Verbs and Linking Verbs: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Verbs are the engine of any sentence. Without them, communication becomes vague, directionless, and incomplete. 

Whether you’re crafting a novel, sending a text, or writing an academic paper, verbs play a critical role in making your message clear and dynamic. This guide will explore verbs in depth—what they are, how they function, the various types, and how linking verbs differ from other categories.

What Are Verbs?

Definition of a Verb

A verb is a word that describes an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. Verbs are one of the main parts of speech and are essential in constructing meaningful sentences. They tell us what the subject does (e.g., run, eat), what happens to the subject (e.g., breaks, explodes), or what the subject is (e.g., is, seems).

For example:

• She runs every morning.
  
• The glass broke suddenly.
  
• He is happy today.
  

Without a verb, the sentence lacks a core message or purpose.

Main Categories of Verbs

Verbs can be classified into three main categories:

1. Action Verbs: Show what the subject does.
   
2. Linking Verbs: Connect the subject to more information.
   
3. Helping Verbs: Work with main verbs to provide tense, mood, or voice.
   

Understanding these categories helps in mastering sentence structure and improving both writing and speech.

Why Verbs Are Essential in Sentences

Verbs are indispensable for several reasons:

• They convey time: Verbs change form based on tense (past, present, future).
  
• They add energy: Action verbs, in particular, bring life and movement to sentences.
  
• They show relationships: Linking verbs bridge the subject and subject complement.
  
• They support structure: Every complete sentence needs at least one verb.
  

In short, without a verb, you don’t have a sentence—you have a phrase or fragment.

Types of Verbs

Let’s break down the different kinds of verbs in detail.

Action Verbs

Definition and Examples

Action verbs express what the subject physically or mentally does. These verbs are straightforward and often appear in dynamic writing.

Examples:

• The dog barked loudly.
  
• She writes in her journal daily.
  
• They thought about the proposal.
  

Physical vs. Mental Action Verbs

Action verbs can be divided further into two subtypes:

1. Physical Action Verbs: Actions you can observe.
   
   • He jumped over the fence.
     
   • She painted the wall.
     
2. Mental Action Verbs: Actions that occur in the mind.
   
   • He believed in miracles.
     
   • They considered moving abroad.
     

Both types play a significant role in describing the nature of the subject’s activity.

Linking Verbs

Definition and Purpose

Linking verbs don’t show action. Instead, they link the subject of the sentence to additional information. They function as a bridge between the subject and a subject complement (usually a noun or adjective that describes or identifies the subject).

Common Linking Verbs:

• be (am, is, are, was, were, etc.)
  
• become
  
• seem
  

Difference Between Linking and Action Verbs

A key point of confusion arises between verbs that can be both linking and action verbs, depending on usage.

Example with action verb:

• He smells the flowers. (action – actively using his nose)
  

Example with linking verb:

• The soup smells delicious. (linking – describing the state of the soup)
  

A good test: Replace the verb with a form of “to be.” If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is likely a linking verb.

Example:

• The soup is delicious. (Makes sense → “smells” is linking here)
  

Examples in Sentences

• She is a doctor.
  
• They were tired after the journey.
  
• The movie seems interesting.
  

These examples show how linking verbs connect the subject with information that renames or describes it.

Helping (Auxiliary) Verbs

What Are Helping Verbs?

Helping verbs (also known as auxiliary verbs) do not function independently but combine with a main verb to form a verb phrase. These verbs add layers of meaning related to tense, mood, or voice.

Common helping verbs include:

• be (is, am, are, was, were, being, been)
  
• have (has, have, had)
  
• do (do, does, did)
  
• will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must
  

How They Work with Main Verbs

Helping verbs pair with main verbs to express time, possibility, necessity, or continuity.

Examples:

• She is running late. (continuous tense)
  
• They have finished their homework. (perfect tense)
  
• He does know the answer. (emphasis)
  
• We might go to the park later. (possibility)
  

These combinations are crucial for expressing complex ideas efficiently.

