Linking Verb: Meaning, Uses, Examples, and Common Mistakes

A linking verb is an important part of English grammar. It connects the subject of a sentence with a word or phrase that describes, identifies, or provides more information about the subject. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not usually express an action performed by the subject. Instead, they show a relationship between the subject and its complement.

Common linking verbs include forms of be, as well as become, seem, appear, look, feel, sound, smell, and taste. However, some of these verbs can perform different grammatical functions depending on their meaning and context.

Understanding linking verbs can help learners recognize sentence structures, use adjectives correctly, and avoid common mistakes when describing people, things, and states in English.

What Is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement. The subject complement provides information about the subject by describing it, identifying it, or indicating a state related to it. For a more detailed explanation of linking verbs and their grammatical function, see the Cambridge Dictionary definition of linking verb. 

The basic structure is:

For example: The weather is cold.

Here, is connects the subject the weather with cold, which describes the subject. The word cold is not the object of the verb. Instead, it functions as a subject complement.

Forms of be, including am, is, are, was, were, be, been, and being, are the most familiar linking verbs. Other verbs can also function as linking verbs when they connect the subject with a subject complement.

This structure is also known as a copular construction, and “linking verb” is particularly common in explanations for English learners.

Linking Verbs vs. Ordinary Verbs

The main difference lies in the function of the verb within the sentence. This structure connects the subject with a subject complement, whereas an ordinary verb generally expresses an action, event, or activity.

Verbs such as run, write, open, and play commonly express actions. In contrast, be, seem, become, and feel can connect the subject with information that describes or identifies it.

However, the same verb can have different functions in different sentences. Therefore, learners should consider the meaning and structure of the entire sentence instead of classifying a verb based only on its dictionary form.

For a broader overview of English verbs and their main types, see our guide to [verbs in English]. 

Common Linking Verbs in English

Several groups of verbs can function as linking verbs. Learning them by category can make them easier to recognize, but it is important to remember that some of these verbs have other functions as well.

Forms of Be

Forms of be are the most common linking verbs:

am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been

They can connect the subject with an adjective, noun, noun phrase, or another subject complement that provides information about the subject.

Because forms of be are used in many different grammatical structures, their function should still be considered within the context of the sentence.

Linking Verbs That Show a Change of State

Some verbs can express a change from one state or condition to another. When they connect the subject with its new state or characteristic, they can function as linking verbs.

Common examples include: become, get, grow, turn, go, come

These verbs do not always function as linking verbs. Their role depends on their meaning and the structure of the sentence.

Linking Verbs Related to the Senses and Appearance

Several verbs related to the senses, appearance, or perception can function as linking verbs:

look, feel, smell, taste, sound, seem, appear

Other verbs, such as remain and stay, can also connect the subject with a particular state or condition.

This group can be confusing because many of these verbs can also function as ordinary verbs. Their role should therefore be determined from the context rather than from a memorized list alone.

What Comes After a Linking Verb?

A linking verb is followed by a subject complement, which provides information about the subject. Subject complements can take different forms, but adjective phrases and noun phrases are among the most common structures learners encounter.

Adjective After a Linking Verb

An adjective can follow a linking verb to describe the subject.

The basic structure is:

For example: The flowers smell wonderful.

Here, smell functions as a linking verb, while wonderful describes the flowers.

Adjectives are commonly used after linking verbs such as be, seem, become, look, feel, sound, smell, and taste when these verbs function as linking verbs.

This is why learners should not automatically use an adverb simply because the preceding word is a verb. When the word following the verb describes the subject, an adjective is generally used.

Noun or Noun Phrase as a Subject Complement

A linking verb can also be followed by a noun or noun phrase that identifies or renames the subject.

This pattern is particularly common with forms of be and verbs such as become.

In this structure, the noun or noun phrase is not a direct object. Instead, it provides information about the identity, role, or category of the subject.

A subject complement can take other forms as well, but adjective phrases and noun phrases are among the most common patterns for learners to recognize.

How to Identify a Linking Verb

Identifying this type of verb becomes easier when you focus on its function rather than simply memorizing a list of verbs.

Look at the Relationship Between the Subject and the Following Element

First, determine whether the word or phrase following the verb describes or identifies the subject.

If the verb connects the subject with that description or identification, it is functioning as a linking verb.

This approach is more reliable than relying only on memorized lists because some verbs can perform different grammatical functions.

Consider the Meaning of the Verb in Context

Context is particularly important with verbs such as look, feel, smell, taste, sound, get, and grow.

For example, look can describe someone’s appearance when used as a linking verb, but it can also refer to the action of directing one’s eyes toward something. These uses have different meanings and grammatical functions.

