What are Linking Verbs? Understand Definition, Rules & Examples

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What are Linking Verbs

What are Linking Verbs: Verbs which connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (like a noun, pronoun, or adjective) are known as linking verbs. They do not show action but instead, express a state of being or condition. Common examples include forms of “be” (am, is, are, was, were) and other verbs like “seem,” “become,” and “appear.” These verbs link the subject to more information about its state or identity.

This is another important topic students must understand as they play one of the most crucial parts in English grammar by connecting the subject in a sentence to other parts of speech such as adjectives, and nouns known for describing or identifying the subject. 

As you continue reading this blog post, you will find more information about the linking verbs, their functions, types, and rules along with some practice exercises to test your understanding. 

What are Linking Verbs?

As we talked earlier, linking verbs describe the subject rather than the action that is taking place in the sentence. For a clear understanding, a linking verb is an intransitive verb that links the subject with a subject complement. This ‘compliment’ can be an adjective, noun or pronoun which describes or renames the subject. 

Example:

  •  “The cake smells delicious.”

Explanation: In this sentence, the verb ‘smells’ connects the cake to the adjective ‘delicious.’

Some common primary examples of these verbs in the English language are “to be,” which includes forms such as “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” and “were.” Other common examples include “seem,” “become,” “appear,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” and “taste.”

Also Read:

How Do Linking Verbs Function in English?

A linking verb can be used for various reasons in the English language, let us look at some of them:

  1. To link one part of the sentence (subject or object) to another (subject or object).
  2. Linking the subject with additional information about the subject or complement (adjective/nouns/pronouns) to describe the subject. 

Example: “The flowers are beautiful.” (Here, “beautiful” describes “the flowers.”)

  1. To denote an existing relationship or condition of the subject in a sentence.

*Keep in mind that linking verbs are not meant to denote an action but just act as a link. They are normally found right next to the subject in a sentence.

How are Linking Verbs Used in Sentences?

Before we begin with understanding how linking verbs are used in sentences, one must remember that these verbs always follow subject-verb agreement (i.e. a word or a phrase which identifies or describes the subject) and are conjugated for tense. The two main types of subject complements are Predicative nominatives and Predicate adjectives

  • Predicate nominatives (or predicate nouns) identify the subject using a noun or noun phrase.
  • Predicate adjectives describe the subject using an adjective or adjectival phrase.

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Types of Linking Verbs

Many might not be aware that linking verbs can also be categorised into two main types:

  1. Always Linking Verbs: These verbs consistently function as a bridge in a sentence regardless of context. 

Examples:

  • To be: am, is, are, was, were
  • To seem
  • To become
  1. Verbs that can be Linking or Action: Some verbs can act as both linking and action verbs depending on how they are used in a sentence. 

For instance:

  • Feel: In “I feel tired,” it is a linking verb; in “I feel the fabric,” it acts as an action verb.
  • Look: In “She looks happy,” it is linking; in “She looks at the painting,” it is action.

Also Read: Verb Cheat Sheet

Rules for Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are essential in English grammar as they connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about that subject. Here are some key rules to keep in mind when using these verbs:

RulesDescriptionExamples
1. Linking verbs do not express actionLinking verbs connect the subject to a complement, rather than showing an action.“She is a teacher.” (not an action)
2. Always followed by a subject complementA linking verb must be followed by a predicate adjective or predicate nominative that describes or renames the subject.“The soup tastes delicious.”
3. Common linking verbsFamiliarize yourself with primary linking verbs such as: am, is, are, was, were, become, seen, appear, feel, look, smell, sound, taste, remain, grow, turn, stay and prove. “He seems happy.”
4. Subject-verb agreementLinking verbs must agree with their subjects in number (singular/plural), regardless of the complement’s form.“The giraffe is the tallest animal.”
5. Avoid using adverbs as complementsUse adjectives instead of adverbs for subject complements; adverbs can describe the linking verb itself.“She looks beautiful, not beautifully.”
6. Some verbs can act as both linking and action verbsContext determines whether these verbs function as linking or action verbs.“She looks great today.” (linking)

How to Identify Linking Verbs?

Following are the methods which help you identify linking verbs in a sentence easily:

  1. Substitution Test:

In this, one must replace the verb in the sentence with ‘is’ or ‘are’. If the sentence still makes sense, the original verb is likely a linking verb.

Example: “The soup tastes delicious.” → “The soup is delicious.” (Both sentences convey the same idea.)

  1. Look for Subject Compliments:

One must remember that linking verbs are always followed by a subject complement, which can be a predicate adjective or a predicate nominative.

Here are examples for both types:

Predicative Adjective: Describes the subject.

Example: “She is happy.” (Here, “happy” describes “she.”)

Predicative Nominative: Renames the subject.

Example: “He is a teacher.” (Here, “teacher” renames “He.”)

