📚 English Grammar Guide

Linking Verbs: The Silent Connectors That Complete Your Sentences

Understanding the verbs that describe states of being rather than actions

📖 8 min read • Grammar Essentials

When we think about verbs, action words like "run," "jump," or "write" often come to mind first. However, there exists a special category of verbs that serves an entirely different purpose—connecting the subject of a sentence to additional information that describes or identifies it. These are called linking verbs, and mastering them is essential for constructing clear, grammatically correct sentences in English.

Unlike action verbs that express what the subject does, linking verbs express what the subject is or how it appears. They act as bridges between the subject and the words that describe or rename it, making them fundamental building blocks of English grammar.

1 What Are Linking Verbs?

📌 Definition

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement—a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject. Linking verbs do not express action; instead, they express a state of being, condition, or relationship.

The word or phrase that follows a linking verb is called a subject complement, which can be either:

• ✓ Predicate adjective: An adjective that describes the subject
• ✓ Predicate nominative: A noun or pronoun that renames the subject

2 Common Linking Verbs in English

🔷 Forms of "Be" (The Primary Linking Verb)

The verb "be" and all its forms are the most common linking verbs:

is am are was were been being

👁️ Sense Verbs

These verbs relate to the five senses and can function as linking verbs:

look sound smell taste feel

💫 State of Being Verbs

These verbs express conditions, changes, or states:

appear become seem remain stay grow turn prove get

3 Linking Verbs in Action: Examples

The flowers are beautiful.

→ "Are" links "flowers" to the adjective "beautiful"

She became a doctor.

→ "Became" links "she" to the noun "doctor"

The soup smells delicious.

→ "Smells" links "soup" to the adjective "delicious"

The children seem tired.

→ "Seem" links "children" to the adjective "tired"

My father is a teacher.

→ "Is" links "father" to the noun "teacher"

Key: Red underlined = Linking Verb | Green = Subject Complement

4 Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs: The Key Difference

Some verbs can function as either linking verbs or action verbs depending on the context. The key is to determine whether the verb expresses an action or connects the subject to a description.

🔗 As Linking Verb

The flowers smell wonderful.

Describes how flowers are perceived

She looked happy.

Describes her appearance

The milk tastes sour.

Describes the milk's quality

⚡ As Action Verb

She smelled the flowers.

Physical action of smelling

She looked at the painting.

Physical action of looking

She tasted the soup.

Physical action of tasting

💡 The Substitution Test

To determine if a verb is functioning as a linking verb, try replacing it with a form of "be" (is, am, are, was, were). If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is likely a linking verb.

The soup tastes delicious. → The soup is delicious. ✓

Both sentences make sense, so "tastes" is a linking verb here.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Adverbs Instead of Adjectives

After linking verbs, use adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the subject.

Incorrect:

The food tastes badly.

Correct:

The food tastes bad.

❌ Confusing "Feel Bad" and "Feel Badly"

"Feel" as a linking verb requires an adjective complement.

Incorrect:

I feel badly about the mistake.

Correct:

I feel bad about the mistake.

6 Why Understanding Linking Verbs Matters

✍️

Better Writing

Correct use of linking verbs with adjectives improves clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing.

🎓

Academic Success

Understanding linking verbs is essential for standardized tests and academic English courses.

🗣️

Clearer Communication

Proper usage helps you express states, conditions, and descriptions more effectively.

📚

Grammar Foundation

Linking verbs are foundational for understanding more complex grammatical structures.

Conclusion

Linking verbs may not express the excitement of action verbs, but they serve an indispensable role in English grammar. By connecting subjects to the words that describe or identify them, linking verbs allow us to express states of being, appearances, and conditions with precision and clarity.

Remember that the most common linking verb is "be" and its various forms, but many other verbs—particularly sense verbs and verbs expressing states—can also function as linking verbs depending on context. The substitution test remains your most reliable tool for identification: if you can replace the verb with "is" or "are" and the sentence still makes sense, you are likely dealing with a linking verb.

Master linking verbs, and you will have conquered an essential element of English grammar that will enhance both your writing and speaking skills.

📋 Quick Reference Summary

• • Linking verbs connect subjects to subject complements
• • Use adjectives (not adverbs) after linking verbs
• • Apply the substitution test with forms of "be" to identify linking verbs
• • Some verbs can be both linking and action verbs depending on context