Linking Verbs: Definition, Examples & Practice Worksheet

What is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb, also known as a copular verb, acts as a connecting device in a sentence. These verbs are put into a sentence to connect the subject with an adjective, noun, or pronoun. It helps to clarify the meaning of the verb. Above all, they can also be recognised as connecting verbs. Let's understand it with the help of an example.

For example

• Ronit is Happy.

Here in this statement, the verb "is" links the subject "Ronit" to the adjective "happy". Look how linking verbs are used without even showing an action. They simply exist to clarify the state of the subject.

Definition of Linking Verbs

Various famous dictionaries have defined a linking verb, which simplifies its meaning for learners to understand.

• According to the Oxford Learner's Dictionary, any verb such as 'be' or 'become' that connects a subject with an adjective or noun that describes it.
• According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, linking verbs are simply intransitive verbs that connect a subject with a word or words in the predicate.
• As described by the Cambridge Dictionary, a linking verb is a normal verb that connects the qualities of an object or person to that object or person.

Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences

With the help of examples, your understanding of the topic will be greatly enhanced. Here are some common linking verb examples in sentences to enhance your knowledge about the topic.

• The Dog is Dirty.

The linking verb "is" connects the subject "Dog" to the adjective "dirty".

• The sky is pink.

The linking verb "is" connects the subject "sky" to the adjective "pink".

• He became a professional cricketer.

The linking verb "became" connects the subject "He" to the noun "cricketer".

• They are cousins.

The linking verb "are" connects the subject "they" to the noun "cousins".

• The music sounds great, filling the room with lively vibes.

The linking verb "sounds" connects the subject "music" to the adjective "great".

• The flowers appear faded.

The linking verb "appear" connects the subject "flowers" to the adjective "faded".

Linking Verbs List with Examples

Till now, you have understood the basic meaning of linking verb in English grammar with the help of their examples. However, there is a long list of these verbs, used in certain contexts.

1. Be-Form Linking Verbs with Examples

The most commonly used and basic linking verbs are all forms of "be".

The table below can help you understand better.

2. Sensory Linking Verbs with Examples

Sensory verbs, in simple terms, are the verbs that are related to the five senses and act as linking verbs.

Examples of the sensory linking verbs include-

3. Conditional Linking Verbs with Examples

Conditional linking verbs are simply verbs that express a state of being or a condition that rely upon a particular circumstance.

 Examples of the Conditional linking verbs include-

How to Use Linking Verbs in Sentences?

Using linking verbs in a sentence is a crucial part of language as it connect the subject with an adjective, noun, or pronoun. In simple terms, a subject complement is a word or a phrase that recognises and defines the subject.

In English grammar, there are two main types of subject complements:

1. Predicate Nominatives: Otherwise known as predicate nouns, they identify the subject with the use of a noun or noun phrase.

• For Example: My father is an engineer.

2. Predicate Adjectives: These are subject complements when the words defining the subject are adjectives or adjective phrases.

• For Example: Ronit was awake but still sleepy when the sun came up.

The linking verbs examples above tell how you use them in sentences. Start with identifying the subject, pick the linking verb, and use a suitable subject complement.

Rules for Using Linking Verbs

Every element in English grammar comes with certain rules or guidelines that you should keep in mind while using it. Let's examine the rules of linking verbs to gain a deeper understanding of their use.

• Subject-Verb Agreement: When you use a linking verb, make sure to stick with subject-verb agreement. It is the rule that these verbs must agree in number and person with the subject of the sentence.
• Avoid using adverbs as the subject complement: We all know that adverbs, while defining the verbs, use the same way that adjectives use to describe the nouns. However, it is vital to understand that subject complements are used to describe the subject, which is a noun, so using an adjective in place of an adverb is useful.

How to Identify Linking Verbs?

There is a wide list of linking verbs used in English grammar. However, many of us get confused about how to identify these verbs. No worries, we will help you learn how to identify a linking verb.

1. Understand the function of linking verbs; they do not express any action. Instead, they show a state of being or link the subject to additional information.

2. One of the most effective ways to recognise the linking verb in a sentence is to replace the verb with "is" or "are". In this case, if your sentence sounds correct, then the verb is a linking verb.

For example:

• The food tasted delicious. 
• The food is delicious.
• The flower smells sweet
• The flower is sweet

In these examples of linking verbs, you can clearly see that the meaning of the sentences does not change when the verb is replaced by 'is'. So, verbs 'tasted' and 'smells' are linking verbs.

3. One useful way to identify whether the verb is linking or not is to look for a subject complement in a sentence, because a subject complement always follows these verbs.

These are some of the ways that are useful and accurate in identifying connecting verbs. 

Linking Verb Worksheet

Now that you have learned the linking verb meaning and how to use them with their examples, it’s time to check your understanding of the topic. So, go ahead and solve the following worksheets for your practice.