Additional Insights: Verbs in Practice

Let’s further explore how these verbs function in real-life contexts.

Using Verbs Effectively in Writing

1. Avoid vague verbs: Use specific action verbs for clarity and impact.
   
   • Weak: He did something to fix it.
     
   • Stronger: He repaired the leak.
     
2. Vary verb types: Combine action, linking, and helping verbs for varied and engaging sentences.
   
   • She was feeling nervous, but she walked into the room and introduced herself.
     
3. Master verb tenses: Tense consistency is vital in maintaining clarity.
   
   • Correct: He was cooking dinner when she arrived.
     
   • Incorrect: He was cooking dinner when she arrives.
     

Verb Phrase Examples

• The baby is sleeping peacefully. (helping + action)
  
• She has been working on the project. (multiple helping verbs + action verb)
  
• They seem tired after the trip. (linking verb + adjective)
  

Understanding how verbs combine and function helps writers craft grammatically sound and stylistically rich sentences.

Common Mistakes with Verbs

Even advanced speakers sometimes trip up with verbs. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors:
   
   • Wrong: They was late.
     
   • Right: They were late.
     
2. Misidentifying Linking Verbs as Action Verbs:
   
   • Wrong: She looked happily. (trying to use “looked” as action, but intended meaning is linking)
     
   • Right: She looked happy.
     
3. Tense Inconsistency:
   
   • Wrong: I wake up and brushed my teeth.
     
   • Right: I woke up and brushed my teeth.
     
4. Overusing Helping Verbs:
   
   • Weak: She does run every day.
     
   • Stronger: She runs every day. (unless emphasis is intended)

Linking Verbs in Detail: Mastering Their Use in English Grammar

Linking verbs are an often-overlooked yet essential part of English grammar. Unlike action verbs that depict clear movements or tasks, linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a description or state of being. 

Mastering them is key to writing and speaking with clarity and precision. This comprehensive guide explores what linking verbs are, how they work, and how to use them effectively.

Linking Verbs in Detail

What Is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement—either a noun or adjective—that describes or identifies it. These verbs do not show action but rather describe a state or condition of the subject.

Examples:

• She is a teacher.
  
• The cake smells delicious.
  
• They became tired.
  

In each case, the verb links the subject with additional information about it.

How Linking Verbs Function in Sentences

Linking verbs serve as grammatical bridges between the subject and words that describe or rename it. The key function is to equate or associate the subject with another element in the sentence.

For example:

• He seems upset.
  The verb “seems” connects “he” with the adjective “upset,” describing his state.
  

Linking verbs often appear in the predicate part of the sentence and never have a direct object following them—only a subject complement.

Commonly Used Linking Verbs

Linking verbs come in several varieties, and it’s helpful to understand them by grouping them into three categories:

Permanent Linking Verbs (e.g., be, become)

These verbs consistently act as linking verbs and rarely show action.

• be: is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been
  
• become: changes the subject’s state or identity
  
  • He became a doctor.
    

These verbs serve to identify or rename the subject.

Sensory Linking Verbs (e.g., feel, look, smell)

These verbs can be either linking or action verbs, depending on the sentence.

• feel → She feels tired. (linking) vs. He feels the fabric. (action)
  
• look → You look great. (linking) vs. He looked at the photo. (action)
  
• smell → The flowers smell wonderful. (linking) vs. She smelled the soup. (action)
  

When describing a condition or quality, sensory verbs act as linking verbs.

Conditional Linking Verbs (e.g., seem, appear)

These verbs express uncertainty or subjectivity and often describe how something looks or feels.

• She seems angry.
  
• It appears broken.
  

These verbs provide nuance to subjective observations or temporary conditions.

How to Use Linking Verbs Correctly

Mastering the correct use of linking verbs involves understanding the components that follow them and maintaining proper grammar rules.

Subject Complement vs. Direct Object

A common mistake is confusing a subject complement (which follows a linking verb) with a direct object (which follows an action verb).

