Linking Verb- Simple Definition and Easy Examples

A linking verb joins the subject to a word that tells more about it. It does not show action. It only shows a state or how something is. Examples are is, am, are, seem, look, and feel. These verbs are common in daily English. They help you make short and clear sentences.

Learning a linking verb is important for new English learners. When you learn it well, you can describe people and things in a simple way. This guide will show you what a linking verb is, how it works, and how to use it.

What Is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb is a verb that joins the subject to more information about it. It does not show action or movement. Instead, it connects the subject to a word that tells what it is or how it feels.

You can think of it like a bridge. It links the subject to a description or an identity.

Basic Pattern

Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement

The subject complement gives extra meaning. It can be:

• a noun → tells what the subject is

• an adjective → tells how the subject looks, feels, or seems

Examples

• She is a nurse.
  “A nurse” is a noun that identifies her.

• The soup smells good.
  “Good” is an adjective that describes the soup.

• They are excited.
  “Excited” shows how they feel.

In all these sentences, the verb does not show action.
You cannot “is,” “are,” or “smell good.”
The verb only connects the subject to the information that describes it.

Why Linking Verbs Matter

Linking verbs help you talk about:

• identity → He is my friend.
• appearance → She looks tired.
• condition → The water feels cold.
• change → He became worried.
• state → The room stays quiet.

They help you make sentences that explain what something is or how someone feels. This is useful for both speaking and writing.

Common Linking Verbs

The most common linking verb is “be.”
Forms include:

• is
• am
• are
• was
• were
• has been
• will be

Other linking verbs include

• seem
• appear
• look
• feel
• smell
• sound
• taste
• grow
• remain
• stay
• become
• turn

Some of these verbs can act as action verbs in other situations. You will learn the difference later.

How Linking Verbs Work in a Sentence

Linking verbs follow a simple pattern, but their role is important. They connect the subject to a word or phrase that describes or identifies it.

1. Linking Verb + Predicate Noun

A predicate noun renames the subject. It tells who or what the subject is.

Examples:

• My sister is a doctor.
• This town became a city in 1990.
• The winner was John.

In each example, the verb links the subject to a noun that defines it.

2. Linking Verb + Predicate Adjective

A predicate adjective describes the subject. It tells how the subject looks, feels, or seems.

Examples:

• The weather feels warm today.
• Her voice sounds soft.
• He seems confident.

These sentences describe a condition, not an action.

3. Linking Verbs Show State, Not Action

This is the most important idea. Linking verbs show what something is, not what something does.

Examples:

• The cake tastes sweet. → describes the cake.
• She tasted the cake. → shows action.

Both use the verb “taste,” but only the first is a linking verb.

4. Linking Verbs Make Clear and Simple Sentences

This is helpful for beginners. You can express ideas easily with linking verbs.

Examples:

• I am happy.
• She is smart.
• We were tired.
• It looks clean.

Each sentence is short, clear, and easy to understand.

5. The Subject Complement Completes the Meaning

Without the subject complement, the sentence may feel incomplete.

Example:

• The movie is… (not complete)
• The movie is funny. (complete)

The linking verb needs a complement to give full meaning.

Common Linking Verbs List

Linking verbs appear in many everyday sentences. Some linking verbs always act as linking verbs, while others can act as both linking verbs and action verbs. Below is a simple list to help beginners understand them clearly.

1. Forms of “Be” (Always Linking Verbs)

These are the most common linking verbs:

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

These verbs always link the subject to more information.

Examples:

• She is ready.
• They were friends.
• I am happy today.

Here, each verb links the subject to a description or identity.

2. Sensory Linking Verbs

These verbs describe how something feels, looks, smells, sounds, or tastes.

• look
• feel
• smell
• taste
• sound
• appear

These verbs act as linking verbs when they describe the subject.

Examples:

• The flowers smell fresh.
• He looks confident.
• The drink tastes sweet.

But remember, they can also show action. You will see the difference soon.

3. Conditional or Change-of-State Linking Verbs

These verbs show a change or a new state.

• become
• seem
• grow
• remain
• stay
• get
• go
• turn
• fall
• prove

These verbs link the subject to a new condition.

Examples:

• He became nervous.
• The sky turned dark.
• The children grew tired.

