Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about that subject, such as a state, condition, or identity. They act as bridges between the doer and the description, helping readers understand what or whom the sentence is about.
Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not show activity; instead, they highlight a relationship. Understanding what are the linking verbs and how they function improves clarity, precision, and style in everyday writing.
| Verb | Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| is | Linking | Identifies or describes a singular subject | The cat is calm. |
| are | Linking | Identifies or describes a plural subject | The students are ready. |
| seems | Linking | Indicates an impression or condition | The plan seems solid. |
| became | Linking | Shows a change of state or identity | She became a manager. |
| tastes | Linking | Describes a sensory quality | The soup tastes spicy. |
Characteristics of Linking Verbs
How They Function in a Sentence
Linking verbs serve as connectors that join the subject to a word or phrase that identifies, describes, or renames it. They appear before adjectives, nouns, or pronouns that complete the meaning of the subject rather than expressing action.
Because they do not show activity, these verbs focus on states of being, conditions, or sensory impressions. This structural role makes them essential for building clear descriptions and precise statements.
Linking Verbs Versus Action Verbs
Action verbs directly show what the subject is doing, while linking verbs point back to the subject to provide more information. Recognizing this difference helps writers choose the right verb for clarity and impact.
For example, in "The flowers smell sweet," the verb smell is a linking verb, connecting flowers to the quality sweet. In "The dog smells the carpet," smells is an action verb, describing the dog's physical activity.
Common Linking Verbs List
Primary Linking Verbs and Their Uses
Several verbs consistently function as linking verbs, such as forms of to be, appear, become, feel, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, stay, taste, and turn. Each verb can link a subject to an adjective, noun, or phrase that explains or identifies it.
Some of these verbs, like smell, taste, and sound, can also act as action verbs depending on context. Writers determine the function by checking whether the verb is followed by a subject complement that describes or renames the subject.
Patterns and Contextual Shifts
Linking verbs typically appear in patterns such as subject + linking verb + adjective or subject + linking verb + noun. This structure allows readers to quickly identify the relationship between the subject and its description.
Context matters because the same verb may serve different roles. For instance, "The leaves turned brown" uses turned as a linking verb, while "The steering wheel turned smoothly" uses turned as an action verb.
Identifying Linking Verbs in Practice
Diagnostic Steps and Examples
To identify linking verbs, you can replace the verb with a form of to be, such as is or are. If the sentence still makes sense, the original verb is likely a linking verb.
Examples include sentences like "She seems tired," where seems can be replaced with is, and "The house looks clean," where looks can be replaced with is. These substitutions help confirm the linking role of the verb in different contexts.
Advanced Contexts and Sentence Patterns
Linking verbs can appear with compound subjects, in questions, and across various tenses, maintaining their function of connecting rather than acting. Recognizing them in complex sentences improves both reading comprehension and writing precision.
Advanced writers use linking verbs intentionally to create rhythm, emphasize description, and guide the reader's focus toward the qualities or states of the subject.
Mastering Linking Verbs for Stronger Writing
- Practice substitution tests with forms of to be to confirm linking verb usage.
- Study example sentences to recognize patterns of subject + linking verb + complement.
- Review common linking verbs such as be, appear, become, feel, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, stay, taste, and turn.
- Notice how context determines whether verbs like smell or turn act as linking or action verbs.
- Use linking verbs intentionally to enhance description, clarity, and reader engagement in your writing.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can a verb be both a linking verb and an action verb?
Yes, some verbs, such as smell, taste, look, feel, and turn, can function as either linking verbs or action verbs depending on how they are used in the sentence.
How can I tell if a verb is linking or action in a sentence?
You can test by replacing the verb with a form of to be; if the sentence remains logical, the verb is likely linking. If the sentence no longer makes sense, the verb is probably showing action.
Do linking verbs always appear before adjectives or nouns?
Typically, yes. Linking verbs are followed by adjectives, nouns, or pronouns that describe, rename, or identify the subject rather than receiving the action.
Are there exceptions where certain verbs rarely act as linking verbs?
Most verbs that commonly link, like seem or appear, almost always function as linking verbs, while others like have or make are generally action verbs and rarely serve a linking role.