Understanding Linking Verbs
In an English sentence, not all verbs mean that someone is doing an action. Sometimes, we just want to explain who someone is, what their job is, or how they feel.
For example, in the sentence She is smart, there is no physical action taking place. The word is here only functions as a bridge that connects the subject (She) with its description (smart). This is what we call Linking Verbs.
What are Linking Verbs?
Linking Verbs are verbs that connect a Subject to additional information about that subject (called a Subject Complement). This additional information can be a Noun or an Adjective.
Simply put, Linking Verbs act like an equal sign (=).
- My brother is a doctor. -> My brother = a doctor.
- The soup tastes delicious. -> The soup = delicious.
List of Commonly Used Linking Verbs
The most common linking verbs are the various forms of To Be. However, there are also several other verbs that can function as linking verbs, especially those related to the five senses.
1. Forms of To Be
These are the most basic linking verbs that you must master. Their form changes depending on the Tense (time) and the Subject.
| Word | Usage / Tense |
|---|---|
| am, is, are | Present |
| was, were | Past |
| be | Base form (after modals like will, can) |
| been | Perfect form (after have/has/had) |
Sentence examples:
- I am a student.
- They were happy yesterday.
- She will be a great leader.
2. Verbs of Senses
Some sense verbs function as linking verbs when used to describe the condition of the subject, not an action performed by the subject.
| Word |
|---|
| look |
| sound |
| smell |
| taste |
| feel |
Sentence examples:
- You look tired.
- This pizza tastes amazing.
- The music sounds beautiful.
3. State of Being
These words indicate an ongoing state or a process of change.
| Word |
|---|
| seem |
| appear |
| become |
| stay |
| remain |
Sentence examples:
- He became a teacher.
- The weather remains cold.
- She seems sad today.
How to Tell Linking Verbs and Action Verbs Apart
Some words like look, smell, taste, feel can be both Linking Verbs and Action Verbs! So, how do we tell the difference?
Easy Trick: Try replacing the verb with is, am, or are. If the sentence still makes sense, then it is a Linking Verb. If the sentence becomes weird or illogical, then it is an Action Verb.
Example 1: Taste
- Sentence: The soup tastes salty.
- Try replacing: The soup is salty. (Makes sense! Soup = salty. So tastes here is a Linking Verb).
Example 2: Taste
- Sentence: The chef tastes the soup.
- Try replacing: The chef is the soup. (Doesn’t make sense! The chef is not the soup. So tastes here is an Action Verb, meaning the chef is performing the action of tasting the soup).
Conclusion: Linking verbs are essential for describing a subject. Always remember the bridge or equal sign (=) rule to ensure you are using them correctly!