How to Identify and Use Linking Verbs in Sentences
Linking verbs in English are essential for forming clear and meaningful sentences. They do not show action but connect the subject to more information about its condition or identity. Mastering linking verbs helps with grammar accuracy, spoken English fluency, and scoring well in exams. This guide by Vedantu covers definitions, lists, examples, and common usage tips.
What Are Linking Verbs in English?
Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or identifies it, known as a subject complement. Common linking verbs include forms of “be” (is, am, are), “become,” and “seem.” They describe a state or condition rather than an action.
Definition and Function of Linking Verbs
Definition: Linking verbs join the subject with information about the subject’s state, quality, or identity. Their main function is to serve as a bridge, linking the subject to an adjective, noun, or phrase that describes or identifies it, rather than showing action like action verbs do.
Linking Verbs List and Examples
| Linking Verb | Common Function | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| is / am / are | State of being | The sky is blue. |
| was / were | Past state | They were late. |
| be / being / been | General condition | She has been active. |
| become | Change of state | He became a teacher. |
| seem | Appears to be | This seems easy. |
| appear | Appearance | She appears confident. |
| feel | Emotional/physical state | I feel tired. |
| look | Describing appearance | You look happy. |
| taste | Describing flavor | The cake tastes sweet. |
| sound | Describing how something is heard | It sounds perfect. |
| smell | Describing scent | The flowers smell fresh. |
| remain | Continued state | She remained calm. |
| grow | Change of state | He grew strong. |
| turn | Transformation | Milk turned sour. |
| prove | Result | The plan proved successful. |
| stay | Continued condition | They stayed silent. |
| get | Change | She got angry. |
Some verbs, like “look” or “feel,” can be linking or action verbs based on the sentence. Linking: “He looks tired.” Action: “He looks at the clock.”
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs vs. Helping Verbs
| Verb Type | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Linking Verb | Connects subject to a state, identity, or description | The soup tastes salty. |
| Action Verb | Shows action or activity | Mina runs daily. |
| Helping Verb | Helps the main verb show tense, mood, or voice | They are playing chess. |
Understanding the difference helps you spot linking verbs quickly and avoid common exam errors.
Usage and Sentence Examples of Linking Verbs
Study these sentences to recognize linking verbs in real usage. Notice how the verb connects the subject to a description or identity.
The children are excited.
Her idea sounds interesting.
Arjun became confident over time.
My tea smells delicious.
The result proved important.
Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs
Using action verbs in place of linking verbs: Wrong: “He run happy.” Correct: “He feels happy.”
Confusing helping verbs with linking verbs: “Have” and “do” are not usually linking verbs.
Not identifying context: “Look” is linking in “looks tired,” but action in “looks at me.”
Practice Exercises: Find the Linking Verb
This story seems interesting.
The teacher was absent today.
My friends got nervous before the test.
She looks beautiful in that dress.
The room remained empty all day.
Vedantu Quick Tips for Remembering Linking Verbs
If you can replace the verb with “is” or “are” and the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
Most common linking verbs are forms of “be,” “seem,” and verbs for senses (look, feel, taste, sound, smell).
Linking verbs connect the subject to a description or state, making sentences clearer and more meaningful. Knowing how to use and identify linking verbs boosts your grammar marks, writing skills, and spoken English confidence. Practice linking verbs regularly with Vedantu to strengthen your English foundation for all types of exams and daily communication.
