Linking Verbs: Definition, Usage, and Comprehensive Examples
Linking verbs are a fundamental part of English grammar, connecting the subject of a sentence to information about that subject. Unlike action verbs that describe what a subject *does*, linking verbs describe what a subject *is* or *is like*. Understanding linking verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. This article will provide a detailed exploration of linking verbs, including their definition, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you master the intricacies of linking verbs and improve your overall command of the English language.
This article is designed to benefit students, writers, ESL learners, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding and use of English grammar. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify linking verbs, use them correctly in sentences, and avoid common errors.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Linking Verbs
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Linking Verbs
- Examples of Linking Verbs
- Usage Rules for Linking Verbs
- Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Linking Verbs
A linking verb, also known as a copula, connects the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or renames the subject. It essentially establishes an equivalency or state of being between the subject and the information that follows the verb. Instead of showing action, it links the subject to a subject complement. The subject complement can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that provides more information about the subject.
Linking verbs don’t describe an action performed by the subject. Instead, they express a state of being, a condition, or a sensory perception. They create a bridge between the subject and its description or identification.
Consider these examples:
- The sky is blue.
- She seems happy.
- The soup tastes delicious.
In each of these sentences, the verb links the subject to a description (blue, happy, delicious) rather than showing an action.
Classification of Linking Verbs
Linking verbs can be broadly classified into three main categories:
- Forms of “be”: These are the most common linking verbs, including is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been.
- Sense verbs: These verbs describe sensory experiences, such as look, smell, taste, feel, sound. They act as linking verbs when they connect the subject to an adjective describing the sensory quality.
- Other linking verbs: These include verbs like become, seem, appear, grow, remain, stay, turn, prove. These verbs indicate a change of state or a continued state of being.
Function of Linking Verbs
The primary function of a linking verb is to connect the subject to a subject complement. The subject complement is a word or group of words that renames or describes the subject. It provides essential information about the subject’s identity or qualities.
There are two types of subject complements:
- Predicate nominative (or predicate noun): A noun or pronoun that renames the subject. Example: “John is a doctor.” (doctor renames John)
- Predicate adjective: An adjective that describes the subject. Example: “The flower is beautiful.” (beautiful describes the flower)
Contexts for Using Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are used in various contexts to describe states of being, conditions, and sensory experiences. They are particularly common in:
- Descriptions: Describing the qualities or characteristics of people, places, or things.
- Definitions: Defining or identifying something.
- Expressing feelings: Conveying emotions or states of mind.
- Sensory perceptions: Describing how something looks, smells, tastes, feels, or sounds.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a sentence with a linking verb is:
Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement
Let’s break down each component:
Subject
The subject is the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about. It performs the action (in the case of action verbs) or is described/identified (in the case of linking verbs).
Linking Verb
As defined earlier, the linking verb connects the subject to the subject complement. It does not express an action.
Subject Complement
The subject complement provides information about the subject. It can be a predicate nominative (noun or pronoun) or a predicate adjective.
Example 1 (Predicate Nominative):
The president is a leader.
- Subject: The president
- Linking Verb: is
- Subject Complement: a leader (predicate nominative)
Example 2 (Predicate Adjective):
The cake tastes delicious.
- Subject: The cake
- Linking Verb: tastes
- Subject Complement: delicious (predicate adjective)
Understanding this structure is key to identifying and using linking verbs correctly. Recognizing the subject, linking verb, and subject complement will help you ensure your sentences are grammatically sound and convey your intended meaning.
Types and Categories of Linking Verbs
As previously mentioned, linking verbs can be categorized into three main types. Let’s explore each type in more detail.
Forms of “Be”
The various forms of the verb “be” are the most common linking verbs. They indicate a state of being or existence. These forms include:
- am (I am happy)
- is (She is tall)
- are (They are students)
- was (He was tired)
- were (We were late)
- be (It is important to be kind)
- being (He is being difficult)
- been (I have been sick)
These verbs connect the subject to a description or identification. They do not show any action performed by the subject.
Sense Verbs
Sense verbs describe how something is perceived through the senses. When they are used to describe a quality rather than an action, they function as linking verbs. Common sense verbs include:
- look (She looks tired)
- smell (The flowers smell fragrant)
- taste (The soup tastes salty)
- feel (The fabric feels soft)
- sound (The music sounds beautiful)
Important Note: Sense verbs can also be action verbs. The key is to determine whether the verb is describing a sensory experience or an action. For example:
- Linking Verb: The milk smells sour. (sour is an adjective describing the milk)
- Action Verb: He smells the flowers. (He is performing the action of smelling)
Other Linking Verbs
A third category of linking verbs includes verbs that indicate a change of state or a continued state of being. These verbs connect the subject to a description of its condition. Common examples include:
- become (He became a doctor)
- seem (She seems happy)
- appear (He appears confident)
- grow (The child grew tall)
- remain (They remained silent)
- stay (She stayed calm)
- turn (The leaves turned brown)
- prove (The theory proved correct)
These verbs link the subject to its resulting state or condition, not to an action it performs.
