Linking Verb: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Linking Verbs in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Linking Verb?
Linking Verb Definition: A Linking Verb is a word that connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject. Linking verbs don't show action; they show a state of being or condition.
Why are Linking Verbs Important? They help us describe what the subject is like, what it becomes, or how it appears. Linking verbs are essential for creating descriptive sentences and expressing states of being.
Function in Grammar
Linking verbs connect the subject to a subject complement (an adjective, noun, or pronoun) that describes or identifies the subject. They act like an equals sign (=) in a sentence. For example:
- Subject + Linking Verb + Description: She is happy.
- Subject + Linking Verb + Identity: He became a doctor.
Linking Verb vs Action Verb: Linking verbs connect the subject to a description (She is happy), while action verbs show what the subject does (She runs fast).
Types of Linking Verbs
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| State of Being | Basic existence verbs | is, are, was, were, am |
| Sensory | How things appear | look, sound, feel, taste, smell |
| Change of State | Becoming something | become, get, grow, turn |
| Remaining | Staying the same | remain, stay, keep |
Linking verbs can be categorized by the type of connection they make.
📌 Linking Verb Challenge!
Can you identify which words are linking verbs in these sentences?
- She is happy.
- The soup tastes delicious.
- He became a teacher.
Show Answers
- is (state of being)
- tastes (sensory)
- became (change of state)
Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences
- She is a doctor.
- The flowers smell wonderful.
- He became angry.
- The weather looks cloudy.
- They are students.
- The music sounds beautiful.
- She feels tired.
- He grew tall.
- The cake tastes sweet.
- We remain friends.
- The sky turned dark.
- She stays calm.
- He appears confident.
- The situation seems difficult.
- They get excited.
Notice how each linking verb connects the subject to a description or identity.
Linking Verbs vs Action Verbs
Key Differences
| Aspect | Linking Verb | Action Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Connects subject to description | Shows what subject does |
| Question | What is the subject like? | What does the subject do? |
| Example | She is happy. | She runs fast. |
| Common Words | is, are, was, were, become | run, jump, think, write |
Linking verbs connect the subject to a description, while action verbs show what the subject does.
Subject Complements with Linking Verbs
Types of Subject Complements
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Predicate Adjective | Describes the subject | She is happy. |
| Predicate Nominative | Identifies the subject | He is a doctor. |
| Predicate Pronoun | Pronoun that identifies subject | The winner is she. |
Subject complements describe or identify the subject of the sentence.
Special Rules and Notes
- Subject Complement: Linking verbs must be followed by a subject complement (adjective, noun, or pronoun).
- No Direct Object: Linking verbs don't take direct objects; they take subject complements.
- Replacement Test: You can often replace a linking verb with "is" or "are" to test if it's truly linking.
- Sensory Verbs: Some verbs like "look," "feel," "taste" can be both linking and action verbs depending on context.
- Adverbs vs Adjectives: After linking verbs, use adjectives, not adverbs (She looks happy, not She looks happily).
- Progressive Forms: Most linking verbs don't use progressive forms (She is being happy is incorrect).
- Passive Voice: Linking verbs are not used in passive voice constructions.
- Contractions: Common linking verbs like "is," "are," "was," "were" are often contracted in informal speech.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Linking Verb!
Which words are linking verbs in these sentences?
- She is a teacher.
- The soup tastes delicious.
- He became angry.
- The weather looks cloudy.
- They are students.
- The music sounds beautiful.
- She feels tired.
- He grew tall.
Answers: is, tastes, became, looks, are, sounds, feels, grew
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- She looks happily. (Incorrect - should use adjective)
- The cake tastes deliciously. (Incorrect - should use adjective)
- He became angrily. (Incorrect - should use adjective)
Show Corrected Sentences
- She looks happy. (Use adjective after linking verb)
- The cake tastes delicious. (Use adjective after linking verb)
- He became angry. (Use adjective after linking verb)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a linking verb?
A linking verb is a word that connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject. Linking verbs don't show action; they show a state of being or condition. Examples include is, are, was, were, become, and seem.
What are examples of linking verbs?
Examples include is, are, was, were, am, become, seem, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, sound, grow, turn, remain, and stay. These verbs connect the subject to a description or identity.
How do linking verbs differ from action verbs?
Linking verbs connect the subject to a description (She is happy), while action verbs show what the subject does (She runs fast). Linking verbs express state or condition, while action verbs express activity.
What is a subject complement?
A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes or identifies the subject. It can be an adjective (predicate adjective) or a noun/pronoun (predicate nominative).
Can linking verbs be used in progressive tense?
Most linking verbs don't use progressive forms. For example, "She is being happy" is incorrect. However, some linking verbs like "appear" and "seem" can occasionally use progressive forms.
How do you test if a verb is a linking verb?
Replace the verb with "is" or "are." If the sentence still makes sense, it's likely a linking verb. For example: "She seems tired" → "She is tired" (makes sense, so "seems" is linking).
What are the most common linking verbs?
The most common linking verbs are forms of "be" (is, are, was, were, am, being, been). Other common ones include become, seem, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound.
Why are linking verbs important?
Linking verbs help us describe what the subject is like, what it becomes, or how it appears. They are essential for creating descriptive sentences and expressing states of being.
Conclusion
Understanding linking verbs is essential for creating descriptive and identifying sentences in English. These verbs connect subjects to descriptions or identities, helping us express what things are like rather than what they do. Always remember that linking verbs take subject complements (adjectives, nouns, or pronouns) and can be tested by replacing them with "is" or "are." Pay attention to the difference between linking and action verbs, and remember to use adjectives, not adverbs, after linking verbs. Practice identifying and using them in your writing and speech. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to describe states of being and conditions!