The same principle applies to sensory verbs. Taste, for instance, can describe the quality of something or refer to the action of experiencing its flavor.

Therefore, learners should always consider the meaning and structure of the entire sentence before deciding whether a verb is functioning as a linking verb.

Use “Be” as a Supporting Test

In some cases, learners can use an appropriate form of be as a quick learning aid. If the following word or phrase clearly describes the subject, this may help identify a linking relationship.

However, this is not an absolute grammar rule. Some linking verbs, such as become, remain, and seem, express meanings that cannot simply be replaced by be without changing the meaning of the sentence.

The most reliable approach is to examine the relationship between the subject, the verb, and the complement in the complete sentence.

Linking Verbs and Stative Verbs: Are They the Same?

Linking verbs and stative verbs are related concepts, but they are not the same grammatical category.

A linking verb is primarily identified by its grammatical function, while a stative verb is primarily identified by the type of meaning it expresses.

What Is a Stative Verb?

A stative verb describes a state rather than a physical action or event. Stative verbs commonly express:

• thoughts and opinions
• feelings and emotions
• possession
• relationships
• knowledge and understanding
• needs and preferences
• conditions or states

Common stative verbs include know, believe, understand, like, love, own, need, and want.

Many stative verbs have restrictions or preferences when used with continuous tenses, although their behavior can vary according to the meaning and context.

How Are Linking Verbs Different from Stative Verbs?

The main difference is the basis of classification.

A linking verb describes what a verb does grammatically in a sentence. It connects the subject with a subject complement.

A stative verb describes the type of state or situation expressed by the verb. It may express feelings, thoughts, possession, relationships, or other states.

Because these categories are based on different criteria, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. A verb can have a stative meaning while also functioning as a linking verb in a particular structure.

Understanding this distinction is more useful than trying to place every English verb into only one category.

Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs

Assuming Every Linking Verb Has Only One Function

One common mistake is memorizing a list of linking verbs and assuming that every occurrence of those verbs is a linking verb.

Verbs such as look, feel, taste, smell, and sound can perform different functions depending on the context. Their grammatical role should therefore be determined from how they are used in a particular sentence.

Confusing Adjectives with Adverbs

Another common mistake is assuming that an adverb should always follow a verb.

When a linking verb connects the subject with a description, the word describing the subject is generally an adjective. Learners should determine whether the word modifies an action or describes the subject before choosing between an adjective and an adverb.

Treating Linking Verbs and Stative Verbs as the Same

Linking verbs and stative verbs are not interchangeable terms.

A linking verb refers to a grammatical function, whereas a stative verb refers primarily to the meaning expressed by the verb. Some verbs may have characteristics of both categories, depending on how they are used.

Linking Verb Exercises with Answers

Identify whether the verb in each sentence functions as a linking verb.

1. The sky became dark before the storm.
2. She looks tired after the long journey.
3. The children played in the garden.
4. The cake smells delicious.
5. He opened the window.
6. The leaves turned yellow in autumn.
7. They remained calm during the discussion.
8. The chef tasted the soup carefully.
9. The room feels cold.
10. She owns a small apartment.

Answers

1. became — linking verb
2. looks — linking verb
3. played — ordinary verb
4. smells — linking verb
5. opened — ordinary verb
6. turned — linking verb
7. remained — linking verb
8. tasted — ordinary verb
9. feels — linking verb
10. owns — stative verb, not a linking verb

These exercises show why context is essential when identifying linking verbs. A verb should not be classified based only on whether it appears on a list of potential linking verbs.

Conclusion

A linking verb connects a subject with information that describes or identifies it. Forms of be are the most common examples, while verbs such as become, seem, look, feel, and sound can also function as linking verbs depending on the context.

Remember that a verb may have different functions in different sentences, so always consider its meaning and structure when identifying a linking verb.

Frequently Asked Questions About Linking Verbs

Does a Linking Verb Take an Object?

A linking verb does not normally take a direct object in the same way as a transitive action verb. Instead, it is generally followed by a subject complement that describes or identifies the subject.

Can the Same Verb Be Both a Linking Verb and an Ordinary Verb?

Yes. Verbs such as look, feel, taste, smell, and sound can function as linking verbs in some sentences and as ordinary verbs in others. Their function depends on their meaning and grammatical structure in context.

Can Linking Verbs Be Used in Continuous Tenses?

Some linking verbs can appear in continuous forms when they have a dynamic meaning, but they are generally not used in continuous forms when they express a state. The correct form depends on the specific verb and its meaning in the sentence.

Keywords:

• linking verb
• linking verb and stative verb