Linking Verbs: Definition, Use, & Examples
Learn what linking verbs are and how to use them correctly. Discover common linking verbs, rules, and examples to improve your English grammar.
Linking verbs are essential in English grammar. They connect the subject to more information about it. You use them to describe states, feelings, or conditions rather than actions. Understanding linking verbs helps you write and speak more clearly.
What Is a Linking Verb?
A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to its complement. Instead of showing action, it describes a state of being, condition, or relationship. The complement that follows gives more information about the subject.
Formally known as copulas (or copulae), linking verbs serve as grammatical bridges between the subject and the words that describe or identify it.
You often use linking verbs with adjectives or nouns. These words tell you what the subject is or how it feels.
Examples:
- She is happy.
- The soup tastes delicious.
- He became a teacher.
In each example, the verb links the subject to a word describing it. “Is” connects “she” to “happy.” “Tastes” connects “soup” to “delicious.” “Became” connects “he” to “teacher.” None of these verbs show action. They show what or how something is.
Without linking verbs, sentences would sound incomplete. You need them to express states or identities clearly.
Common Linking Verbs
You already know that linking verbs connect the subject with a description or identity. Let’s look at the most common ones and how you use them.
1. Forms of “Be”
The most common linking verb is be. It shows identity, existence, or a state of being.
Forms: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been.
Examples:
- I am tired.
- She is a doctor.
- They were late.
You use “be” to describe what or who someone is, or how they feel.
2. Seem
You use seem to show appearance or impression rather than fact.
Examples:
- You seem tired today.
- It seems impossible to finish.
“Seem” links the subject with an observation, not a confirmed truth.
3. Become
Become shows change or transformation.
Examples:
- He became nervous during the speech.
- The weather became cold.
It connects the subject to a new condition or state.
4. Appear
You use appear when something looks a certain way.
Examples:
- She appears confident.
- The sky appears dark before the storm.
It works like “seem,” showing perception rather than fact.
5. Feel
Feel can be an action or linking verb, depending on use. When it describes emotion or state, it’s linking.
Examples:
- I feel happy today.
- The blanket feels soft.
When it describes touching, it’s an action verb (e.g., “I felt the fabric”).
6. Look
You use look to describe appearance.
Examples:
- You look great in that outfit.
- The garden looks beautiful in spring.
“Look” shows how someone or something seems to the eyes.
7. Taste
Taste describes flavor or sensory impression.
Examples:
- The soup tastes salty.
- This cake tastes amazing.
It connects the subject to its flavor rather than showing action.
8. Sound
Sound links a subject with a quality perceived through hearing.
Examples:
- That sounds interesting.
- His idea sounds risky.
It tells how something appears based on what you hear.
9. Smell
Smell works as a linking verb when it describes scent or odor.
Examples:
- The flowers smell wonderful.
- The milk smells bad.
When you describe what something emits, it’s linking.
10. Remain, Stay, Grow
These verbs show condition or change over time.
Examples:
- He remained calm.
- She stayed loyal to her team.
- The child grew restless.
Each links the subject to a state or condition rather than an action.
Summary Table: Common Linking Verbs
Here’s a quick table to help you review the most common linking verbs and their uses.
| Linking Verb | Function | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Be | Shows identity or state | She is a teacher. |
| Seem | Shows appearance | You seem confident. |
| Become | Shows change | He became upset. |
| Appear | Shows impression | It appears fine. |
| Feel | Describes emotion or texture | I feel tired. |
| Look | Describes appearance | You look happy. |
| Taste | Describes flavor | It tastes sweet. |
| Sound | Describes sound quality | That sounds fun. |
| Smell | Describes scent | The roses smell lovely. |
| Remain | Shows continued state | He remained silent. |
| Stay | Shows consistency | They stayed calm. |
| Grow | Shows gradual change | She grew anxious. |
Conditional Linking Verbs
Some verbs act as linking verbs only in certain situations. These are often called conditional linking verbs because their function depends on context.
You use these verbs to describe a change of state, behavior, or result, not a physical action. When they show transformation or condition, they work as linking verbs. When they show an actual action, they’re not linking verbs.
Conditional Linking Verbs: When They Are and Aren’t Linking Verbs
Here’s a table to help you see the difference clearly:
| Verb | When It’s a Linking Verb | Example (Linking) | When It’s Not a Linking Verb | Example (Action) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go | Means become or change state | The milk went sour. | Means move or travel | He went to school. |
| Grow | Means become | She grew tired. | Means increase in size | The plant grew quickly. |
| Get | Means become | He got angry. | Means obtain or receive | She got a new job. |
| Turn | Means become or change condition | The sky turned gray. | Means rotate or move | She turned the page. |
| Fall | Means become (as in fall ill or fall silent) | He fell silent. | Means drop or descend | The apple fell from the tree. |
| Prove | Means turn out to be | The idea proved helpful. | Means demonstrate with evidence | The scientist proved the theory. |
| Act | Means behave or seem | You act suspicious. | Means perform in a play | She acts in movies. |
| Keep | Means continue to be | They kept calm. | Means hold or possess | He kept the keys. |
| Remain | Means continue to be | She remained hopeful. | Means stay in a place | They remained in the hall. |
| Come | Means end up being or become | The dream came true. | Means arrive | They came home early. |
Conditional Linking Verb Examples
- The fruit went bad after a week.