Examples of Linking Verbs
To further illustrate the usage of linking verbs, let’s examine examples categorized by the type of linking verb used.
Examples with Forms of “Be”
The following table provides examples of sentences using different forms of the verb “be” as linking verbs. Notice how each verb connects the subject to a description or identification.
| Sentence | Subject | Linking Verb | Subject Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am a student. | I | am | a student (predicate nominative) |
| She is intelligent. | She | is | intelligent (predicate adjective) |
| They are friends. | They | are | friends (predicate nominative) |
| He was tired. | He | was | tired (predicate adjective) |
| We were happy. | We | were | happy (predicate adjective) |
| It is cold outside. | It | is | cold (predicate adjective) |
| To be or not to be, that is the question. | To be | is | the question (predicate nominative) |
| He is being difficult. | He | is being | difficult (predicate adjective) |
| I have been busy. | I | have been | busy (predicate adjective) |
| The book is on the table. | The book | is | on the table (adverbial phrase acting as complement) |
| My dog is playful. | My dog | is | playful (predicate adjective) |
| This car is mine. | This car | is | mine (predicate pronoun) |
| The movie was interesting. | The movie | was | interesting (predicate adjective) |
| They are doctors. | They | are | doctors (predicate nominative) |
| The weather is unpredictable. | The weather | is | unpredictable (predicate adjective) |
| She is a talented singer. | She | is | a talented singer (predicate nominative) |
| The food is delicious. | The food | is | delicious (predicate adjective) |
| The truth is out there. | The truth | is | out there (adverbial phrase acting as complement) |
| My favorite color is blue. | My favorite color | is | blue (predicate nominative) |
| The concert was amazing. | The concert | was | amazing (predicate adjective) |
| They are from Spain. | They | are | from Spain (adverbial phrase acting as complement) |
| The show is tonight. | The show | is | tonight (adverbial phrase acting as complement) |
| He is a software engineer. | He | is | a software engineer (predicate nominative) |
Examples with Sense Verbs
The following table illustrates the use of sense verbs as linking verbs. Note how the verb connects the subject to an adjective describing its sensory quality.
| Sentence | Subject | Linking Verb | Subject Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
| The soup tastes salty. | The soup | tastes | salty (predicate adjective) |
| The flowers smell fragrant. | The flowers | smell | fragrant (predicate adjective) |
| The fabric feels soft. | The fabric | feels | soft (predicate adjective) |
| The music sounds beautiful. | The music | sounds | beautiful (predicate adjective) |
| She looks tired. | She | looks | tired (predicate adjective) |
| The coffee smells strong. | The coffee | smells | strong (predicate adjective) |
| The cake tastes sweet. | The cake | tastes | sweet (predicate adjective) |
| The wood feels rough. | The wood | feels | rough (predicate adjective) |
| His voice sounds soothing. | His voice | sounds | soothing (predicate adjective) |
| The sky looks clear. | The sky | looks | clear (predicate adjective) |
| The perfume smells delightful. | The perfume | smells | delightful (predicate adjective) |
| The bread tastes stale. | The bread | tastes | stale (predicate adjective) |
| The blanket feels warm. | The blanket | feels | warm (predicate adjective) |
| Her singing sounds angelic. | Her singing | sounds | angelic (predicate adjective) |
| The scenery looks breathtaking. | The scenery | looks | breathtaking (predicate adjective) |
| The air smells fresh. | The air | smells | fresh (predicate adjective) |
| The lemonade tastes tart. | The lemonade | tastes | tart (predicate adjective) |
| The leather feels smooth. | The leather | feels | smooth (predicate adjective) |
| The rain sounds peaceful. | The rain | sounds | peaceful (predicate adjective) |
| The food looks appetizing. | The food | looks | appetizing (predicate adjective) |
| The cookies smell burnt. | The cookies | smell | burnt (predicate adjective) |
| The sauce tastes spicy. | The sauce | tastes | spicy (predicate adjective) |
Examples with Other Linking Verbs
This table provides examples of sentences using other linking verbs that indicate a change of state or a continued state of being.