Practice Exercise 1 -  Identifying Linking Verbs

In this exercise, you have been given some sentences; your task is to read each sentence thoroughly and rewrite it while underlining the linking verb.

1. After the long trip, the mountains looked even more beautiful than I had imagined.
2. Despite the heavy rain, the streets were surprisingly empty this morning.
3. He felt completely surprised when he saw the shocking news.
4. As the meeting progressed, the board room grew increasingly worried and quiet.
5. After the operation, his health remained steady, though his recovery was slow.
6. His explanation of the new project was clear, and everyone understood the idea.
7. The air in the room felt thick with tension after the argument between the two managers.
8. The hill was crowded with tourists during the summer festival, so it was hard to find a perfect spot.
9. The cake she baked for the competition was absolutely delicious and moist.
10. The old house seems to be haunted as strange noises can be heard at night.

Answers for Exercise 1

1. After the long trip, the mountains looked even more beautiful than I had imagined.
2. Despite the heavy rain, the streets were surprisingly empty this morning.
3. He felt completely surprised when he saw the shocking news.
4. As the meeting progressed, the board room grew increasingly worried and quiet.
5. After the operation, his health remained steady, though his recovery was slow.
6. His explanation of the new project was clear, and everyone understood the idea.
7. The air in the room felt thick with tension after the argument between the two managers.
8. The hill was crowded with tourists during the summer festival, so it was hard to find a perfect spot.
9. The cake she baked for the competition was absolutely delicious and moist.
10. The old house seems to be haunted as strange noises can be heard at night.

Practice Exercise 2 - Use Suitable Linking Verbs in the Sentences

In this exercise, you have been given a list of linking verbs which you have to use to complete the given sentences.

1. Despite all their hard work, the team ________not able to secure a victory in the championship.
2. Her dress ________absolutely fabulous, shining in the light as she entered the hall.
3. After a long day at work, I ________too tired to do anything else.
4. After hearing the unexpected news, her face ________pale, and she sat down in shock.
5. Despite the heavy rain, the rally ________on, with people cheering and waving along the streets.
6. The music at the concert ________too loud, making it difficult to have a conversation.
7. The restaurant ________always busy, especially on weekends when people line up outside.
8. The room ________silent as everyone waited for the results of the contest.
9. After several hours of hard work, the group ________pleased with the progress they had made on the project.
10. After all the discussions, the decision to postpone the event ________necessary for everyone’s convenience.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. Despite all their hard work, the team were not able to secure a victory in the championship.
2. Her dress looked absolutely fabulous, shining in the light as she entered the hall.
3. After a long day at work, I am too tired to do anything else.
4. After hearing the unexpected news, her face turned pale, and she sat down in shock.
5. Despite the heavy rain, the rally stayed on, with people cheering and waving along the streets.
6. The music at the concert sounded too loud, making it difficult to have a conversation.
7. The restaurant is always busy, especially on weekends when people line up outside.
8. The room was silent as everyone waited for the results of the contest.
9. After several hours of hard work, the group was pleased with the progress they had made on the project.
10. After all the discussions, the decision to postpone the event was necessary for everyone’s convenience.

Final Thoughts: Linking Verbs

To sum up, linking verbs, while being used in a sentence, don't show any action, yet they add value. Understanding these verbs can be confusing at first, but they can be easily incorporated into a sentence later on. In this blog, we provide a detailed explanation of linking verbs, including their definitions, rules, and examples. You've completed the practice worksheet; it likely helped strengthen your understanding. Still need support on your learning journey? Feel free to reach out to our experts—it's absolutely free.

FAQs

1. What is a linking verb and examples?

A linking verb, in simple terms, is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase, which describes or recognises it, instead of displaying an action. Some of the common examples of linking verbs include forms of the word "be" (is, am, are, was, were). Further verbs like seem, appear, become, grow, and sound are also examples of linking verbs.

2. What are the 12 most common linking verbs?

The most common linking verbs in English Grammar include:

1. be
2. become
3. seem
4. appear
5. feel
6. look
7. sound
8. taste
9. smell
10. grow
11. stay
12. turn

3. How do you use linking verbs?

The use of a linking verb is to connect the subject of a sentence with the extra information available, instead of displaying the action. They describe the state of being, a sense, or a condition.

4. How do you identify linking verbs?

There are many linking verbs which are used in sentences as main verbs. However, identifying the linking verb is to replace the linking verb with the verb in the sentence. If the newly formed sentence is sound and makes sense, then the verb is a linking verb.

5. Are there only 23 linking verbs?

No, there are not only 23 linking verbs; some lists only show 20 to 23 linking verbs. However, the term "linking verb" contains a long list of verbs that connect the sentence's subject to a noun or adjective.