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Linking verbs are an important part of English grammar that help connect the subject of a sentence to more information about it. Understanding linking verbs can help you make clearer sentences and improve your writing skills.
What is a Linking Verb?
A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to more details about it, such as a noun, pronoun, or adjective. Unlike action verbs, they do not show any physical or mental activity. Instead, they provide more information about the subject’s identity or state of being. Common examples include “is,” “seem,” and “become.”
Example: Ahmed is happy.
In this sentence, “is” links the subject “Ahmed” with the word “happy.” Linking verbs do not show action; they simply connect two pieces of information about the subject.
Types of Linking Verbs
Linking verbs can be grouped into different types based on their function. Let’s explore some common types:
“To Be” Verbs
The most common linking verbs are forms of “to be.” These include:
- Am
- Is
- Are
- Was
- Were
- Be
- Being
- Been
These verbs link the subject to an adjective or noun that gives more information about it.
Example: Fatima is a teacher.
Here, “is” links the subject “Fatima” to her profession, “teacher.”
State of Being Verbs
State of being verbs describe the subject by linking it to a state or condition. These include:
- Become
- Seem
- Appear
- Feel
- Look
- Sound
- Smell
- Taste
- Remain
- Stay
These verbs help describe the subject’s state or experience.
Example: The weather became cold.
In this sentence, “became” links the subject “weather” to the adjective “cold,” describing its condition.
Example: He seems tired.
“Seems” links the subject “he” to the adjective “tired,” indicating his current state.
Sense Verbs
Some linking verbs are called sense verbs. These include:
- Feel
- Look
- Taste
- Sound
- Smell
- Appear
Sense verbs link the subject to experiences perceived through the senses.
Example: The flower looks beautiful.
Here, “looks” links the subject “flower” to the description “beautiful.”
Examples and List of Linking Verbs
List of Linking Verbs
Below is a list of common linking verbs:
“To Be” Verbs
- Am
- Is
- Are
- Was
- Were
- Be
- Being
- Been
State of Being Verbs
- Become
- Seem
- Appear
- Feel
- Look
- Sound
- Smell
- Taste
- Remain
- Stay
Linking Verb Examples in Sentences
To help you understand better, here are some examples:
- The soup tastes delicious.
- She is a talented musician.
- He seems very happy today.
- That painting looks beautiful.
- They were champions last season.
Linking Verb Examples in Different Tenses
Present Tense
Some linking verbs we use now are “is,” “am,” and “are.” They help express how things are currently.
Examples:
- They are happy.
- The cake smells good.
- She is tired.
- The kids are excited.
Past Tense
Some linking verbs tell us how things were before. We use “was” and “were” to talk about the past.
Examples:
- He was a teacher.
- They were tired.
- The movie was boring.
- She was happy.
Future Tense
Some linking verbs tell us how things will be. We use “will be” to talk about what will happen later.
Examples:
- They will be happy.
- The event will be fun.
- He will be a good leader.
- The cake will taste good.
How to Identify Linking Verbs
Identifying linking verbs can be tricky, especially when the verb could also be an action verb. Here are some tips:
- Substitution Test: Substitute the verb with a form of “to be.” If the sentence still makes sense, it is likely a linking verb.
- Example: Ali looked happy. If we replace “looked” with “is”: Ali is happy. This makes sense, which means “looked” is a linking verb.
- Check for Complements: If the verb links the subject to an adjective, noun, or pronoun, it is a linking verb.
Linking Verb Rules
- No Action: Linking verbs do not describe any action. Instead, they link the subject to more information about it.
- Correct: Fatima is excited.
- Incorrect: Fatima is running excited.
- Subject Complement: Linking verbs are always followed by a subject complement—either a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject.
- Correct: Hassan became a doctor.
- Incorrect: Hassan became quickly.
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
Linking verbs and action verbs have different roles: linking verbs describe the subject, while action verbs show what the subject is doing.
Linking Verbs
Linking verbs connect the subject to more information about it. They describe a state of being or condition, not an action.
Example: The sky is blue. “Is” links “sky” to its description “blue.”
Common linking verbs include forms of “to be” (is, am, are, was, were) and verbs like “seem” and “become.”
Example: She seems tired. “Seems” links “she” to “tired.”
Action Verbs
Action verbs show what the subject is doing, either physically or mentally.
Example: The dog jumps high. “Jumps” shows what the dog is doing.
Example: He thinks about his homework. “Thinks” shows the mental action of “he.”
Summary
Linking verbs are an important part of English grammar that connect the subject of a sentence to more information without showing an action. Forms of “to be,” sensory verbs, and verbs of change are the main types of linking verbs. Understanding linking verbs helps you create clear and descriptive sentences that show the state or identity of the subject.
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