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

Linking verbs are an essential part of English grammar. They do not show action. Instead, they connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or identifies it. This word or phrase is called a subject complement.

Linking Verbs

Basic structure:

Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement (noun or adjective)

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

Example: The flower smells sweet.

Types of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs can be grouped based on how they describe or identify the subject. The table and explanations below provide a complete, non-redundant classification for easy reference.

Type	Linking Verbs	Example
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.

Important note: Verbs such as get, grow, or turn function as linking verbs only when they are followed by a noun or an adjective describing the subject.

Additional examples:

• The sky turned dark.
• She remains undecided.

Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs

Many verbs can function as either action verbs or linking verbs, depending on how they are used.

Verb	As Action Verb	As Linking Verb
Look	She looks at the map.	She looks happy.
Smell	He smells the soup.	The soup smells good.
Taste	I taste the cake.	The cake tastes sweet.

If you can replace the verb with a form of to be and the sentence still makes sense, the verb is acting as a linking verb.

Linking Verb Examples

• I am a doctor.
• My name is Susan.
• The sky was grey.
• Pollution has become a major problem.
• I feel awful about forgetting her birthday.
• You look tired.
• He remains undecided.
• That sounds like a good idea.
• This cake tastes good.
• His face turned pale.

Functions of Linking Verbs

Equating the Subject

Linking verbs can identify or rename the subject.

Example: She is a teacher.

Describing the Subject

Linking verbs can describe the subject’s condition or state.

Example: The weather seems nice today.

How to Identify Linking Verbs

• Check if the verb links the subject to a noun or adjective.
• See if the verb shows a state or condition, not an action.
• Try replacing the verb with a form of to be.

Last Updated on January 22, 2026