Linking Verbs: Definition, Types and Examples

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 is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to more details about the subject, like a noun, pronoun, or adjective. It doesn’t show any action. Instead, it tells us more about the subject itself. Linking verbs “link” the subject to more information about its identity or state of being. Some common linking verbs are “is,” “seem,” and “become.”

• Ahmed is happy.

In this sentence the verb “is” is a linking verb because it connects the subject “Ahmed” with the word “happy.” Linking verbs do not show action; they just connect two pieces of information about the subject.

Types of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs can be grouped into different types based on their functions. Let’s look at some common types:

“To Be” Verbs

The most common linking verbs are forms of the verb “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.

• Fatima is a teacher.

In this sentence, “is” links the subject “Fatima” to her job, “teacher.”

State of Being Verbs

State of being verbs describe the subject by linking it to a state or condition. These verbs include:

• Become
• Seem
• Appear
• Feel
• Look
• Sound
• Smell
• Taste
• Remain
• Stay

These linking 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 the change in its condition.

Example:

• He seems tired.

In this sentence, “seems” links the subject “he” to the adjective “tired,” indicating his current state.

Sense Verbs

Some common linking verbs are called sense verbs. These include: feel, look, taste, sound, smell, touch, and appear.

1. Feel
2. Hear
3. Look
4. Listen
5. See
6. Taste
7. Watch
8. Smell
9. Touch

Sense verbs link the subject to experiences that are perceived through the senses.

Example:

• The flower looks beautiful.

In this sentence, “looks” links the subject “flower” to the description “beautiful.”

List of Linking Verbs

Below is a list of common linking verbs:

“To Be” Verbs	Sensory Verbs	State of Being Verbs
Am	Look	Become
Is	Sound	Grow
Are	Taste	Turn
Was	Feel	Get
Were	Smell	Remain
Be		Appear
Being
Been

Linking Verb Examples in Sentences

To help you understand linking verbs better, here are some examples:

1. The soup tastes delicious.
2. She is a talented musician.
3. He seems very happy today.
4. That painting looks beautiful.
5. They were champions last season.

Linking Verb Examples in Different Tenses

Linking Verbs in Present Tense

Some linking words we use now are “is,” “am,” and “are.” They help us say how things are right now.

Examples:

• They are happy.
• The cake smells good.
• She is tired.
• The kids are excited.

These words help us tell how someone or something is feeling or looking right now.

Linking Verbs in Past Tense

Some linking words 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.

These words tell us how things were before now.

Linking Verbs in Future Tense

Some linking words 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.

These words tell us what we think will happen in the future.

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 to help:

1. Substitution Test: Substitute the verb with a form of “to be.” If the sentence still makes sense, it is likely a linking verb.
   For example: Ali looked happy.
   If we replace “looked” with “is”: Ali is happy. This makes sense, which means “looked” is a linking verb.
2. Check for Complements: If the verb links the subject to an adjective, noun, or pronoun, it is a linking verb.

Linking Verb Rules

1. No Action: Linking verbs do not describe any action. Instead, they link the subject to more information about the subject.
   ✅ Fatima is excited.
   ❌ Fatima is running excited.
2. Subject Complement: Linking verbs are always followed by a subject complement—either a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject.
   ✅ Hassan became a doctor.
   ❌ Hassan became quickly.
   The correct example provides a complement (“a doctor”) that tells us something about Hassan. The incorrect one does not have a proper complement.

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.

• 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.”

• She seems tired.
  “Seems” links “she” to “tired.”

Action Verbs

Action verbs show what the subject is doing, either physically or mentally.

• The dog jumps high.
  “Jumps” shows what the dog is doing.
• He thinks about his homework.
  “Thinks” shows the mental action of “he.”

Summary

Linking verbs are important parts 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 make clear and descriptive sentences that show the state or identity of the subject.