A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes, identifies, or renames it. These verbs do not show action, but instead link the subject to additional information about the subject.
Understanding what a linking verb is helps you recognize how sentences describe states of being, conditions, and qualities rather than physical actions.
| Verb Type | Action or Linking | Example Subject | Example Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Verb | Action | The chef | prepares dinner |
| Linking Verb | Link | The soup | tastes rich |
| Linking Verb | Link | The candidate | seems confident |
| Linking Verb | Link | The room | is quiet |
| Linking Verb | Link | He | is a teacher |
Common Linking Verbs in English
Forms of to be
The most common linking verbs are the various forms of to be, including am, is, are, was, were, and been. These verbs directly connect the subject to a noun or adjective that provides identity or description.
Sense and Appear Verbs
Verbs such as seem, appear, look, sound, smell, taste, and feel often act as linking verbs. They connect the subject to a description that relates to the senses or an inferred condition.
Become and Grow
Verbs like become and grow describe a change of state or condition and function as linking verbs. They link the subject to a new identity or quality, highlighting transformation rather than motion.
Linking Verb vs Action Verb
Identifying the Difference
You can test whether a verb is a linking verb by replacing it with a form of to be. If the sentence remains logical and the subject is still connected to a description, the verb is likely a linking verb.
Context Matters
Some verbs, such as feel, look, and play, can function as either action or linking verbs depending on context. Careful analysis of the sentence structure determines their role.
Linking Verb with Subject Complements
Predicate Nouns and Adjectives
A linking verb is followed by a subject complement, which can be a predicate noun that renames the subject or a predicate adjective that describes it. This structure adds detail without expressing action.
Examples in Context
In the sentence The flowers are beautiful, the linking verb are connects the subject flowers to the adjective beautiful. In She became captain, became links the subject she to the noun captain.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Confusing Linking Verbs with Action Verbs
Writers sometimes misidentify dynamic verbs as linking verbs. Double-checking whether the verb expresses an action or a state of being helps clarify its function in the sentence.
Overlooking Subtle Linking Verbs
Verbs such as remain, stay, and continue can serve as linking verbs. Recognizing these subtler options improves your ability to analyze sentence structure accurately.
Improving Your Understanding of Linking Verbs
- Practice replacing verbs with forms of to be to test their function.
- Study example sentences that highlight both action and linking verbs.
- Look for subject complements that describe or rename the subject.
- Review common linking verbs in different tenses to build recognition.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I quickly identify a linking verb in a sentence?
Replace the verb with a form of to be ; if the sentence still makes sense, the verb is likely a linking verb.
Can a verb be both an action verb and a linking verb?
Yes, verbs like feel, look, and play can function as either action or linking verbs depending on how they are used in the sentence.
What is the difference between a predicate noun and a predicate adjective?
A predicate noun renames the subject, while a predicate adjective describes the subject.
Are there linking verbs other than forms of to be?
Yes, verbs such as seem, appear, become, grow, look, sound, smell, taste, and feel commonly act as linking verbs.