Linking Verbs: Definition, Example

ElevatEd
English
November 8, 2024

Linking verbs are a fascinating part of English grammar that helps us describe and identify the subject of a sentence without showing any action. Let’s dive into what linking verbs are, their definition, and some examples to make it all clear.

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What is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject. Unlike action verbs, which show what the subject is doing, linking verbs describe the subject’s state of being or condition.

A linking verb (also known as a copular verb) is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject).

Examples and Explanation

Example: She is a teacher.
- Breakdown:
  - She (subject)
  - is (linking verb)
  - a teacher (subject complement)
- Explanation: The verb “is” links the subject “she” to the complement “a teacher,” describing her profession.
Example: The soup tastes
- Breakdown:
  - The soup (subject)
  - tastes (linking verb)
  - delicious (subject complement)
- Explanation: The verb “tastes” connects the subject “the soup” to the adjective “delicious,” describing its flavor.
Example: He seems
- Breakdown:
  - He (subject)
  - seems (linking verb)
  - happy (subject complement)
- Explanation: The verb “seems” links the subject “he” to the adjective “happy,” describing his emotional state.

Why Linking Verbs are Important?

Linking verbs are essential because they help us provide more information about the subject without showing any action. They are used to describe the subject’s identity, condition, or state of being, making our sentences more descriptive and informative.

More Examples

Example: The sky looks blue.
- Breakdown:
  - The sky (subject)
  - looks (linking verb)
  - blue (subject complement)
- Explanation: The verb “looks” connects the subject “the sky” to the adjective “blue,” describing its color.
Example: This cake smells amazing.
- Breakdown:
  - This cake (subject)
  - smells (linking verb)
  - amazing (subject complement)
- Explanation: The verb “smells” links the subject “this cake” to the adjective “amazing,” describing its aroma.

Types of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are essential for connecting the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject. They come in different types, each serving a unique purpose. Let’s explore these types with examples and explanations to make it all clear.

1. State of Being Linking Verbs

These verbs express a state of existence or condition. The most common state of being verbs is forms of “to be.”

Examples:

Is: She is a doctor.
- Explanation: “Is” links the subject “she” to the complement “a doctor,” describing her profession.
Are: They are happy.
- Explanation: “Are” connects the subject “they” to the adjective “happy,” describing their emotional state.

2. Sensory Linking Verbs

This verb relates to the senses and describes how the subject feels, looks sounds, tastes, or smells.

Examples:

Feels: The pillow feels soft.
- Explanation: “Feels” links the subject “the pillow” to the adjective “soft,” describing its texture.
Looks: The sky looks clear.
- Explanation: “Looks” connects the subject “the sky” to the adjective “clear,” describing its appearance.

3. Resulting Linking Verbs

These verbs indicate a change or result in the subject’s state or condition.

Examples:

Become: He became a teacher.
- Explanation: “Became” links the subject “he” to the complement “a teacher,” indicating a change in his profession.
Grow: She grew tired.
- Explanation: “Grew” connects the subject “she” to the adjective “tired,” indicating a change in her state.

4. Seeming Linking Verbs

These verbs describe how the subject appears or seems to be.

Examples:

Seems: He seems upset.
- Explanation: “Seems” links the subject “he” to the adjective “upset,” describing his apparent emotional state.
Appears: The situation appears complicated.
- Explanation: “Appears” connects the subject “the situation” to the adjective “complicated,” describing its perceived complexity.

Difference between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs

Linking verbs and action verbs serve different purposes in sentences. Let’s explore their differences with definitions and examples to make it clear.

Linking Verbs

Definition: Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject. They do not show action but rather describe a state of being or condition.

Examples:

She is a teacher.
- Explanation: “Is” is the linking verb connecting the subject “she” to the complement “a teacher,” describing her profession.
The soup tastes delicious.
- Explanation: “Tastes” is the linking verb connecting the subject “the soup” to the adjective “delicious,” describing its flavor.

Action Verbs

Definition: Action verbs describe what the subject of the sentence is doing. They express physical or mental actions.

Examples:

She runs every morning.
- Explanation: “Runs” is the action verb showing the physical activity that the subject “she” performs.
He thinks about the problem.
- Explanation: “Thinks” is the action verb showing the mental activity of the subject “he.”

Key Differences

Function:
- Linking Verbs: Connect the subject to a state or condition (e.g., “She is happy”).
- Action Verbs: Show what the subject is doing (e.g., “She runs”).
Examples:
- Linking Verbs: Is, are, was, were, seem, become, feel, taste, look.
- Action Verbs: Run, jump, eat, think, write, sing, and dance.
Usage:
- Linking Verbs: Used to describe the subject’s state or condition.
- Action Verbs: Used to describe the subject’s actions.

Linking verbs and action verbs play different roles in sentences. Linking verbs describe the subject’s state or condition, while action verbs show what the subject is doing. Understanding these differences helps in constructing clear and meaningful sentences.