Choose the sentence in which the underlined verb is a linking verb:

The correct answer is Option (4) → Grandfather appeared calm, though the doctor’s report had not come yet.

Linking verb (a verb that joins the subject to a describing word):

• A linking verb does not show an action. It joins the subject to a word that tells us about the subject. Seem, become and appear are common linking verbs.
• Here “appeared” means “seemed”. It joins “Grandfather” to “calm”, a word that describes him. So “appeared” is a linking verb.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect?

Option 1: A small boat appeared on the river after the fog lifted. — Incorrect. Here “appeared” means “came into view”. It shows an action and is followed by a place, “on the river”, not by a describing word.

Option 2: Ravi grew tomatoes and chillies on the terrace this summer. — Incorrect. Here “grew” means “planted and looked after”. It acts on “tomatoes and chillies”, so it shows an action, not a link to a describing word.

Option 3: Before buying the shawl, Meena felt the wool between her fingers. — Incorrect. Here “felt” means “touched to check”. It acts on “the wool”, so it shows an action, not a link to a describing word.