing the directness of expression.