  1. Recognise Common Linking Verbs:

Familiarise yourself with verbs that are always linking verbs, such as: 

  • To be: am, is, are, was, were
  • To become
  • To seem

Additionally, some verbs can function as both linking and action verbs depending on context (e.g., look, feel, taste).

  1. Contextual Clues:

Determine if the verb describes a state of being rather than an action. If it connects the subject to more information without showing an action, it’s likely a linking verb.

Example: “The flowers smell sweet.” (Here, “smell” connects the subject to the adjective “sweet.”)

Also Read: Nominative Case in English Grammar

Distinguishing Linking Verbs from Other Verbs

Here are the differences between these three types of verbs:

ParticularsLinking VerbsAction VerbsAuxiliary Verbs
FunctionConnects subject to a complement (description or state).Shows an action performed by the subject.Assists the main verb in forming tenses, moods, voices, or questions.
Examplesam, is, are, was, were, seem, become, appearrun, jump, read, write, talk, playam, is, are, have, has, had, will, do, does
PurposeDescribes the state or condition of the subject.Describes what the subject is doing.Helps convey time, aspect, or mood in the sentence.
Example SentenceShe is happy.She runs every morning.She has been running for hours.

Also Read: Auxiliary Verb Worksheet for Students

Common Linking Verb Examples

Take a look at the table showcasing common linking verbs along with their meanings and example sentences to illustrate their use:

Linking VerbMeaningExample Sentences
AmPresent tense of “to be”I am excited about the trip.
IsPresent tense of “to be”She is a talented musician.
ArePresent tense of “to be”They are friends.
WasPast tense of “to be”He was tired after the long day.
WerePast tense of “to be”We were happy to see you.
BecomeTo change into or develop intoShe became a doctor after years of study.
SeemTo appear to beHe seems upset about the news.
FeelTo perceive through the sensesThe fabric feels soft against my skin.
LookTo have a certain appearanceYou look beautiful today.
SoundTo produce a particular noise or impressionThe music sounds lovely.
TasteTo have a flavour or qualityThis dish tastes amazing!
RemainTo continue in the same stateShe remains calm under pressure.
AppearTo come into sight or become visibleHe appears happy in the photos.

Test Your Understanding of Linking Verbs

Here are some exercises on linking verbs with their answers at the end to help you test your understanding of this topic. 

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate linking verb from the list provided.

Linking Verbs List: is, are, was, were, become, seem, feel, look, taste
  1. The soup ______ delicious.
  2. She ______ very happy today.
  3. They ______ tired after the long journey.
  4. He ______ my best friend.
  5. The flowers ______ beautiful in spring.
  6. The cake ______ sweet and moist.
  7. I ______ excited about the concert.
  8. The weather ______ nice yesterday.

Answers:

  1. The soup tastes delicious.
  2. She is very happy today.
  3. They were tired after the long journey.
  4. He is my best friend.
  5. The flowers are beautiful in spring.
  6. The cake tastes sweet and moist.
  7. I am excited about the concert.
  8. The weather was nice yesterday.

Exercise 2: Identify the Verbs

Instructions: Read the following sentences and underline the linking verbs.

  1. The sky looks grey today.
  2. She feels nervous before the exam.
  3. They are excited about their vacation.
  4. He became a successful author.
  5. The music sounds amazing.

Answers:

  1. The sky looks grey today.
  2. She feels nervous before the exam.
  3. They are excited about their vacation.
  4. He became a successful author.
  5. The music sounds amazing.
What are Consonants?What are Vowels in English Grammar?
Double Negatives: Definition, Usage, ExamplesWhat are Conditional Sentences?
What are Auxiliary VerbsAuxiliary Verb Worksheet for Students
What are Negative Sentences in English Grammar?Negative Sentences Worksheet for Students
Prefix and Suffix: Definition, Rules and ExamplesPrefix and Suffix Examples 

FAQs

What are linking verbs?

These are verbs connecting the subject of a sentence to a word (usually an adjective or noun) that describes or renames the subject. They don’t show action.
Examples:
“is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” “were” (forms of “be”)
“seem,” “appear,” “become,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” “taste,” “smell”

How do linking verbs differ from action verbs?

Action verbs: Describe an action (e.g., “run,” “jump,” “eat”).
Linking verbs: Connect the subject to a description (e.g., “The sky is blue.” – “is” links “sky” to “blue”).

Can a verb be both an action verb and a linking verb?

Some verbs can function as both, depending on how they are used in the sentence.
Example: “The soup tastes delicious.” (linking verb) vs. “She tastes the soup.” (action verb)

How can I identify a linking verb in a sentence?

Try substituting “is” or “are” for the verb. If the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
Example: “The flowers smell sweet.” (Can be replaced with “The flowers are sweet.”)

We hope this blog was informative and helped you improve your English skills. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.

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