Linking Verbs in English: Definition, Rules & Easy Examples

What Are Linking Verbs and Why Do We Use Them?

English grammar is like a bridge that connects words to meaning. However, some verbs do not show action at all. Instead, they quietly connect ideas. These special verbs are called linking verbs.

In daily life, meaningfully, we use linking verbs when we:

• Describe people
• Talk about feelings
• Explain states or conditions
• Share opinions

For example, when you say “She is happy”, you are not showing an action. Rather, you are describing a feeling. Therefore, the verb is links the subject she to the word happy.

Because linking verbs are everywhere in conversations, stories, textbooks, and exams. it is essential to understand them clearly. So, in this lesson, we will explore linking verbs step by step in a simple, child-friendly, and engaging way.

Offering clear explanations, examples, rules, and practice, this lesson will help you use linking verbs with confidence.

Definition Section

Beginner Definition

A linking verb does not show action. Instead, it tells us what the subject is like.

Grammar Definition

A linking verb connects the subject to a subject complement (a noun or adjective that gives more information about the subject).

In short:
Linking verbs connect, not act.

3What Linking Verbs Do NOT Do (Very Important)

Before going deeper, let’s clear confusion.

Linking verbs do NOT:

• show action
• show movement
• answer “What is happening?”

Linking verbs DO:

• describe the subject
• rename the subject
• explain feelings or states

Because of this, linking verbs are often misunderstood. However, once this point is clear, everything becomes easier.

Types of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs fall into three main types. Let’s explore them one by one.

Type 1: Forms of BE

These are the most common linking verbs.

List:

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

Examples:

• She is smart.
• They are ready.
• The test was easy.

Type 2: Sense Linking Verbs

(When They Describe, Not Act)

These verbs relate to the five senses.

List:

• look
• feel
• taste
• smell
• sound

Examples:

• The cake tastes sweet.
• He feels tired.
• The music sounds loud.

Important:
These verbs are linking only when they describe, not when they show action.

Type 3: Change or State Verbs

These verbs show change or condition, not action.

List:

• become
• seem
• appear
• remain
• grow

Examples:

• She became a teacher.
• He seems happy.
• The weather grew cold.

Step-by-Step Understanding

Now, let’s understand how to identify linking verbs correctly.

Step 1: Find the Subject

Ask: Who or what is the sentence about?

Step 2: Look at the Verb

Ask: Does this verb show action?

Step 3: Look After the Verb

• Adjective → linking verb
• Noun → linking verb
• Verb → NOT linking

Step 4: Use the “IS Test” (Powerful Trick)

Replace the verb with is.

• If the sentence still makes sense → linking verb
• If not → action verb

Example:

• She looks happy → She is happy ✅
• She looks at me → She is at me ❌

Linking Verb vs Action Verb (Clear Comparison)

Sentence	Verb Type
She looks happy.	Linking
She looks at the sky.	Action
The soup smells good.	Linking
She smells the soup.	Action

Therefore, context decides the verb type, not the verb alone.

Examples Table (20+ Easy Sentences)

No.	Sentence	Verb
1	She is happy.	is
2	The cake tastes sweet.	tastes
3	He became a doctor.	became
4	The sky looks blue.	looks
5	I feel tired.	feel
6	They are excited.	are
7	The soup smells good.	smells
8	The test was easy.	was
9	He seems angry.	seems
10	The music sounds loud.	sounds
11	She remained calm.	remained
12	The child grew sleepy.	grew
13	The book is interesting.	is
14	The room feels cold.	feels
15	He appeared nervous.	appeared
16	The flowers smell fresh.	smell
17	The dress looks beautiful.	looks
18	I am ready.	am
19	The weather became hot.	became
20	The answer was correct.	was

Rules & Patterns

Rule 1: Linking verbs do not show action

Linking verbs never show an action like running, jumping, or eating.
Instead, they connect the subject to information that describes or explains it.

They tell us:

• What the subject is
• How the subject feels
• What the subject seems like

Examples:

• She is happy. (no action — feeling)
• The soup tastes good. (no action — description)
• He became a teacher. (no action — state)

Rule 2: Adjectives follow linking verbs

✔ She feels happy
❌ She feels happily

Rule 3: Sentence Pattern

Subject + Linking Verb + Description

Examples:

• He is kind.
• The food tastes delicious.

Rule 4: Same Verb, Different Role

• Linking → describes subject
• Action → shows action

Why Linking Verbs Matter in Real Life

Linking verbs help you:

• Describe emotions clearly
• Write better essays
• Speak naturally
• Avoid common grammar mistakes

Because exams and real conversations often test description and clarity, mastering linking verbs improves your overall English fluency.

Common Mistakes (With Fixes)

Mistake 1: Using adverbs

She feels happily.
✔ She feels happy.

Mistake 2: Thinking all verbs show action

He is running. (is = helping verb, not linking)

Mistake 3: Misjudging sense verbs

She smells the flower. (action)
The flower smells nice. (linking)

Exercises Section (20 Questions)

A. Identify the Linking Verb (5)

1. She is tired.
2. The cake tastes sweet.
3. He became angry.
4. The room feels cold.
5. The sky looks clear.

B. Fill in the Blanks (10)

6. She ___ happy.
7. The soup ___ good.
8. He ___ a teacher.
9. The music ___ loud.
10. I ___ ready.
11. They ___ excited.
12. The flowers ___ fresh.
13. The test ___ easy.
14. He ___ nervous.
15. The weather ___ cold.

C. Write Your Own Sentences (5)

16. Use is as a linking verb.
17. Use feels in a sentence.
18. Use became correctly.
19. Write a sentence with looks.
20. Write any sentence with a linking verb.

Answer Key

1. is
2. tastes
3. became
4. feels
5. looks
6. is
7. smells/tastes
8. became
9. sounds
10. am
11. are
12. smell
13. was
14. seems
15. became

Mini Quiz (10 Questions)

1. Linking verbs show action. (False)
2. “Is” can be a linking verb. (True)
3. Linking verbs connect the subject to a description. (True)
4. Adverbs follow linking verbs. (False)
5. “Feels” can be linking. (True)
6. All verbs are linking verbs. (False)
7. “Became” is a linking verb. (True)
8. Linking verbs show movement. (False)
9. “Looks happy” uses a linking verb. (True)
10. Linking verbs are common in daily English. (True)

Creative Activity: Story Builder for Kids

Write a short story using:

• 3 linking verbs
• 2 adjectives
• 1 feeling

Story Starter:

Today, the weather was warm. I felt excited, and my friend seemed happy.

Summary

Linking verbs connect, not act
They describe feelings and states
Common types: be, sense verbs, change verbs
Adjectives follow linking verbs