What is Linking Verb?

A linking verb is a special kind of verb that doesn’t show action. Instead, it connects the subject of a sentence to more information about the subject. This information either describes the subject or renames it. The added information is known as the subject complement.

In simple words:

A linking verb acts like a bridge between the subject and its identity or description.

Unlike action verbs like run or dance, which show what someone is doing, linking verbs help us understand what something is or what something is like.

Example

• She is a teacher.
  (“is” links “She” with the noun “teacher” — her identity)
• The soup smells delicious.
  (“smells” links “soup” with the adjective “delicious” — its quality)

These verbs are essential in writing and speaking because they allow us to describe people, places, feelings, and things clearly.

Types of Linking Verbs

There are three main types of linking verbs: Forms of “to be,” Sensory verbs, and Other state-of-being verbs. Let’s break them down.

1. Forms of “To Be”

The most common linking verbs come from the verb “to be.” These include:

am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been

These verbs link the subject to a condition, a state, or an identity.

• Use am/is/are for present tense
• Use was/were for past tense
• Use be/being/been for perfect or continuous tenses

Example Sentences

• I am happy.
• She was a doctor.
• They are my friends.
• He has been upset all day.

2. Sensory Verbs (Used as Linking Verbs)

These verbs relate to the five senses: look, smell, taste, feel, sound.
When used as linking verbs, they describe a state or quality, not an action.

When sensory verbs are followed by adjectives, they are functioning as linking verbs.

Example Sentences

• The music sounds wonderful.
• This flower smells fresh.
• He looks tired.
• The cake tastes sweet.
• I feel cold.

Remember: If a sensory verb is followed by a noun or an object, it is usually an action verb, not a linking verb.

3. Other State-of-Being Verbs

Some verbs show changes in state or condition, and they act as linking verbs when they connect the subject with a complement.

become, seem, appear, grow, remain, stay, turn

These verbs often describe feelings, conditions, or transformations.

Example Sentences

• She became famous.
• He seems tired.
• They remained calm during the storm.
• The sky turned grey.

Linking Verbs vs Action Verbs

Some verbs can function as both linking and action verbs, depending on their use in the sentence. The key difference lies in whether the verb is showing an action or describing the subject.

Example 1:

• He looks happy. (Linking – describes the subject)
• He looks at the board. (Action – shows what he is doing)

Example 2:

• The soup tastes salty. (Linking – describes quality)
• She tastes the soup. (Action – performs an action)

How to Tell?

Ask yourself:

• Is the verb connecting the subject to an adjective or noun that tells us more about it? → Linking verb
• Is the verb showing what the subject does? → Action verb

How Linking Verbs Work in a Sentence

A linking verb usually sits between the subject and a subject complement. The complement gives more detail about the subject and is often either a noun or an adjective.

Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement

Sentence	Subject	Linking Verb	Complement	Type of Complement
The sky is blue.	The sky	is	blue	Adjective
She became a singer.	She	became	a singer	Noun
The soup smells delicious.	The soup	smells	delicious	Adjective
He was our captain.	He	was	our captain	Noun

Usage of Linking Verb in Sentences Examples

1. I am a student.
2. The weather seems perfect today.
3. He is very smart.
4. The baby became quiet.
5. This idea sounds interesting.
6. The room looks clean.
7. They were excited for the trip.
8. My cat is a good hunter.

Grammar Rules for Linking Verbs

Here are some basic grammar rules for using linking verbs:

Rule 1: Linking Verbs Connect the Subject to More Information

A linking verb does not show action.
It connects the subject to a subject complement — a noun or adjective that describes or identifies the subject.

• Correct: She is a doctor.
• Correct: The soup smells delicious.
• Wrong: The soup smells the kitchen. (Here, “smells” is used as an action verb, not a linking verb.)

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Rule 2: Use Linking Verbs with Nouns or Adjectives

The word after the linking verb should describe or rename the subject.

• Correct: He became tired. (“tired” describes “he”)
• Correct: The winner was John. (“John” renames “the winner”)
• Wrong: He became slowly. (An adverb doesn’t work here.)

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Rule 3: Common Linking Verbs Are Forms of “Be” and Sense Verbs

Most linking verbs are forms of “be” or verbs that relate to senses or states.

• Forms of “Be“: am, is, are, was, were, been, being
• Others: seem, become, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, sound, grow, remain
• Correct: She is happy.
• Correct: It seems interesting.
• Wrong: She is smiles. (“is” is a linking verb; don’t follow it with an action verb unless needed in structure.)

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Rule 4: Linking Verbs Do Not Take Direct Objects

Linking verbs do not act on something.
They only connect the subject to more information. No object is needed.

• Correct: The sky looks blue.
• Wrong: The sky looks the clouds. (That’s action, not linking.)

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Rule 5: Some Verbs Can Be Action or Linking (Check the Meaning)

Words like look, feel, smell, taste can be action or linking verbs.
If the verb describes a state, it is linking.
If it shows action, it is an action verb.

• Linking: He looks tired. (Describes the subject)
• Action: He looks at the board. (Shows action)
• Linking: This cake tastes great.
• Action: She tastes the soup.

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Rule 6: Use Adjectives After Linking Verbs, Not Adverbs

Linking verbs are followed by adjectives, not adverbs.
Adjectives describe the subject.

• Correct: She felt cold. (“cold” is an adjective)
• Wrong: She felt coldly. (“coldly” is an adverb – not used here)

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Rule 7: Do Not Use Linking Verbs in Passive Voice

Linking verbs are not used in passive voice.
They describe a state, not an action done to the subject.

• Correct: He is a teacher.
• Wrong: He is been a teacher. (Unnecessary passive form)

Practice Exercises

A. Identify the Linking Verb

Underline the linking verb in each sentence:

1. The cake tastes amazing.
2. He is very kind.
3. They were friends in college.
4. You seem upset.
5. She became the leader.

B. Linking or Action?

Write L if the verb is a linking verb and A if it is an action verb.

1. He felt tired. _____
2. She felt the fabric. _____
3. The soup smells good. _____
4. He smells the soup. _____
5. The music sounds loud. _____
6. She sounded the alarm. _____

C. Fill in the Blank

Use one of these linking verbs: is, are, was, were, seems, became

1. She ___ my best friend.
2. They ___ excited for the trip.
3. He ___ upset after the match.
4. The sky ___ very dark.
5. The cake ___ delicious.
6. It ___ a good idea.