Again, the verb shows no action. It only shows a change in state.

Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs

Many verbs can be both linking or action verbs depending on how they are used. This is where many beginners get confused. The key is understanding whether the verb shows action or description.

1. Linking Verbs Describe the Subject

Linking verbs tell us what the subject is or how it feels.

Examples:

• She looks happy.
• The soup smells delicious.
• He feels sick.

In these sentences, the verbs describe the subject, not an action.

2. Action Verbs Show Movement or Activity

Action verbs tell us what the subject does.

Examples:

• She looks at the board.
• He smelled the flowers.
• They tasted the food.

In these sentences, the verbs show real actions.

3. The “Is/Was Test”

This simple test helps you know whether a verb is linking or action.

Try replacing the verb with “is” or “was.”

If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is a linking verb.

Example 1:

• Original: The pizza smells nice.
• Test: The pizza is nice. ✔
  This works → “smells” is a linking verb.

Example 2:

• Original: She smelled the pizza.
• Test: She is the pizza. ✘
  This does not work → “smelled” is an action verb.

Beginners find this test very helpful.

Rules for Using Linking Verbs

Linking verbs follow easy rules. When you learn these rules, your writing becomes clearer and more correct.

Rule 1: Use Adjectives After Linking Verbs (Not Adverbs)

Adjectives describe nouns. Linking verbs describe the subject, so we must use adjectives.

Incorrect:

• She looks beautifully.

Correct:

• She looks beautiful.

Incorrect:

• The food tastes strongly.

Correct:

• The food tastes strong.

Adverbs describe action verbs, not linking verbs.

Rule 2: Keep Subject–Verb Agreement

The linking verb must match the subject.

Examples:

• He is tall.
• They are tall.
• The problem was serious.
• The students were excited.

Always check if the subject is singular or plural.

Rule 3: Some Verbs Change Meaning

Certain verbs can be linking or action verbs depending on the sentence.

Here are common examples:

Look

• Linking: You look happy.
• Action: You look for your keys.

Feel

• Linking: I feel tired.
• Action: I feel the fabric.

Grow

• Linking: He grew angry.
• Action: The plants grew fast.

Turn

• Linking: The leaves turned yellow.
• Action: She turned the knob.

Look at the verb and decide whether it shows action or condition.

Rule 4: Linking Verbs Need a Subject Complement

Without the complement, the sentence feels unfinished.

Incorrect:

• The movie is.

Correct:

• The movie is interesting.

The complement completes the meaning.

How to Identify a Linking Verb

Identifying linking verbs becomes easy when you follow a few simple steps.

Step 1: Ask “Is This Verb Showing Action?”

If the verb shows movement or activity, it is an action verb.

Examples of action verbs:
run, jump, write, swim, shout, eat

If no action is happening, the verb might be a linking verb.

Step 2: Look for a Subject Complement

Check if the word after the verb describes or identifies the subject.

Example:

• The baby feels warm. → “warm” describes the baby.

If there is a description, the verb is linking.

Step 3: Try the “Be Verb Replacement” Test

Replace the verb with is or was.

If the sentence still makes sense, it is a linking verb.

Example:

• The room grew quiet.
• Test: The room was quiet. ✔
  This works → “grew” is a linking verb.

Step 4: Check for Change of State

If the verb shows a change in condition, it is likely a linking verb.

Examples:

• He became upset.
• The sky turned gray.
• She got angry.

These verbs do not show action. They show a new state.

Step 5: Remember the List

With practice, you will recognize linking verbs naturally.

Key linking verbs:
be, seem, appear, look, feel, sound, taste, become, grow, remain, stay, get, go, fall, prove, turn

Use the list as a guide whenever you feel unsure.

Linking Verb Examples in Sentences

Linking verbs help you describe people, things, feelings, and situations. Below are simple examples that beginners can understand easily. These examples show how linking verbs connect the subject to a description or identity.

Examples with Predicate Adjectives

Predicate adjectives describe how the subject looks, feels, or seems.

• The soup smells delicious.
• He feels tired after work.
• The sky looks bright today.
• The kids are excited.
• The dress appears beautiful.
• My dog seems calm now.
• His voice sounded soft.
• The water tastes fresh.
• The room became quiet.
• The story is interesting.