Subject complement: Describes or renames the subject.

• The soup tastes delicious. (“delicious” = subject complement)
  

Direct object: Receives the action.

• She tasted the soup. (“soup” = direct object)
  

If the word following the verb answers “what?” or “whom?”, it’s likely a direct object—so the verb is not linking.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

Linking verbs, especially forms of “to be,” must agree in number with the subject.

Examples:

• He is smart. (singular subject → singular verb)
  
• They are ready. (plural subject → plural verb)
  

Pay attention to compound subjects and indefinite pronouns:

• Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.
  
• Everyone seems excited.
  

Matching the verb with the subject ensures grammatical consistency.

Avoiding Common Errors (e.g., adverbs as complements)

A common mistake is using an adverb where an adjective is needed. Since linking verbs connect to subject complements, you should typically follow them with adjectives—not adverbs.

Incorrect: She feels badly about the situation.
Correct: She feels bad about the situation.

Here, “feels” is linking, and we need an adjective (bad) to describe “she,” not an adverb (badly).

Linking Verb Placement in Sentence Structure

Linking verbs typically appear after the subject and before the complement. They rarely begin a sentence unless in questions or commands.

Examples:

• The dog is happy.
  
• Is she feeling okay? (inverted for a question)
  

In passive voice or certain clauses, the placement may vary, but generally, linking verbs are centrally positioned between the subject and what defines it.

How to Identify Linking Verbs

For learners, distinguishing linking verbs from other verbs can be tricky, especially when verbs like “feel” or “appear” pull double duty. Fortunately, there are some practical tests.

Substitution Test (Replacing with “is” or “are”)

One easy way to test whether a verb is linking is to replace it with a form of “to be” and see if the sentence retains its meaning.

Example:

• The cake smells amazing.
  → The cake is amazing. ✅ (Makes sense → linking verb)
  

But:

• He smelled the flowers.
  → He is the flowers. ❌ (Does not make sense → action verb)
  

This test works especially well with sensory and conditional linking verbs.

Sentence Role Analysis

Another way to identify linking verbs is by analyzing the function of the verb in the sentence.

Ask yourself:

• Is the verb describing what the subject is doing, or what the subject is?
  

If the verb is identifying or describing the subject, it’s likely a linking verb. If it’s showing a physical or mental action, it’s an action verb.

Example:

• The boy appears sleepy. (linking – describes condition)
  
• The magician appeared on stage. (action – denotes movement)
  

Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Here are some helpful strategies for new learners:

1. Memorize common linking verbs: Especially forms of “to be,” “become,” and “seem.”
   
2. Use the substitution trick: Quickly tests if the verb connects or acts.
   
3. Watch for adjectives: Linking verbs are followed by adjectives, not adverbs.
   
4. Break down the sentence: Identify the subject, verb, and complement to assess function.
   
5. Practice with pairs: Compare action vs. linking verb versions of the same word.
   

Practice Pair:

• She looks beautiful. (linking)
  
• She looked at me. (action)
  

Understanding context is key!

Mastering Linking Verbs: Usage, Confusion, and Clarity

Linking verbs are subtle but powerful elements in English grammar. They don’t show action, but they play a vital role in defining or describing the subject. 

However, some verbs blur the lines by acting as both action and linking verbs, leading to confusion among learners. This guide explores those dual-role verbs, common pitfalls, and how to master linking verbs through practice and comparison.

Words That Can Be Both Action and Linking Verbs

Examples (e.g., smell, grow, feel)

Some verbs can act as action verbs or linking verbs, depending on their context. These are often sensory or state-related verbs.

Here are common examples:

How Context Changes the Verb Function

What determines the verb’s role is how it functions in the sentence.

• If the verb describes the subject’s state or quality, it’s linking.
  
• If the verb shows an action performed by the subject, it’s action.
  

Example:

• He feels the wall for heat. (Action – physical activity)
  
• He feels cold. (Linking – describes condition)
  

Context, not just the verb itself, defines its function.

