What Are Linking Verbs? Definition, Uses, and Examples

Have you ever read a sentence like “She is happy” or “The soup smells delicious” and wondered what the verb is actually doing? These verbs don’t show action; instead, they connect ideas. Such verbs are called linking verbs. In this guide, you will learn what linking verbs are, how to use them correctly, common mistakes to avoid, and practice exercises to test your understanding.

Table of Contents

• What Are Linking Verbs?
• How to Use Linking Verbs in Sentences
• Common Linking Verbs in English
• Examples of Linking Verbs
• Linking Verbs vs Action Verbs
• Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs
• Linking Verbs Exercises with Answers

What Are Linking Verbs?

Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about it. Instead of showing action, they describe the state, condition, or identity of the subject. In simple words, a linking verb tells us what the subject is or how it feels, not what it does.

For example:

• She is happy.

• The sky looks blue.

• They are friends.

In these sentences, the verbs do not show any action. Instead, they link the subject (she, sky, they) to additional information (happy, blue, friends). The most common linking verb is “to be”, which includes am, is, are, was, and were. Other verbs such as seem, become, feel, and appear can also act as linking verbs when they describe the subject.

How to Use Linking Verbs in Sentences

A linking verb connects the subject to a word or phrase that gives more information about it, such as a description or identity.

Basic Structure: Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement

A linking verb can be used:

• To connect the subject with more information

• Example: She is kind.

• Example: Rahul is a doctor.

• To show the condition or state of the subject

• Example: The baby seems sleepy.

• Example: The water feels cold.
  
  

Common Linking Verbs in English

Linking verbs can be grouped based on what they describe. They show the state of being, senses, or changes in the subject instead of action.”

1. Verbs that Show the State of Being:

• Am

• is/are

• was/were

• Been

• Being 

2. Verbs that Describe the Five Senses

• Appear

• Look

• Smell

• Feel

• Sound

• Taste

3. Verbs that Show Change, Growth, or Condition

• Become

• Grow

• Turn

• Remain

• Stay

• Seem

• Get

• Prove

• Act
   

Examples of Linking Verbs

Here are some examples of how linking verbs are used in sentences:

• The weather looks quite pleasant this morning.

• The cake tastes amazing.

• Riya appears very confident during the presentation.

• Arjun and Meera stayed good friends even after moving to different cities.

• The baby sounds happy after his nap.

• Rahul is the captain of the school cricket team.
  
  

Linking Verbs vs Action Verbs

Verbs are an important part of a sentence, but not all verbs show action. Some verbs show what the subject does, while others simply connect the subject to more information. The table below shows  the difference between linking verbs and action verbs 

Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs

Students often get confused while using linking verbs. Here are some frequent errors to avoid:

• Replacing linking verbs with action verbs
  Incorrect: He run happy.
  Correct: He feels happy.

• Mixing up helping verbs and linking verbs
  Verbs like have and do are not typically used as linking verbs
  Incorrect: She has tired.
  Correct: She is tired.

• Ignoring the context of the verb
  Some verbs change meaning depending on how they are used.

• Linking: He looks tired. (describes condition)

• Action: He looks at me. (shows action)

 

Linking Verbs Exercises with Answers

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate linking verbs

1. The flowers ______ beautiful in the garden.

2. She ______ very excited about the trip.

3. The soup ______ delicious.

4. They ______ happy after winning the match.

5. The baby ______ sleepy.

Answers:

1. are

2. is

3. tastes

4. were

5. seems

Find the linking verb in the given sentences

1. The cake smells wonderful.

2. She is a doctor.

3. They seem nervous before the exam.

4. The sky looks cloudy today.

5. He became a famous writer.

Answers:

1. smells

2. is

3. seem

4. looks

5. became