| Sentence | Subject | Linking Verb | Subject Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
| He became a doctor. | He | became | a doctor (predicate nominative) |
| She seems happy. | She | seems | happy (predicate adjective) |
| He appears confident. | He | appears | confident (predicate adjective) |
| The child grew tall. | The child | grew | tall (predicate adjective) |
| They remained silent. | They | remained | silent (predicate adjective) |
| She stayed calm. | She | stayed | calm (predicate adjective) |
| The leaves turned brown. | The leaves | turned | brown (predicate adjective) |
| The theory proved correct. | The theory | proved | correct (predicate adjective) |
| The situation became critical. | The situation | became | critical (predicate adjective) |
| He seems like a nice person. | He | seems | like a nice person (predicate nominative) |
| The project appeared successful. | The project | appeared | successful (predicate adjective) |
| The weather grew colder. | The weather | grew | colder (predicate adjective) |
| The building remained closed. | The building | remained | closed (predicate adjective) |
| He stayed positive. | He | stayed | positive (predicate adjective) |
| The milk turned sour. | The milk | turned | sour (predicate adjective) |
| The rumor proved false. | The rumor | proved | false (predicate adjective) |
| The plan became obsolete. | The plan | became | obsolete (predicate adjective) |
| She seems knowledgeable. | She | seems | knowledgeable (predicate adjective) |
| The evidence appeared convincing. | The evidence | appeared | convincing (predicate adjective) |
| The relationship grew stronger. | The relationship | grew | stronger (predicate adjective) |
| The door remained open. | The door | remained | open (predicate adjective) |
| He stayed awake. | He | stayed | awake (predicate adjective) |
| The sky turned dark. | The sky | turned | dark (predicate adjective) |
| The story proved true. | The story | proved | true (predicate adjective) |
Usage Rules for Linking Verbs
Using linking verbs correctly involves understanding several key rules and considerations.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Like all verbs, linking verbs must agree with their subjects in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Singular: She is a teacher.
- Plural: They are teachers.
Adjectives vs. Adverbs
Because linking verbs describe the subject, they are followed by adjectives, not adverbs. Adjectives modify nouns (the subject), while adverbs modify verbs (action verbs).
- Correct: She looks happy. (happy is an adjective describing she)
- Incorrect: She looks happily. (happily is an adverb; it would be used with an action verb)
Distinguishing Sense Verbs as Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
As mentioned earlier, sense verbs can function as both linking verbs and action verbs. To determine the correct usage, consider what the verb is describing.
- Linking Verb: The soup tastes delicious. (delicious describes the soup)
- Action Verb: He tastes the soup carefully. (carefully describes how he performs the action of tasting)
If the verb connects the subject to a descriptive adjective, it’s a linking verb. If the verb describes an action, it’s an action verb and can be modified by an adverb.
Intransitive Verbs and Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are a type of intransitive verb, meaning they do not take a direct object. A direct object receives the action of the verb. Because linking verbs don’t describe an action, they cannot have a direct object. Instead, they are followed by a subject complement.
Example:
The cat is fluffy.
In this sentence, “fluffy” is a predicate adjective that describes the cat. There is no direct object receiving an action.
Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes with linking verbs. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.
Adjective-Adverb Confusion
Using an adverb instead of an adjective after a linking verb is a frequent error.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He feels badly. | He feels bad. | Badly is an adverb. Bad is an adjective describing his feeling. |
| She looks beautifully. | She looks beautiful. | Beautifully is an adverb. Beautiful is an adjective describing her appearance. |
Incorrect Verb Form
Using the wrong form of “be” or another linking verb can lead to grammatical errors.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| They is happy. | They are happy. | The plural subject “they” requires the plural verb “are.” |
| I were tired. | I was tired. | The singular subject “I” requires the singular verb “was.” |
Omitting the Linking Verb
Sometimes, learners omit the linking verb altogether, resulting in an incomplete sentence.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The sky blue. | The sky is blue. | The linking verb “is” is needed to connect the subject to the description. |
| He a doctor. | He is a doctor. | The linking verb “is” is needed to connect the subject to the identification. |
Misidentifying Linking Verbs
Confusing action verbs and linking verbs, especially with sense verbs, can lead to errors in sentence construction. It’s important to determine if the verb is describing an action or a state of being.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He smells the flower sweetly. | The flower smells sweet. | In the incorrect sentence, “smells” is used as an action verb, but “sweetly” doesn’t make sense. The correct sentence uses “smells” as a linking verb with the adjective “sweet”. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of linking verbs with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Identifying Linking Verbs
Identify the linking verb in each of the following sentences. If a sentence does not contain a linking verb, write “None.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The coffee tastes bitter. | tastes |
| 2. She ran quickly to the store. | None |
| 3. He is a talented musician. | is |
| 4. The flowers smell lovely. | smell |
| 5. They are playing in the park. | are |
| 6. It seems like a good idea. | seems |
| 7. The fabric feels smooth. | feels |
| 8. The sky turned gray. | turned |
| 9. She sings beautifully. | None |
| 10. He became a successful entrepreneur. | became |
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences with Linking Verbs
Fill in the blank with an appropriate linking verb.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The weather ______ cold today. | is |
| 2. She ______ a kind person. | seems |
| 3. The music ______ soothing. | sounds |
| 4. He ______ a doctor. | became |
| 5. They ______ happy to be here. | are |
| 6. The soup ______ salty. | tastes |
| 7. The flowers ______ fragrant. | smell |
| 8. The fabric ______ soft. | feels |
| 9. It ______ important to be kind. | is |
| 10. He ______ being difficult. | is |
Exercise 3: Correcting Errors with Linking Verbs
Identify and correct the error in each sentence. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She looks beautifully. | She looks beautiful. |
| 2. He feels badly about the situation. | He feels bad about the situation. |
| 3. They is happy. | They are happy. |
| 4. The food tastes deliciously. | The food tastes delicious. |
| 5. The sky is blue. | Correct |
| 6. He seems confidently. | He seems confident. |
| 7. The music sounds loudly. | The music sounds loud. |
| 8. I was happily. | I was happy. |
| 9. It appears clearly. | It appears clear. |
| 10. She remained calmly. | She remained calm. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, let’s delve into some more complex aspects of linking verbs.
