Linking Verb Examples

Core Function

A linking verb does not show action. Instead, it links or connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement—a word or phrase that renames or describes the subject. Think of it as an equal sign (=).

Formula: Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement (Noun/Pronoun/Adjective)

Categories and Examples of Linking Verbs

1. The Primary Linking Verb: "To Be"

This is the most common and purest linking verb. Its forms are: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been.

Ø  She is a talented musician. (Links to noun phrase: "a talented musician")

Ø  I am happy. (Links to adjective: "happy")

Ø  They were here. (Links to adverb of place: "here")

Ø  The problem is that we're late. (Links to noun clause: "that we're late")

2. Verbs of Sensation & Perception (Sense Verbs)

These verbs describe a state of sensing. Crucially, when used as linkers, they are followed by an adjective describing the subject, not an adverb describing the action.

• That pie smells delicious. (The pie has the quality of delicious smell.)
• The silk fabric feels smooth. (The fabric is smooth to the touch.)
• Your plan sounds perfect. (The plan seems perfect.)
• This milk tastes sour. (The milk has a sour quality.)
• You look exhausted. (You appear to be exhausted.)

⚠️ Key Distinction: Compare linking vs. action verb usage:

• Linking: "The chef tasted the soup." (Action - the chef performed the tasting.)
• Linking: "The soup tasted salty." (Linking - the soup was salty.)

3. Verbs of State or Condition (Seeming/Appearing)

These verbs indicate a state of existence or appearance.

• He seems anxious today.
• The story appeared true.
• She remained calm during the crisis.
• The book lies forgotten on the shelf.
• This document stands as our official agreement.

4. Verbs of Change or Transformation (Becoming)

These verbs link the subject to a complement that names the resulting state.

• She became a doctor.
• The leaves turn red in autumn.
• His dream came true.
• The sky grew dark.
• With practice, he got better.

How to Identify a Linking Verb: The "Replace with 'Is' or 'Are'" Test

If you can replace the verb with a form of "to be" (like is or are) and the sentence still makes logical sense, the verb is likely functioning as a linking verb.

• Original: The child looks happy.
• Test: The child is happy. ✓ (Makes sense. "Looks" is linking.)
• Original: The child looks carefully.
• Test: The child is carefully. ✗ (Doesn't make sense. Here, "looks" is an action verb modified by the adverb "carefully.")

Quick-Reference Table of Common Linking Verbs

Category	Linking Verbs	Example Sentence
State of Being	am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been	She is the leader.
Senses	look, sound, feel, taste, smell	The news sounds promising.
Seeming	seem, appear	They appear confident.
Continuation	remain, stay, keep	Please stay calm.
Change/Result	become, grow, turn, go, come, get, prove	He became famous.

Important Note: Many Verbs Can Be Either Linking OR Action

Context is everything. The verb is linking if it is followed by a subject complement (adjective/noun). It is action if it is followed by an adverb or a direct object.

Verb	Function	Example	Why?
grow	Linking	The plants grew tall.	"Tall" describes the subject (plants).
	Action	We grow vegetables.	"Vegetables" is a direct object.
feel	Linking	I feel sick.	"Sick" describes the subject (I).
	Action	The doctor felt the bone.	"The bone" is a direct object.
look	Linking	You look fantastic.	"Fantastic" describes the subject (you).
	Action	She looked quickly.	"Quickly" is an adverb modifying the action.

In summary, linking verbs are essential for describing states of being, sensory qualities, and transformations, creating a fundamental link between what something is and what it is like.