- He grew tired of waiting.
- The plan proved successful.
- She fell silent when the news broke.
- They kept calm during the meeting.
- His hair turned gray over time.
These verbs describe a change of state rather than an action, so they function as linking verbs in these contexts.
How to Use Linking Verbs
You use linking verbs to connect the subject with more information. The word that follows a linking verb describes or identifies the subject.
This word is called a subject complement. It can be a predicate noun (renaming the subject) or a predicate adjective (describing it).
A subject complement may be an adjective, a noun, or a pronoun. Let’s look at how each type works with linking verbs:
Linking Verbs with Adjectives
When the complement is an adjective, it describes the subject’s quality or state.
Examples:
- The sky looks blue.
- I feel tired.
- They were happy.
The adjectives blue, tired, and happy describe the subjects.
Linking Verbs with Nouns
When the complement is a noun, it identifies or renames the subject.
Examples:
- She is a teacher.
- He became a leader.
- My father was a soldier.
Here, “teacher,” “leader,” and “soldier” tell who the subject is.
Linking Verbs with Pronouns
Sometimes the complement is a pronoun referring to the same person or thing.
Examples:
- The winner is you.
- It was he who called.
The pronouns follow the linking verbs and identify the subject.
Using Linking Verbs in Different Tenses
You can use linking verbs in past, present, or future tenses.
Examples:
- Present: She is kind.
- Past: She was kind.
- Future: She will be kind.
The form of the linking verb changes with time, but its function remains the same.
Negative and Question Forms
You can make negative and question sentences with linking verbs, usually using “be.”
Examples:
- Negative: She is not ready.
- Question: Is she ready?
With other linking verbs, use do to form questions or negatives.
Examples:
- Negative: He does not seem happy.
- Question: Does he seem happy?
Now that you know how to use linking verbs, let’s look at how to identify them correctly in sentences.
How to Identify Linking Verbs
Identifying linking verbs is easier once you know what to look for. They don’t show action. Instead, they connect the subject with information that describes it. Follow these simple steps to spot them in sentences.
1. Check if the Verb Shows Action
Ask yourself, “Is something happening?”
If the verb describes an action, it’s not linking.
Examples:
- She runs fast. (Action)
- She is fast. (Linking)
“Runs” shows action. “Is” connects the subject to a description.
2. Replace the Verb with “Be”
If the sentence still makes sense when you replace the verb with a form of “be,” it’s likely a linking verb.
Examples:
- The cake smells good → The cake is good. ✅ (Makes sense)
- She smelled the cake → She is the cake. ❌ (Doesn’t make sense)
This quick test works for most sentences.
3. Look for a Word That Describes or Renames the Subject
Linking verbs always connect the subject to a subject complement. That complement can be an adjective, noun, or pronoun.
Examples:
- He became a doctor. (Noun complement)
- The soup tastes delicious. (Adjective complement)
- The winner was you. (Pronoun complement)
If a word after the verb describes or identifies the subject, the verb is linking.
4. Check for Common Linking Verbs
Many linking verbs are used repeatedly in English. Watch for these common ones:
be, seem, become, appear, feel, look, taste, sound, smell, remain, stay, grow.
If you see one of these verbs connecting the subject to a description, it’s functioning as a linking verb.
5. Notice the Absence of Direct Objects
Linking verbs never take direct objects. They don’t transfer action to something else.
Examples:
- Correct: She is a teacher.
- Incorrect: She is a teacher’s job.
The verb “is” links the subject to “a teacher.” It doesn’t act on an object.
6. Consider the Context
Some verbs change meaning depending on context. Use logic to decide whether the verb shows an action or a state.
Examples:
- The soup tastes salty. (Linking – describing flavor)
- She tastes the soup. (Action – performing the act of tasting)
Context tells you how the verb functions.
Rules for Linking Verbs
Linking verbs follow a few simple but important rules. These rules help you avoid mistakes.
Rule 1: Use Subject Complements, Not Objects
A linking verb does not take a direct object. It links the subject to a complement.
Incorrect: She is a teacher’s job.
Correct: She is a teacher.
Rule 2: Don’t Use Adverbs After Linking Verbs
After a linking verb, you need an adjective, not an adverb.
Incorrect: She feels badly.
Correct: She feels bad.
“Bad” describes how she feels. “Badly” would mean she feels with difficulty, which changes the meaning.
Rule 3: Don’t Confuse “Be” with “Being”
“Be” changes form depending on tense and subject. Use the right one.
Examples:
- I am happy.