Linking Verbs with Gerunds and Infinitives
Sometimes, the subject complement can be a gerund phrase (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun) or an infinitive phrase (to + verb). These phrases rename or describe the subject, just like other subject complements.
- Gerund Phrase: His favorite activity is reading books. (reading books renames his favorite activity)
- Infinitive Phrase: Her goal is to become a doctor. (to become a doctor renames her goal)
Linking Verbs in Complex Sentences
Linking verbs can also appear in complex sentences, where they connect the subject of a dependent clause to its complement.
Example:
Although the task seemed difficult, it proved manageable.
In this sentence, “seemed” is a linking verb within the dependent clause “Although the task seemed difficult.”
Linking Verbs and Mood
The mood of a verb (indicative, imperative, subjunctive) can affect the use of linking verbs, particularly the verb “be.” The subjunctive mood, used for expressing wishes, possibilities, or hypothetical situations, often employs “were” regardless of the subject’s number.
Example:
If I were you, I would take the job.
Here, “were” is used with the singular subject “I” in the subjunctive mood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about linking verbs.
- What is the difference between a linking verb and an action verb?
An action verb describes what the subject *does*, while a linking verb connects the subject to a description or identification. Action verbs show action, while linking verbs express a state of being.
- How can I tell if a sense verb is a linking verb or an action verb?
If the sense verb connects the subject to an adjective describing its sensory quality, it’s a linking verb. If the sense verb describes an action, it’s an action verb.
- What is a subject complement?
A subject complement is a word or group of words that renames or describes the subject of a sentence. It follows a linking verb and provides essential information about the subject’s identity or qualities. It can be a predicate nominative (noun or pronoun) or a predicate adjective.
- Why is subject-verb agreement important with linking verbs?
Subject-verb agreement ensures that the verb matches the number of the subject (singular or plural). This is crucial for grammatical correctness and clarity.
- Can a linking verb have a direct object?
No, linking verbs are intransitive and do not take a direct object. They are followed by a subject complement.
- Are all forms of “be” always linking verbs?
Yes, all forms of “be” (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) function as linking verbs when they connect the subject to a subject complement. They never describe an action.
- How can I improve my ability to identify linking verbs?
Practice identifying the subject, verb, and subject complement in sentences. Pay attention to whether the verb is describing an action or connecting the subject to a description or identification. Focus on recognizing the common linking verbs, including forms of “be,” sense verbs, and other verbs like “become,” “seem,” and “appear.”
- Can a sentence have more than one linking verb?
While uncommon, a sentence can technically have multiple linking verbs, especially in compound sentences or complex constructions. However, it’s more typical to find one primary linking verb establishing the connection between the subject and its complement.
- How do linking verbs change in different tenses?
Linking verbs change form to reflect different tenses, just like action verbs. For example, “is” becomes “was” in the past tense, and “will be” in the future tense. The tense of the linking verb indicates when the state of being or condition exists.
- What is the role of linking verbs in formal writing?
Linking verbs are essential for creating clear and precise descriptions and definitions in formal writing. They allow writers to convey
precise information about the qualities, characteristics, or states of being of their subjects, contributing to the overall clarity and accuracy of the text.
Conclusion
Mastering linking verbs is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding their definition, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can improve your writing and speaking skills. Linking verbs provide the crucial connections needed to describe, define, and express states of being, enabling you to create clear, grammatically sound, and meaningful sentences. Continue to practice identifying and using linking verbs, and you’ll find your overall command of the English language significantly enhanced.
