What is a Linking Verb?

What is a linking verb in English grammar? A linking verb is a type of verb that links or connects the subject of the sentence to its predicate (noun, pronoun or adjective). Thus, a linking verb acts as a connecting bridge between subject and predicate.

Continue to read to learn linking verb definition and its types, functions and usages with examples. This article covers:

• What is a linking verb
• Definition of linking verb
• Examples of linking verb
• Types of Linking Verbs
• Linking Vs Action Verb
• Linking Verb Vs Helping Verb
• Linking Verb Vs Stative Verb
• Linking Verb Vs Transitive Verb
• Linking Verb List 
• Linking Verb Exercises and Worksheets 

 

What is a Linking Verb?

Linking verbs are verbs that do not show an action, but rather they help the predicate rename or describe the subject of the sentence as in "he is John." or "John is handsome." 

While action verbs such as walk, jump or run indicate action, combining or linking verbs such as be, look or become add details to the subject as in "she looks gorgeous" or "he is an architect."

Linking Verb Definition 

A linking verb is a type of verb that links or connects the subject of a sentence to its predicate (which can be a noun, pronoun or an adjective). Linking verbs are contrasted with action verbs in that they're expressive of the state of the subject and that the action verbs are indicative of an action. 

Examples of Linking Verbs

a. I am a doctor.

b. It is me/I.

c. They are kind. 

Explanation:- 

In example (a), "Sofia" is the subject of the sentence; "a doctor" is the predicate noun; "is" is the linking verb which acts as the linking bridge between the two. 

In example (b), "It" is the subject of the sentence; "me/I" is the predicate pronoun; "is" is the linking verb which connects the subject to the predicate.

In example (c), "John" is the subject of the sentence; "kind" is the predicate adjective; "is" is the linking verb which links the subject with the predicate.

Also read: Different Types of Verbs

Types of Linking Verbs

1. Main linking verbs 
2. Auxiliary linking verbs

1. Main linking verbs: The linking verbs in this category express the general state of the subject of a sentence; that is, they're not time-bound. The primary or main linking verbs include:

• Become
• Grow
• Seem
• Appear
• Feel 
• Smell
• Taste
• Sound
• Prove
• Look
• Remain

2. Auxiliary linking verbs: The linking verbs under this category express the state of the subject of a sentence in present, past or future; that is, they're time-bound. The auxiliary linking verbs include:

• Am
• Is
• Are
• Was
• Were
• Be 
• Being
• Been

A Complete List of Linking Verbs

• Become
• Grow
• Seem
• Appear
• Feel 
• Smell
• Taste
• Sound
• Prove
• Look
• Remain
• Am
• Is
• Are
• Was
• Were
• Be 
• Being
• Been

Comparing Different Types of Verbs

Linking vs. Action Verb

A linking verb is a verb that links the subject of a sentence with the predicate, whereas an action verb shows the action performed by the subject.

Example of Linking Verbs:

a. She is nice.

b. John was kind.

c. It tastes good.

Examples of Action Verbs:

a. He runs fast.

b. They swim.

c. She walked.

Linking Verbs vs. Helping Verbs

A linking verb is a type of verb that connects the subject of a sentence with the predicate noun, pronoun or adjective, whereas a helping verb helps the main verb complete the sentence.

Examples of Linking Verbs:

a. She is nice.

b. John was kind.

c. It tastes good.

Examples of Helping Verbs:

a. I am eating an apple.

b. She is running fast.

c. They are playing.

Linking Verbs vs. Stative Verbs

A stative verb expresses the state of the subject of a sentence, whereas a linking verb links the subject with its predicate. Remember that many stative verbs act as linking verbs, but not all stative verbs are linking verbs.

Examples of Linking Verbs:

a. She is nice.

b. John was kind.

c. It tastes good.

Examples of Stative Verbs:

a. She seems impressed (both linking and stative)

b. I recognize John. (only stative)

c. I appreciate your efforts. (only stative)

Linking vs. Transitive Verbs

A linking verb is a verb that acts as an equal sign and connects the subject with its predicate, whereas a transitive verb is a verb that has an object.

Examples of Linking Verbs:

a. She is nice.

b. John was kind.

c. It tastes good.

Examples of Transitive Verbs:

a. He eats an apple.

b. She told him.

c. He beats them.

Linking Verbs Exercises

Use the appropriate linking verbs in the blank spaces in the following sentences.

1. He ____ a doctor.

 2. You ____ tired today.

 3. The flowers ____ blooming 

 4. She ____ happy today.

 5. You ____ stunning in the dress.

 6. I ___the youngest in my family.

 7. He _____ honest with you.

 8. We ____ parents.

 9. She ___ strong.

 10. He ___ handsome.

 

FAQs - What is a linking verb?

1.What do linking verbs do?

Ans:-  The main function of a linking verb is to link the subject of a sentence with the predicate noun, pronoun or adjective as in "you look handsome."

2.How are linking verbs used?

Ans:- Linking verbs are generally used in between the subject and the predicate nominative or predicate adjective to act as a connecting bridge between the two as in "She seems unhappy."

3.How to recognize linking verbs?

Ans:- Finding the subject complement (predicate nominative or adjective) is the fastest way to identify linking verbs. Try to identify the two basic parts of the sentence: subject and predicate. Then look which verb connects the two. The verb joining the subject and predicate is called linking verb.  

Linking Verb Definition

A linking verb joins the subject of a sentence with a subject complement; that is, a linking verb connects the noun, pronoun or adjective used in the predicate part with the subject of the sentence as in " he is handsome."

Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences

• 1. The cake is tasty.
• 2. She looks gorgeous. 
• 3. The book appears to be interesting.
• 4. The dog seems friendly.
• 5. The soap smells yummy.
• 6. The Indian olives taste sour.
• 7. She feels happy today.
• 8. The show was boring.
• 9. The sky is cloudy today.
• 10.Your ideas sound great.

MCQs- What is a linking verb?

Is "is" a linking verb?

Yes, "is" is a linking.

Is "was" a linking verb?

Yes, "was" is a linking verb.

Is "have" a linking verb?

No, "have" is not a linking.

Is "had" a linking verb?

No, "had" is not a linking.

Is "seem" a linking verb?

Yes, "seem" is a linking verb.

Is "can" a linking verb?

No, "can" is not a linking verb.

Is "were" a linking verb?

Yes, "were" is a linking verb.

Is "appears" a linking verb?

Yes, "appear" is a linking verb.

Is "has" a linking verb?

No, "has" is not a linking verb.

Is "been" a linking verb?

Yes, "bee" is a linking verb.

Is "are" a linking verb?

Yes, "are" is a linking verb.