A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that identifies or describes it, such as a noun, pronoun, or adjective. Unlike action verbs, it shows no direct action but instead links the subject to more information about the subject.
Common examples include forms of be, such as is and are, as well as verbs like seem, become, and remain that act as bridges between the subject and its complement.
Linking Verb Essentials at a Glance
Quick reference for identifying and using linking verbs correctly in everyday writing and editing.
| Verb | Type of Link | Example Sentence | Subject Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
| is | State of being | The soup is hot. | hot |
| seems | Appearance or impression | He seems nervous. | nervous |
| became | Change or transformation | She became a leader. | leader |
| remains | Continuation | The answer remains unclear. | unclear |
| feel | Condition or quality | The fabric feels soft. | soft |
What Is a Linking Verb in Grammar
A linking verb connects the subject to additional information that identifies, describes, or renames it. This function supports clarity and detail without indicating physical action.
Verbs such as is, am, are, was, and were are primary examples because they link the subject to a noun or adjective in the predicate. Other linking verbs include appear, grow, look, prove, sound, smell, taste, and turn when they serve this connecting role.
Understanding this distinction helps writers avoid shifting between linking and action usage in a way that confuses the reader about what the sentence is describing.
How to Identify Linking Verbs in Sentences
To spot a linking verb, ask whether the verb connects the subject to a word that renames or describes it. If you can replace the verb with is or are and the sentence still makes sense, it is likely a linking verb.
Test substitutions by rewriting the sentence with is or are, then check if the following word describes or identifies the subject. For example, in 'The flowers smell sweet,' replacing smell with are results in 'The flowers are sweet,' which preserves the meaning and confirms the linking function.
Recognizing these patterns supports more precise sentence construction and helps with editing for clarity and grammatical accuracy.
Linking Verbs vs Action Verbs in Detail
Linking verbs describe a state of being or condition, while action verbs express physical or mental activity. This difference affects how readers visualize the subject and its role in the sentence.
In the sentence 'She runs fast,' runs is an action verb because it shows what she is doing. In contrast, 'She is fast' uses is as a linking verb that identifies a quality rather than an activity.
Writers often benefit from balancing both types to maintain engaging rhythm, using action verbs for movement and linking verbs for description and definition.
Common Linking Verbs and Their Functions
The most common linking verbs are forms of be, including am, is, are, was, were, been, and being. These verbs consistently function as connectors between the subject and its complement.
Verbs like seem, appear, become, and remain also act as linkers when they join the subject to a description or new identity. Sensory verbs such as look, sound, feel, smell, and taste can function as linking verbs when they describe qualities rather than actions, as in 'The music sounds calming.'
Understanding how each verb operates in context allows for richer, more varied sentence structures while maintaining grammatical precision.
Mastering Linking Verb Usage in Professional Writing
Refining your use of linking verbs improves sentence clarity, tone, and precision in both academic and professional contexts.
Strategic use of linking verbs allows you to state definitions, conditions, and characteristics directly, which supports readability and stronger communication.
Developing an ear for these verbs through practice and careful editing helps you avoid awkward phrasing and maintain a polished style.
- Identify linking verbs by testing whether they can be replaced with is or are while preserving the core meaning.
- Use linking verbs to clearly describe qualities, states, or identities without implying physical action.
- Balance linking and action verbs to create varied sentence rhythm and more engaging prose.
- Revise sentences to ensure that each linking verb has a clear and appropriate subject complement.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can a single word function as both a linking verb and an action verb?
Yes, words like smell, taste, and feel can act as either linking verbs or action verbs depending on the sentence. For example, 'She smells the rose' uses smells as an action verb, while 'The rose smells sweet' uses smells as a linking verb.
How do I know if a verb is linking or action in a complex sentence?
You can test by asking whether the verb shows action or connects the subject to a description. If you can replace the verb with is or are without changing the core meaning, it is likely linking.
Are there linking verbs that are not forms of be?
Yes, verbs such as become, remain, appear, seem, and prove often serve as linking verbs when they connect the subject to a complement that describes or identifies it.
Do linking verbs always require a subject complement to complete the sentence?
Yes, a linking verb requires a subject complement to complete the meaning, whether that complement is an adjective, noun, or pronoun that renames or describes the subject.