Linking Verb: Definition, Rules, Examples

Starting your journey into English grammar can often feel like solving a complex puzzle. You might know your nouns and your action verbs, but then you encounter sentences where nothing seems to be "happening." If you have ever wondered why a sentence like "The sky is blue" functions the way it does, you are looking at the power of the linking verb. Many students struggle to differentiate between a verb that shows action and one that simply describes a state. This guide will break down the linking verb meaning, provide clear linking verb examples sentences, and help you master verbs in English grammar so you can write with confidence and clarity.

What is Linking Verb?

In the world of linking verb grammar, these words serve as a bridge. They do not express a physical or mental action. Instead, a linking verb connects the subject of the sentence to a "subject complement". This complement is usually an adjective or a noun that provides more information about the subject.

Think of it like an equals sign (=) in maths.

• The cake tastes delicious. (The cake = delicious)

• Aman is a student. (Aman = student)

In these linking verb examples, the words "tastes" and "is" aren't actions the subject is performing; they are simply linking the subject to a description or a role.

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Linking Verbs List 

Below is a categorised linking verbs list:

• Forms of to be: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been

• Sense Verbs (used as linking verbs): look, taste, smell, sound, feel

• Other Linking Verbs: become, seem, appear, grow, turn, remain, prove, stay

Linking Verb Quick Reference Chart for Review:

Linking Verb Examples Sentences

Here are examples of linking verbs used in sentences to clarify their usage:

• She is an artist.

• The music sounds pleasant.

• They were friends.

• The soup tastes salty.

• He became angry.

• The flower smells fresh.

• I feel nervous before exams.

• The child grew quiet.

• The story seems true.

• The night was dark.

Tip: Try replacing the verb with “is” or “was”. If the sentence still makes sense, it’s a linking verb.

Read More - Auxiliary Verbs: Types, Examples, and Fun Learning Tips

Difference between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs

This is a common confusion for learners. Here is the difference between the two:

• Action Verb: Shows what the subject does. (Example: She runs daily.)

• Linking Verb: Describes the subject’s state. (Example: She is tired.)

Example of Dual Use:

• Action: I smell the roses. (The physical action of smelling).

• Linking: The roses smell sweet. (This describes the state of the roses).

Linking Verbs vs Helping Verbs

Another tricky area is the difference between linking and helping verbs.

• Linking Verb: Connects the subject to a complement. (Example: He is a doctor.)

• Helping Verb: Helps the main verb form a specific tense or voice. (Example: He is reading a book.)

So, a word like is can be a linking verb or a helping verb, depending on how it is used in the sentence

How to Identify a Linking Verb

If you are unsure whether a word is acting as a linking verb or an action verb, you can use the Substitution Test.

Try replacing the verb with a form of "to be" (is, am, or are). If the sentence still makes sense and carries a similar meaning, it is a linking verb.

• Example A: The soup smells good.

• Test: The soup is good. (Makes sense? Yes. It is a linking verb.)

• Example B: The chef smells the soup.

• Test: The chef is the soup. (Makes sense? No. It is an action verb.)

Important Rules for Linking Verb Grammar

When using a linking verb, there are a few specific rules you should follow to ensure your sentences are grammatically correct.

• Adjectives, Not Adverbs: Since a linking verb describes the subject (a noun), you must follow it with an adjective, not an adverb.

• Incorrect: The flowers smell sweetly.

• Correct: The flowers smell sweet.

• Subject-Verb Agreement: The linking verb must always match the subject in number.

• Example: The players (plural) are tired.

• No Direct Objects: Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not have objects. They have complements. An object receives an action, but a complement describes the subject.

Detailed Linking Verb Examples Sentences

Seeing how these words function in context is the best way to learn. Here are several linking verb examples categorised by their function:

Using "To Be" Verbs

• I am happy today.

• The kittens were playful during the afternoon.

• She has been a doctor for ten years.

Using Sensory Verbs

• That music sounds quite loud.

• The fabric feels soft against my skin.

• The air became cold as the sun went down.

Using State of Being Verbs

• The mystery remains unsolved.

• You appear a bit tired after the long journey.

• He seems like a very kind person.

Read More - Phrasal Verbs: Definition, Types, Examples, Practice Questions

Why Are Linking Verbs Important?

Linking verbs are essential for providing detail and depth to your writing. Without them, we could only describe what people do, but we could never describe who they are or how they feel. They allow writers to define subjects and assign qualities to them, making descriptions much more vivid and accurate.

By mastering the linking verb, you move beyond simple "subject-verb-object" sentences and start creating more sophisticated observations about the world around you.

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