Linking Verb Lesson : Definition, Usage, Identification & Examples
Lesson Overview
- What Is a Linking Verb?
- How to Identify Linking Verbs
- Difference Between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs
- Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences
- Linking Verbs Assessment
What Is a Linking Verb?
A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to more information about it. It does not show an action but describes or identifies the subject.
Linking Verb Examples:
- She is a teacher.
- The linking verb "is" connects the subject "She" to "a teacher," providing more information about her.
- The sky looks blue.
- The linking verb "looks" links "sky" to "blue," describing its appearance.
- He became a scientist.
- The linking verb "became" connects "He" to "a scientist," identifying what he turned into.
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How to Identify Linking Verbs
Follow these steps to find linking verbs in a sentence using a linking verb:
Step 1: Check if the Verb Shows Action
- Ask yourself: "Is the verb showing any action being done by the subject?"
- If yes, it is an action verb. If no, it could be a linking verb.
Example:
- The soup tastes good. (No action is happening, so tastes might be a linking verb.)
Step 2: Replace the Verb with "Am," "Is," or "Are"
- Substitute the verb with "am," "is," or "are."
- If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is a linking verb.
Example:
- The soup tastes good.
Replace "tastes" with "is": The soup is good. (This makes sense, so tastes is a linking verb.)
Step 3: Look for a Description or Identity
- Linking verbs connect the subject to a description (how something is) or an identity (what something is).
- If the verb links the subject to more information about it, it is a linking verb.
Example:
- She is a teacher.
The verb is links the subject (She) to her identity (a teacher).
Step 4: Check the Verb Against a List of Linking Verbs
- Refer to common linking verbs like am, is, are, was, were, become, seem, look, smell, taste, feel, grow, remain, appear, stay.
- If the verb is on this list and follows the above steps, it is a linking verb.
Example:
- He became a doctor.
- The verb became is on the list and connects the subject (He) to his identity (a doctor).
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Difference Between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs
| Feature | Linking Verbs | Action Verbs |
| Definition | Connects subject to a description. | Shows what the subject does. |
| Purpose | Describes state or condition. | Describes an action. |
| Example Sentence | She is happy. | She runs every morning. |
| Replaces with "Is"? | Works with "is/are" without changing meaning. | Doesn't work with "is/are." |
| Common Verbs | is, am, are, was, seem, feel | run, jump, eat, play, write |
Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences
Here are some examples of linking verbs used in sentences to describe a subject's state or condition:
- She is a talented artist.
- The soup tastes delicious.
- They are excited about the trip.
- The flowers smell fresh.
- He became a doctor after years of study.
- The sky looks clear today.
- I feel tired after the long walk.
- The child seems happy with the gift.
- It remains a mystery.
- The cake turned stale overnight.
Take This Quiz :
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Linking Verbs Assessment
Here's a short assessment to help you practice linking verbs.
Identify the Linking Verb
- The flowers smell sweet.
- She seems excited about the trip.
- My brother is a doctor.
- The soup tastes delicious.
- They were happy with the results.
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