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:

1. She is a teacher.
   • The linking verb "is" connects the subject "She" to "a teacher," providing more information about her.
2. The sky looks blue.
   • The linking verb "looks" links "sky" to "blue," describing its appearance.
3. He became a scientist.

The linking verb "became" connects "He" to "a scientist," identifying what he turned into.

Take This Quiz :

Linking Verbs MCQ Test Quiz: Trivia!

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).

Take This Quiz :

Linking Verbs MCQ: Exam! Quiz

Difference Between Linking Verbs and Action Verbs

Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences

Here are some examples of linking verbs used in sentences to describe a subject's state or condition:

1. She is a talented artist.
2. The soup tastes delicious.
3. They are excited about the trip.
4. The flowers smell fresh.
5. He became a doctor after years of study.
6. The sky looks clear today.
7. I feel tired after the long walk.
8. The child seems happy with the gift.
9. It remains a mystery.

The cake turned stale overnight.

Take This Quiz :

Linking and Action Verbs: Grammar Trivia Quiz

Linking Verbs Assessment

Here's a short assessment to help you practice linking verbs.

Identify the Linking Verb

1. The flowers smell sweet.
2. She seems excited about the trip.
3. My brother is a doctor.
4. The soup tastes delicious.
5. They were happy with the results.