Comparison Sentences Showing Both Uses

Here are side-by-side comparisons to highlight the difference:

• Smell
  
  • The roses smell sweet. (Linking)
    
  • She smelled the roses. (Action)
    
• Grow
  
  • He grew impatient. (Linking)
    
  • The company grew rapidly. (Action)
    
• Look
  
  • You look tired. (Linking)
    
  • She looked out the window. (Action)
    

Understanding these subtle shifts will sharpen your grammar instinct over time.

Common Linking Verb Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even native speakers make errors when it comes to linking verbs. Let’s look at frequent mistakes and how to correct them.

Misidentifying Action vs. Linking Use

Mistaking one for the other changes the sentence meaning or causes a grammar error.

Wrong: He smells the fish awful. (using “smells” as action, but wrong modifier)
Correct: The fish smells awful. (linking verb with correct adjective)

Use adjectives, not adverbs, after linking verbs.

Incorrect Subject Complements

Linking verbs are followed by subject complements, not objects or adverbs.

Incorrect: She feels badly about it. (badly = adverb)
Correct: She feels bad about it. (bad = adjective complement)

Mixing Tenses Improperly

Ensure consistency in tense, especially in compound or complex sentences.

Incorrect: She was happy when he comes home.
Correct: She was happy when he came home.

Pay close attention to the tense of linking verbs like is, was, seems, etc.

Practice and Exercises

Identify the Linking Verb

Find the linking verb in each sentence:

1. The sky looks dark.
   
2. He feels sad about the news.
   
3. The soup tastes amazing.
   
4. They were teachers before retiring.
   
5. The cat became quiet.
   

Answers:

1. looks
   
2. feels
   
3. tastes
   
4. were
   
5. became
   

Convert Action Sentences to Linking Sentences

Change the action verb to a linking verb structure.

1. She touched the fabric.
   → The fabric feels soft.
   
2. He inspected the soup.
   → The soup smells strange.
   
3. They observed the sky.
   → The sky looks stormy.
   

Fill-in-the-Blank with Correct Linking Verb

Use an appropriate linking verb (is, are, was, seems, becomes):

1. She ___ nervous before her speech.
   
2. The kids ___ very excited.
   
3. He ___ a talented artist.
   
4. This room ___ cold.
   
5. The idea ___ interesting.
   

Answers:

1. becomes
   
2. are
   
3. is
   
4. feels/seems/is
   
5. seems/is
   

Linking Verbs vs. Other Verb Types: Comparison Table

Action vs. Linking

• He tastes the food. (action)
  
• The food tastes great. (linking)
  

Linking vs. Helping

• She is happy. (linking)
  
• She is running fast. (helping + main verb)
  

Quick Reference for Verb Functions

Linking Verb List

Master List by Category

Forms of “Be” (Always Linking):

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

Sensory (Contextual):

• look, feel, sound, smell, taste
  

Condition/State:

• become, seem, remain, appear, grow, stay, turn
  

With Sentence Examples

• He is a teacher.
  
• She became restless.
  
• The flowers smell sweet.
  
• You look tired.
  
• They seem happy.
  
• The soup tastes salty.
  
• The sky grew dark.
  

These verbs help convey emotion, identity, and sensory feedback without describing action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Understanding and correctly using linking verbs is essential for both clear writing and natural speech. Though they don’t express action, linking verbs serve the crucial function of connecting the subject with its identity, condition, or state. Their subtle presence forms the grammatical glue of descriptive language.

By learning how to distinguish them from action and helping verbs, practicing their correct use, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll develop a more refined and expressive command of English.

Mangesh Belekar

Belekar Sir is the founder and lead instructor at Belekar Sir’s Academy, a trusted name in English language education. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has helped thousands of students—from beginners to advanced learners—develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills. Known for his practical teaching style and deep understanding of learner needs, Belekar Sir is passionate about making English accessible and empowering for everyone. When he’s not teaching, he’s creating resources and guides to support learners on their journey to mastering spoken English.