In each sentence, the verb links the subject to a describing word.

Examples with Predicate Nouns

Predicate nouns tell us who or what the subject is.

• She is a teacher.
• John became the leader.
• This building is a hospital.
• My brother is a student.
• The winner was Maria.
• The doctor is my friend.
• He became a hero.
• Chocolate is my favorite dessert.
• The capital is a large city.
• The best player is Alex.

Here, the linking verb connects the subject to a noun that identifies it.

Examples Showing Change of State

These verbs show a new condition or change.

• The leaves turned yellow.
• He grew angry.
• The baby got sleepy.
• The weather became cold.
• The room fell silent.

These verbs do not show action. They show a change in state.

Examples Showing Appearance or Feeling

• She looks worried.
• The cake smells wonderful.
• This song sounds familiar.
• The towel feels dry.
• He seems unsure.

These sentences help describe how something appears or feels.

Linking Verb Practice Exercises

These exercises help you check your understanding. Answers are included below.

Exercise 1: Identify the Linking Verb

Find the linking verb in each sentence.

1. The movie was funny.
2. She looks tired today.
3. The milk tastes sour.
4. He became a pilot.
5. They are ready for class.
6. The weather feels warm.
7. My friend is a dancer.
8. The sky grew dark.
9. The baby seems happy.
10. His plan proved helpful.

Exercise 2: Write the correct complement

Fill in the blank with an adjective or noun.

1. The soup smells ________.
2. My brother is a ________.
3. The children became ________.
4. Her idea was ________.
5. The flowers look ________.

Exercise 3: Is the verb linking or action?

Write L for linking verb or A for action verb.

1. He looked at the clock.
2. The dress looks pretty.
3. She tasted the juice.
4. The juice tastes sweet.
5. They grew tomatoes.
6. They grew tired.
7. She smelled the flowers.
8. The flowers smell fresh.

Exercise Answers

Answers to Exercise 1

1. was
2. looks
3. tastes
4. became
5. are
6. feels
7. is
8. grew
9. seems
10. proved

Answers to Exercise 2

(Answers may vary)

1. The soup smells good / delicious / fresh.
2. My brother is a student / doctor / chef.
3. The children became excited / tired / noisy.
4. Her idea was smart / creative / helpful.
5. The flowers look beautiful / bright / fresh.

Answers to Exercise 3

1. A
2. L
3. A
4. L
5. A
6. L
7. A
8. L

Linking Verb FAQs 

1. What is a linking verb in simple words?

A linking verb connects the subject to words that describe it. It does not show action. Examples include is, are, seem, and look.

2. What is a linking verb example?

An easy example is: She is happy.
Here, is links “she” to “happy.”

3. What are the 20 common linking verbs?

is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being, seem, become, appear, look, feel, smell, taste, sound, grow, remain, stay, turn.

4. Are there only 23 linking verbs?

There is no fixed number. Most lists include around 20–30 linking verbs depending on how they are grouped.

5. Are “be” verbs always linking verbs?

Yes. All forms of “be” always act as linking verbs.

6. Is “like” a linking verb?

No. “Like” is a regular verb that shows preference, not a linking verb.

7. Is “can” a linking verb?

No. “Can” is a modal auxiliary verb. It shows ability or possibility.

8. How do I know if a verb is a linking verb?

Use the “is/was test.”
If the verb can be replaced with is or was, and the sentence still makes sense, it is a linking verb.

9. What is the difference between linking verbs and helping verbs?

A linking verb connects the subject to information.
A helping verb supports the main verb.
Example: She is running. → “is” is a helping verb here.

10. Can linking verbs show feelings?

Yes. Verbs like feel, seem, and look show feelings or appearance in the form of description, not action.

Conclusion

Linking verbs are simple, but they are also important in English. They do not show action. They only describe or identify the subject. They help you make clear sentences about people, things, and feelings. Some common linking verbs are is, are, look, feel, and seem. You can use them with predicate nouns and predicate adjectives to share ideas in a clear and easy way.

When you understand linking verbs, your sentences sound smoother and more natural. You can talk about identity, appearance, and emotion with confidence. The examples, exercises, and rules in this guide give you everything you need to start using linking verbs the right way.