What linking verbs are and why they matter
Examples of linking verbs include common be forms such as is, am, are, was, and were, as well as sensory and linking verbs like seem, become, remain, look, feel, sound, and taste. These verbs connect the subject to a subject complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not show physical or mental activity; instead, they signal a state of being, identity, condition, or quality. Understanding this helps you write clearer sentences, edit more precisely, and avoid common problems such as comma splices or weak predicates.
Core definition and grammatical role
A linking verb links the subject to additional information about the subject without indicating action. The most familiar examples of linking verbs are forms of be, but other verbs function as linkers when they connect the subject to a complement. In grammar, the subject complement can be a predicate noun (a noun that follows the verb and renames the subject) or a predicate adjective (an adjective that follows the verb and describes the subject). Because these verbs carry meaning about condition, identity, or quality rather than motion or action, they are central to clear, accurate sentence structure.
Predicate nouns and predicate adjectives
A predicate noun follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject, while a predicate adjective follows a linking verb and describes the subject. For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” the verb is links sky to the adjective blue, which functions as a predicate adjective. In “He became a manager,” the verb became links He to the noun manager, which is a predicate noun. These structures are fundamental to English syntax and appear consistently in both spoken and written language.
Common examples of linking verbs
Below are reliable examples of linking verbs that you can use as quick reference when editing or crafting sentences. The primary verb groups include forms of be and verbs that commonly function as linkers in descriptive contexts.
| Verb group | Examples | Typical role in linking |
|---|---|---|
| Forms of be | am, is, are, was, were, being, been | Connect subject to noun or adjective complement |
| Sense and perception verbs | look, sound, smell, taste, feel | Link subject to a quality or state described by an adjective |
| State and change verbs | become, remain, seem, appear, grow, turn, stay | Connect subject to a new identity, condition, or ongoing state |
How to identify linking verbs in a sentence
To determine whether a verb is acting as a linker, you can use a simple test: substitute a form of be and see if the sentence still makes sense. If you can replace the verb with is, are, or was and the meaning remains clear, the verb is likely a linker. For example, in “The soup smells hot,” replacing smells with is produces “The soup is hot,” which preserves the intended description, confirming that smells is functioning as a linking verb in this context. After linking verbs, you will typically find a noun, pronoun, or adjective rather than an adverb, which helps distinguish them from action verbs.
Linking verbs versus action verbs
One of the most important distinctions in verb usage is between linking verbs and action verbs. Action verbs express physical or mental activity, such as run, think, write, or jump, whereas linking verbs describe a state of being or condition. Consider “She runs quickly" versus “She seems tired.” In the first sentence, runs is an action verb showing what she does; in the second, seems is a linking verb connecting she to the adjective tired. Recognizing this difference supports more precise word choice and stronger sentence structure in both editing and original writing.
Common missteps and how to avoid them
Writers sometimes misidentify action verbs as linkers, especially when descriptive words follow the verb. For instance, in “The flowers bloom beautifully,” the verb bloom is an action verb, not a linking verb, because it expresses an action rather than a state of being, and beautifully is an adverb modifying that action. Conversely, using a comma to separate a subject complement when it is a predicate noun or adjective can create a comma splice if the structure is not correct. To avoid these issues, use the be substitution test, check whether the following word is describing or renaming the subject, and confirm that punctuation aligns with the clause type. When in doubt, consulting a usage guide or a style resource can clarify edge cases.
Practical applications in editing and writing
Examples of linking verbs are most relevant when you are editing for clarity, concision, and grammatical correctness. In academic and professional writing, accurate verb choice helps readers quickly grasp relationships between ideas and descriptions. In content and marketing copy, strong verbs—whether action or linking—support rhythm and readability. Understanding how linkers function allows you to diagnose vague predicates, refine sentence architecture, and improve overall coherence. For editors, pointing out weak or overused be verbs can prompt more dynamic phrasing, while preserving the intended meaning and descriptive nuance.
Key takeaways on linking verbs
- Linking verbs connect the subject to a complement that describes or renames it, rather than showing action.
- Common examples of linking verbs include be forms (is, am, are, was, were) and verbs such as become, remain, seem, look, feel, sound, and taste.
- Predicate nouns rename the subject, and predicate adjectives describe it; both follow linking verbs.
- You can test for linking verbs by substituting a form of be and checking whether the sentence still conveys a clear state of being or description.
- Distinguishing linking verbs from action verbs leads to more precise syntax and stronger sentence-level editing.