Linking Verbs: A Complete Guide with Examples

A clear linking verb definition describes them as English verbs that connect the subject to its complement to provide more information about the subject. Following the linking verb, the subject complement offers more information about the topic. It can be:

• a predicate noun that renames the subject
• a predicate adjective that indicates a quality of the subject

Examples:

Linking verbs form a bridge between the subject and its identity or condition.

Linking verbs may be classified according to their nature in describing the state of the subject. By grouping linking verbs, the entire structure seems well-organized rather than randomly thrown together.

1. State of being verbs

At the heart of English grammar sits a small but powerful set of state of being verbs. They do not suggest movement or activity. Their job is simple and steady: connect the subject to what it is.

Sentences with such verbs always seem to be equations in themselves, as if making a statement of identity or condition without implying any action at all.

2. Verbs of sensory perception

Words become more descriptive if they can mimic our senses. Such verbs refer to descriptions of appearance, feel or sound.

A helpful test for determining whether a verb is a linking verb is to substitute one of the forms of the verb be in the sentence.

3. Verbs of change or becoming

Many linking verbs possess an element of movement from one state to another, similar to a subtle transformation taking place within the sentence itself.

In every group of linking verbs, the function is the same. In each case, the verb links the subject to a subject complement — an identifier of either noun or adjective form.

How to use linking verbs correctly is less a matter of memorization than of observation. Not all linking verbs function alike. Some linking verbs are dependable, maintaining their link role no matter what; while others change functions according to usage. Categorizing them by their function will help identify their roles within sentences.

The fundamental link verbs are the verbs of being. They are included in this category: am, is, are, was, were, be, being and been. Notice how these work behind the scenes to ground meaning:

Each sentence resembles an etched statement, where the verb only connects the subject to its state or identity.

Sensory linking verbs

There are also other verbs that add depth and perception. Linking verbs show how the thing looks to the senses. Verbs for senses are feel, look, smell, taste and sound.

Here are some examples:

Every verb associates the subject with a certain attribute. Replace it with is, and the sentence would still be grammatically sound: The mountain range is impressive.

Conditional linking verbs

Such verbs may transform their roles based on the sentence. They can connect the subject with an attribute in one sentence but describe action in the next. Verbs such as become, get, grow, turn, remain and stay belong to this class of verbs. Take note of how their meanings change:

Now compare:

Taken together, these verbs offer a range of possibilities. Some always serve as connectors, while others depend on context. Despite these differences, they all share the same role: linking the subject to a complement.

Action and linking verbs have similar vocabularies, making their distinctions difficult at times. The key to their differences lies in how the verb operates within the sentence.

The action verbs describe what the subject is doing. The linking verbs are used to connect a subject with its complement.

Here are the differences side by side:

There are certain verbs that change their behavior in accordance with the circumstances. Look, feel, smell, grow, and turn are some of the words whose use varies according to the situation. One should focus on whatever comes after these verbs; if the latter explains what the verb describes about the subject, it’s a link verb, but if it indicates an activity, it’s an action verb.

Phrasal verbs with look exhibit a similar pattern in which the meaning is reshaped by additional words. Instead of serving as a linking verb in these forms, look is a component of an action.

After some practice, the identification of the verb becomes almost automatic.

Linking verbs always follow the same simple formula: linking verb + subject complement. The complement can be a noun (predicate nominal) that renames the subject or an adjective (predicate adjective) that describes it.

Errors generally occur when this rule is violated, specifically if an adverb gets inserted into the pattern. Compare the following linking verb sentences:

In each of the correctly formed sentences, you’ll notice that it’s the adjective that modifies the subject, while in the incorrectly constructed sentences, the adjectives fail to make sense, as there’s no action being performed.

Adjectives vs. adverbs (The “feel bad” vs “feel badly” rule)

A slight alteration in structure may radically alter the interpretation of the sentence.

In the first case, bad refers to an emotional state. In the second, badly suggests a physical limitation in the sense of touch.

This dichotomy recurs in more elaborate settings:

Adjectives follow linking verbs since they provide a description of the subject. Adverbs accompany action verbs since they offer a description of what is happening. With such familiarity, one finds the decision easy, and sentences come together with much greater ease.

Linking verbs are small yet vital elements of English grammar rules. If they were stripped from writing, description would fall apart; subjects would not have attributes, states would not exist, and people would have no identities. But they are not action-oriented. The ability to recognize what the verb is actually doing within the context of a sentence is critical to understanding them.

Knowledge aids that recognition, and over time, even the smallest of grammar details begin to add up. It’s often the case that those simple, unspectacular words are what distinguish clarity from approximation.