Linking Verbs: Comprehensive List and Examples

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If you’re learning English, you’ve likely come across linking verbs before. They’re an essential part of the language, used to connect the subject of a sentence to additional information. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of linking verbs, along with examples to help you understand how they work.

We’ll cover a range of linking verbs, from the most common ones like “be” and “seem,” to less common ones like “appear” and “smell.” We’ll provide you with examples of how to use these verbs in sentences, so you can get a better understanding of how they work. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will help you improve your knowledge of English grammar.

Linking Verbs

Understanding Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are a type of verb that connects the subject of a sentence to an adjective, noun, or pronoun. They are different from action verbs, which show an action that the subject is doing. Understanding linking verbs is essential for anyone who wants to improve their English writing and speaking skills. In this section, we will cover the basics of linking verbs, including their definition, examples, and how to use them correctly.

Definition of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are verbs that do not show an action but rather describe the subject. They are also known as copular verbs. While verbs like walk or jump represent an action, linking verbs like be or seem add more details to the subject, such as “he seems nice” or “she is an architect.” Other examples of linking verbs include appear, become, feel, look, remain, smell, sound, and taste.

Examples of Linking Verbs

Here are some examples of sentences that use linking verbs:

• She looks happy.
• The cake smells delicious.
• The flowers in the garden are beautiful.
• The soup tastes salty.
• The weather seems cold.

In these sentences, the linking verbs (looks, smells, are, tastes, seems) connect the subject (she, cake, flowers, soup, weather) to an adjective (happy, delicious, beautiful, salty, cold) that describes it.

Using Linking Verbs Correctly

Using linking verbs correctly is essential for clear and effective communication. Here are some tips for using linking verbs correctly:

• Use linking verbs to connect the subject to a complement (an adjective, noun, or pronoun) that describes it.
• Do not use linking verbs to show an action. Use action verbs for that purpose.
• Pay attention to the tense of the linking verb. Is it in the present, past, or future tense?
• Use the correct form of the linking verb depending on the subject. For example, use “am” with “I” and “is” with “he,” “she,” or “it.”

By following these tips, you can use linking verbs effectively and improve your English writing and speaking skills.

The Importance of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are an essential part of English grammar. They help to connect the subject of a sentence to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective, which provides additional information about the subject. Without linking verbs, sentences would be incomplete and lacking in detail.

Linking verbs are also important because they help to clarify the meaning of a sentence. By linking the subject to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective, linking verbs provide context and help to convey the intended message. For example, consider the sentence “She looks happy.” The linking verb “looks” connects the subject “she” to the predicate adjective “happy,” which tells us about her emotional state.

Another reason why linking verbs are important is that they help to create sentence variety. By using different linking verbs, we can convey different meanings and add interest to our writing. For example, instead of saying “The cake is delicious,” we could say “The cake tastes delicious,” which adds more detail and creates a more vivid image in the reader’s mind.

Here are some common linking verbs in English:

It’s important to note that not all verbs can be linking verbs. Action verbs, for example, do not connect the subject to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective. Instead, they show what the subject is doing. For example, in the sentence “She runs fast,” the verb “runs” is an action verb that tells us what she is doing.

In conclusion, linking verbs are an important part of English grammar. They help to connect the subject of a sentence to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective, clarify the meaning of a sentence, create sentence variety, and add interest to our writing. By understanding and using linking verbs correctly, we can improve our communication skills and become better writers.

List of Common Linking Verbs

If you’re learning English, understanding linking verbs is essential. They connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes it. Here are some of the most common linking verbs in English:

These are just a few examples of common linking verbs. Remember that linking verbs do not show action but rather connect the subject to a description.

It’s also important to note that some verbs can be both linking and action verbs, depending on the context. For example, “feel” can be a linking verb in the sentence “I feel happy” but an action verb in the sentence “I feel the soft blanket.”

In addition, some verbs can function as both linking and helping verbs. For example, “appear” can be a linking verb in the sentence “She appears happy” but a helping verb in the sentence “She appears to be happy.”

By understanding the different types of linking verbs and how they function in a sentence, you can improve your English grammar skills and communicate more effectively.

Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences

Now that we have covered the definition of linking verbs, let’s take a look at some examples of how they are used in sentences.

The most common linking verb is “to be” in all its forms, such as “is,” “was,” “am,” and more. However, there are many other linking verbs that can be used to connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement. Here are some examples:

• I am happy to see you.
• The book seems old.
• This room became messy.
• The cake smells delicious.
• The flowers look beautiful.
• The music sounds soothing.
• The soup tastes salty.
• The dog feels soft.
• The party seems fun.

As you can see from these examples, linking verbs are used to describe a condition or state of being rather than a specific action. They are often followed by a subject complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject.

It is important to note that not every verb is a linking verb. Action verbs, for example, describe a specific action that the subject of the sentence is performing. Here are some examples of action verbs:

• She ran to the store.
• He played basketball with his friends.
• They sang a song together.
• I wrote a letter to my grandmother.

In these examples, the verbs “ran,” “played,” “sang,” and “wrote” are all action verbs because they describe a specific action that the subject is performing.

In summary, linking verbs are an important part of English grammar that are used to connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement. They are not part of action verb phrases and are used to describe a condition or state of being. By understanding how linking verbs are used in sentences, you can improve your overall understanding of English grammar.

Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs

Linking verbs and action verbs are two types of verbs in English grammar. Understanding the difference between them is essential for effective communication. In this section, we will define action verbs and linking verbs, explore their differences and similarities, and provide examples to help you understand them better.

Defining Action Verbs

Action verbs are verbs that describe an action or physical activity. They are used to show what someone or something is doing. Action verbs can be transitive or intransitive. Transitive verbs require an object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not.

Examples of action verbs include:

• run
• jump
• swim
• eat
• write

Differences and Similarities

Linking verbs, on the other hand, are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective. They do not show any action or physical activity. Instead, they describe or identify the subject.

Examples of linking verbs include:

• be
• seem
• appear
• become
• feel

One similarity between linking verbs and action verbs is that both can be used to make a sentence. However, the difference lies in the function they serve in the sentence. While action verbs show what someone or something is doing, linking verbs describe or identify the subject.

Another difference between linking verbs and action verbs is the type of complement that follows them. Action verbs are often followed by a direct object, while linking verbs are followed by a predicate nominative or predicate adjective.

Examples

Let’s look at some examples to help you understand the difference between linking verbs and action verbs.

• Action verb: Sarah is eating a sandwich.
• Linking verb: Sarah is hungry.

In the first sentence, the action verb “eating” shows what Sarah is doing, while in the second sentence, the linking verb “is” connects the subject “Sarah” to the predicate adjective “hungry.”

• Action verb: The dog chased the cat.
• Linking verb: The dog seems happy.

In the first sentence, the action verb “chased” shows what the dog is doing, while in the second sentence, the linking verb “seems” connects the subject “dog” to the predicate adjective “happy.”

In conclusion, understanding the difference between linking verbs and action verbs is crucial for effective communication. While action verbs show what someone or something is doing, linking verbs describe or identify the subject. By using the right verb in the right context, you can convey your message more accurately and effectively.

Linking Verbs in Different Tenses

Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, adjective, or pronoun that describes or identifies it. They do not show any action but rather describe a state of being or condition. Here, we will discuss linking verbs in different tenses.

Present Tense

In the present tense, the most commonly used linking verb is “am,” “is,” or “are.” These verbs connect the subject to a noun or adjective that describes it in the present.

Examples:

• I am happy.
• She is beautiful.
• They are tall.

Past Tense

In the past tense, the linking verb “was” or “were” is used to connect the subject to a noun or adjective that describes it in the past.

Examples:

• I was tired yesterday.
• He was a great athlete in college.
• They were excited about the trip.

Future Tense

In the future tense, the linking verb “will be” is used to connect the subject to a noun or adjective that describes it in the future.

Examples:

• I will be busy tomorrow.
• She will be a doctor someday.
• They will be happy to see you.

It is important to note that some linking verbs, such as “become,” “seem,” and “appear,” can be used in different tenses to describe a change or transformation in the subject.

