What Are Linking Verbs?
Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, such as a state of being or a condition, rather than showing an action.
Common linking verbs include "is," "am," "are," "was," and "were." These verbs are essential for describing what the subject is, appears to be, or becomes.
Understanding Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are verbs that do not show action. Instead, they connect the subject to more information about the subject. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs describe a state of being or condition.
Common examples include:
is
am
are
was
were
be
being
been
Linking verbs are essential for constructing sentences that describe the subject’s state or identity.
How Linking Verbs Work
Linking verbs serve as a bridge between the subject and the subject's complement. They help describe the subject's condition or state.
For example:
She is a teacher.
The sky was clear.
They are happy.
In these sentences, the linking verbs is, was, and are connect the subject to an adjective or noun that provides more information about the subject.
Linking verbs express states of being, such as feelings, characteristics, or conditions. They are used to describe what the subject is, was, will be, appears, seems, becomes, feels, looks, smells, tastes, and sounds.
For example:
The soup tastes good.
He became a doctor.
She appears tired.
Identifying Linking Verbs
Identifying linking verbs can be straightforward. One method is to replace the verb with a form of "be" (is, am, are, was, were). If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is likely a linking verb.
For instance:
The soup tastes good. (The soup is good.)
He became a doctor. (He is a doctor.)
Verbs that can function as both linking and action verbs include:
appear
seem
become
grow
look
feel
For example:
Action: She looked at the stars.
Linking: She looked tired.
Practice and Application
Practice identifying and using linking verbs with the following sentences:
The flowers smell fresh.
She feels tired.
The cake looks delicious.
To correct common mistakes, ensure that the verb used accurately reflects the subject's state of being. Avoid confusing linking verbs with action verbs.
For example:
Incorrect: He is running fast.
Correct: He runs fast.
Here are some more practice exercises:
Identify the linking verb:
The soup smells amazing.
She seems happy.
He was a great leader.
Replace the verb with a form of "be" to test if it is a linking verb:
The sky looks clear. (The sky is clear.)
She grew tired. (She is tired.)