Linking Verbs

Introduction

In this chapter, we will learn about linking verbs. Linking verbs are important because they connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject. Understanding linking verbs helps us describe the states or conditions of the subject.

What Are Linking Verbs?

Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject, typically using forms of “to be” (like am, is, are, was, were) or verbs that relate to the senses (like feel, look, smell, sound, taste). They essentially describe the subject’s state or condition without showing any action. For example, in the sentence “She seems happy,” “seems” is the linking verb connecting “she” to “happy,” describing her state.

Key Points

• Do Not Show Action: Linking verbs connect the subject to additional information about the subject.
• Provide More Information: The extra information can describe or identify the subject.
• Commonly Forms of “To Be”: Many linking verbs are forms of “to be” and verbs related to the senses or states.

Examples

• To Be: am, is, are, was, were
• Senses: look, sound, feel, taste, smell
• States of Being: seem, become, appear

List of Common Linking Verbs

Here are some common linking verbs:

Examples of Linking Verbs in a Sentence

Each of these sentences uses linking verbs. You’ll see that each verb connects the subject to additional information about the subject.

Examples:

• She is a teacher.
• He seems tired.
• They became friends.
• The sky appears blue.
• She feels happy.
• The cake looks delicious.
• The music sounds wonderful.
• The soup tastes good.
• The flower smells sweet.
• He remained calm during the storm.

Practice

Let’s practice identifying linking verbs! Find the linking verbs in each sentence below.

1. The soup tastes amazing.
2. He is my best friend.
3. She seems worried about the test.
4. The sky looks cloudy today.
5. They became very successful.
6. The music sounds too loud.
7. He feels confident about his decision.
8. The flowers smell beautiful.
9. She remained silent during the meeting.
10. The room appears empty.

Answers:

1. Tastes
2. Is
3. Seems
4. Looks
5. Became
6. Sounds
7. Feels
8. Smell
9. Remained
10. Appears

Conclusion

Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about the subject. They do not show action but help us describe states or conditions. By understanding and using linking verbs, we can communicate more effectively about the qualities and states of the subject.