Examples:

• She became a teacher last year.
• He seemed nervous during the interview.
• They appeared surprised by the news.

In conclusion, linking verbs are an essential part of English grammar. They help to connect the subject to a descriptive word or phrase, and they can be used in different tenses to describe a state of being or condition. By understanding the different tenses in which linking verbs can be used, you can improve your English writing and communication skills.

Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are essential in English grammar, but they can be tricky to use correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using linking verbs:

Mistake #1: Using Action Verbs Instead of Linking Verbs

One mistake people make when using linking verbs is using action verbs instead. Remember, linking verbs are used to connect the subject of the sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or identifies that subject. They do not show an action. For example:

• Incorrect: She feels tired.
• Correct: She is tired.

In the first sentence, “feels” is an action verb and does not connect the subject to a noun or adjective. In the second sentence, “is” is a linking verb that connects the subject “she” to the adjective “tired.”

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Linking Verb

Another common mistake is using the wrong linking verb. Different linking verbs convey different meanings. For example:

• Incorrect: The soup tastes spicy.
• Correct: The soup is spicy.

In the first sentence, “tastes” is a linking verb that relates to the sense of taste. However, it does not connect the subject “soup” to the adjective “spicy.” In the second sentence, “is” is the correct linking verb to use.

Mistake #3: Using Adverbs Instead of Adjectives

Linking verbs are used to connect the subject to an adjective, not an adverb. For example:

• Incorrect: He looks happily.
• Correct: He looks happy.

In the first sentence, “happily” is an adverb that modifies the verb “looks.” However, it does not connect the subject “he” to an adjective. In the second sentence, “happy” is the correct adjective to use.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Use a Linking Verb

Finally, one common mistake is forgetting to use a linking verb altogether. For example:

• Incorrect: The sky blue.
• Correct: The sky is blue.

In the first sentence, there is no linking verb connecting the subject “sky” to the adjective “blue.” In the second sentence, “is” is the correct linking verb to use.

Remember, linking verbs are essential in English grammar, and using them correctly can make your writing clearer and more concise. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your use of linking verbs and become a better writer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, linking verbs are an essential part of the English language. They connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject.

Throughout this article, we have covered the definition of linking verbs, examples of linking verbs, and how to identify them in a sentence. We have also learned that linking verbs do not show action, but instead, they show a state of being or a relationship between two things.

It is important to note that not all verbs can be linking verbs. Some verbs can be either linking or action verbs, depending on how they are used in a sentence. For example, the verb “smell” can be an action verb when it describes the act of smelling something, but it can also be a linking verb when it describes a state of being, such as “The flowers smell lovely.”

Here is a table of common linking verbs:

Remember, linking verbs are an important part of English grammar, and understanding how to use them correctly can help improve your writing and communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of linking verbs in English grammar?

Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to a word that describes or identifies it. Some examples of linking verbs include “be,” “seem,” “appear,” “become,” “feel,” “look,” “smell,” and “taste.” These verbs do not show action but instead link the subject to the complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective.

Can you provide a list of common linking verbs?

The most common linking verb is “be” in all its forms, such as “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” and “were.” Other common linking verbs include “seem,” “appear,” “become,” “feel,” “look,” “smell,” and “taste.”

How many linking verbs are there in English?

There are about 20 linking verbs in English grammar. However, this number can vary depending on how you define linking verbs.

What is the difference between a linking verb and an action verb?

The main difference between a linking verb and an action verb is that a linking verb links the subject of a sentence to a word that describes or identifies it, while an action verb shows an action or something that the subject of the sentence is doing.

What are some sentences that use linking verbs?

• The flowers smell sweet.
• She seems happy today.
• The cake tastes delicious.
• The sky looks blue today.
• The book appears interesting.

Are there any irregular linking verbs in English?

Yes, there are a few irregular linking verbs in English, such as “become,” “grow,” and “turn.” These verbs do not follow the usual pattern of adding “-ed” or “-ing” to form their past and present participles. Instead, they have irregular forms, such as “became,” “grown,” and “turned.”

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