- He was late.
- They are being polite.
Rule 4: The Meaning of the Verb Determines If It’s Linking or Action
Some verbs can function as both linking and action verbs. The rule is this:
➡️ When the verb describes a state or condition, it’s a linking verb.
➡️ When the verb describes an action the subject performs, it’s an action verb.
Examples:
- Linking: The soup tastes good. (Describes state or quality — no action)
- Action: She tastes the soup. (Describes what the subject does — action)
Explanation: The verb’s meaning in context determines its function. If the verb links the subject to a description or identity, it’s linking. If it shows the subject doing something, it’s action.
Once you understand these rules, it becomes easier to see how linking verbs differ from action verbs.
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
It’s easy to confuse linking and action verbs. The difference lies in what they express.
Linking verbs describe a state or condition.
Action verbs show something happening.
Comparison Examples
| Sentence | Verb Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| She is tired. | Linking | Describes her state |
| She runs every day. | Action | Shows activity |
| The cake smells good. | Linking | Describes scent |
| He smelled the cake. | Action | Shows what he did |
| They became friends. | Linking | Describes relationship |
| They met at school. | Action | Shows event |
- When the verb shows what the subject does, it’s an action verb.
- When it shows what the subject is, seems, or feels, it’s linking.
Test for Linking Verbs
Remember, to check if a verb is linking, try replacing it with “be.” If the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
Examples:
- The soup tastes delicious → The soup is delicious. (Makes sense — linking verb)
- She tastes the soup → She is the soup. (Doesn’t make sense — action verb)
Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs
Even advanced learners mix up linking verbs. Here are frequent errors and how to fix them.
1. Using Adverbs Instead of Adjectives
Incorrect: The perfume smells sweetly.
Correct: The perfume smells sweet.
2. Confusing Action and Linking Uses
Incorrect: He looked the sunset.
Correct: He looked at the sunset. (Action verb)
Correct: He looked tired. (Linking verb)
3. Forgetting Subject-Verb Agreement
Incorrect: They was happy.
Correct: They were happy.
4. Using Too Many Linking Verbs in One Sentence
Avoid repetition.
Incorrect: She is being very is happy.
Correct: She is very happy.
Tips for Using Linking Verbs Correctly
- Find the main idea of the sentence.
The linking verb connects it to a description. - Use adjectives after linking verbs.
Adjectives describe the subject’s condition or quality. - Be careful with dual-purpose verbs.
Words like feel, look, and taste can be linking or action verbs. - Don’t overuse “be.”
Try replacing “be” with other linking verbs for variety. - Check agreement.
Match the verb form with the subject (am/is/are/was/were). - Test your sentence.
Replace the linking verb with “be.” If it still makes sense, you’ve used it correctly.
Conclusion
Linking verbs are key to describing states, emotions, and identities in English. They don’t show action; they connect subjects with descriptions or definitions. Common linking verbs include be, seem, become, appear, feel, look, taste, sound, smell, remain, stay, and grow.
You use them to describe what something is or feels like, not what it does. Remember, adjectives, not adverbs, follow linking verbs.
When you understand and use linking verbs correctly, your English becomes more precise and natural. They help you express ideas clearly, describe conditions smoothly, and sound more fluent in both speech and writing.
If you’re still unsure about how linking verbs work, check the FAQs below for quick answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Linking Verbs
1. What are linking verbs?
Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to more information about it. They don’t show action but describe what something is or feels like.
2. How do I identify a linking verb?
Replace the verb with a form of “be.” If the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
Example: The cake tastes good → The cake is good.
3. What are the 12 common linking verbs?
The most common linking verbs are be, seem, become, appear, feel, look, taste, sound, smell, remain, stay, and grow.
4. What’s the difference between a linking verb and an action verb?
An action verb shows what the subject does.
A linking verb describes what the subject is or feels.
Example: She runs every morning. (Action)
She is tired. (Linking)
5. Can a verb be both action and linking?
Yes. Some verbs like feel, look, and taste can be both.
Example:
- Linking: The soup tastes delicious.
- Action: She tastes the soup.
6. Do linking verbs take objects?
No. Linking verbs connect the subject to a complement, not an object.
Example: She is a teacher (complement), not She is a teacher’s job.
7. What comes after a linking verb, adjective or adverb?
Use an adjective. Adjectives describe the subject’s state.
Example: He feels bad (not badly).
8. Can linking verbs show tense?
Yes. Linking verbs change form to match tense.
Examples:
- Present: She is happy.
- Past: She was happy.
- Future: She will be happy.
9. Are helping verbs the same as linking verbs?
No. Helping verbs (auxiliary verbs) support main verbs to form tenses or moods.
Linking verbs connect the subject to its description.
Example:
- Helping: She is running.
- Linking: She is tired.
10. What are some tricky verbs that often confuse learners?
Verbs like feel, look, smell, sound, and taste can act as either linking or action verbs. Always check the meaning and context.
