Linking Verbs in English: Definition, Types, and Practical Examples

Linking verbs are an essential part of English grammar. Unlike action verbs, they do not describe an action. Instead, they connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that identifies or describes it. This word or phrase is called a subject complement, which is usually a noun, pronoun, or adjective.

Learning how to use linking verbs correctly will help you write more natural English sentences and avoid common grammar mistakes. In this guide, you’ll discover the different types of linking verbs, their pronunciation, usage tips, examples, common learner errors, and practice exercises.

Linking Verbs

The basic sentence pattern with a linking verb is:

The most common linking verbs are forms of to be (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being). Other linking verbs describe appearance, senses, condition, or changes in state.

Example:

• The flower smells sweet.
• She looks tired.
• The weather became cold.

If you’d like to review the basics of English verbs before studying linking verbs, see our complete guide to verbs.

Types of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs can be grouped according to the way they connect the subject with additional information. The categories below cover the most common linking verbs used in everyday English.

Type	Common Linking Verbs	Example
Forms of To Be	am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being	The sky is blue.
True Linking Verbs	seem, appear	She seems happy.
Sensory Linking Verbs	look, sound, smell, taste, feel	The soup tastes delicious.
Verbs of Becoming or Remaining	become, get, grow, turn, remain, stay, prove	He got angry.

Common Linking Verbs with IPA and Usage

The following verbs appear frequently in both spoken and written English. Learning their pronunciation and typical usage will help you recognize linking verbs more easily.

Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs

Some English verbs can function as either action verbs or linking verbs. The meaning depends on how they are used in the sentence.

Verb	As an Action Verb	As a Linking Verb
Look	She looks at the map.	She looks happy.
Smell	He smelled the soup.	The soup smells wonderful.
Taste	I tasted the cake.	The cake tastes delicious.
Feel	She felt the fabric.	The fabric feels soft.
Grow	Farmers grow vegetables.	The children grew tired.
Turn	He turned the key.	The leaves turned yellow.

Functions of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs mainly perform two important grammatical functions.

Identifying the Subject

A linking verb can identify, rename, or define the subject.

• She is a teacher.
• Tom became the team captain.
• My brother remains our family doctor.

Describing the Subject

Linking verbs can also describe the subject’s appearance, condition, feelings, or state.

• The weather seems pleasant.
• The milk smells sour.
• The baby looks sleepy.
• The room feels warm.
• The audience became silent.

Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs

One of the most common mistakes English learners make is confusing linking verbs with action verbs. Another frequent error is using an adverb after a linking verb when an adjective is required.

Using an Adverb Instead of an Adjective

After a linking verb, use an adjective because it describes the subject, not the verb.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She looks happily.	She looks happy.	Happy describes she, so an adjective is needed.
The soup tastes deliciously.	The soup tastes delicious.	Delicious describes the soup.
I feel badly.	I feel bad.	Bad describes your condition.

Confusing Linking Verbs with Action Verbs

Some verbs can be either linking verbs or action verbs. Always check whether the verb describes an action or links the subject to additional information.

Action Verb	Linking Verb
She looked at the painting.	She looked tired.
He smelled the flowers.	The flowers smelled wonderful.
I tasted the soup.	The soup tasted salty.

How to Identify Linking Verbs

Use these simple tips to decide whether a verb is functioning as a linking verb.

• Check whether the verb connects the subject to a noun or an adjective.
• Ask whether the verb describes a state, condition, appearance, or identity instead of an action.
• Replace the verb with a form of be. If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is probably a linking verb.
• Remember that verbs like look, feel, smell, taste, sound, grow, turn, and get can function as either action verbs or linking verbs depending on the sentence.

Practice Quiz: Linking Verbs

Choose the best answer for each sentence.

1. Which sentence contains a linking verb?

• The baby cried loudly.
• The baby looks sleepy.
• The baby opened the door.
• The baby kicked the ball.

2. Choose the correct sentence.

• She feels happily today.
• She feels happy today.
• She happily feels today.
• She is feeling happily.

3. Which word completes the sentence?

The leaves ______ yellow in autumn.

• turned
• turning
• turn
• turns over

4. Which sentence uses smell as an action verb?

• The soup smells delicious.
• I smelled the fresh bread.
• The flowers smell wonderful.
• The room smelled clean.

5. Which sentence uses a linking verb correctly?

• The cake tastes sweetly.
• The cake tastes sweet.
• The cake tasted the frosting.
• The cake was tasting carefully.

Answer Key

1. B — looks links the subject to the adjective sleepy.
2. B — Linking verbs are followed by adjectives, not adverbs.
3. C — turn functions as a linking verb meaning “become.”
4. B — The subject performs the action of smelling.
5. B — Sweet is an adjective describing the cake.

Last Updated on August 6, 2026