Linking Verbs: Rules, Uses, and Common Mistakes

Linking verbs are essential in English grammar because they connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about it. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not show action but describe a state of being or condition.In this article, you will learn the rules, explanations, examples, common mistakes, and exercises to master linking verbs.

What Are Linking Verbs?

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject to a complement (a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject). It does not express action but serves as a bridge between the subject and additional information.

✅ Example:

• She is a doctor. (The verb "is" links "She" to "a doctor.")

• The soup smells delicious. (The verb "smells" links "The soup" to "delicious.")

Common Linking Verbs

The most common linking verbs include:

1. Forms of "Be"

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

✅ Example: The weather is beautiful today.

2. Verbs Related to the Senses

• look, sound, smell, taste, feel, appear, seem

✅ Example: The cake tastes delicious.

3. Verbs Showing a State or Condition

• become, remain, grow, stay, turn, prove

✅ Example: He became a successful writer.

How to Identify a Linking Verb

A simple way to check if a verb is linking is to replace it with "is" or "are". If the sentence still makes sense, it's a linking verb.

✅ Example:

• She looks tired. → She is tired. (Correct ✅)

• He runs fast. → He is fast. (Incorrect ❌ because "runs" is an action verb.)

Rules for Using Linking Verbs

1. Linking Verbs Must Be Followed by a Complement

A linking verb is not followed by an object but by a subject complement (a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes the subject).

✅ Example:

• She is a teacher. (Noun complement: "a teacher")

• The sky looks blue. (Adjective complement: "blue")

2. Do Not Use Adverbs After Linking Verbs

Since linking verbs describe a state, use adjectives, not adverbs, after them.

❌ Wrong: She looks happily.
✅ Correct: She looks happy.

3. Some Verbs Can Be Both Action and Linking Verbs

Some verbs, like "smell," "feel," "taste," and "look," can be either action verbs or linking verbs, depending on how they are used.

✅ Action Verb: She smelled the flowers. (Shows an action: smelling)
✅ Linking Verb: The flowers smell nice. (Describes a state: how the flowers smell)

Common Mistakes:

1. Using an Adverb Instead of an Adjective

❌ Wrong: She feels badly about the mistake.
✅ Correct: She feels bad about the mistake.
Explanation: "Feel" is a linking verb, so it should be followed by an adjective ("bad"), not an adverb ("badly").

2. Confusing Action Verbs with Linking Verbs

❌ Wrong: He smells the soup delicious.
✅ Correct: The soup smells delicious.
Explanation: "Smells" is a linking verb in this case, so it must be followed by an adjective ("delicious").

3. Using the Wrong Verb Form

❌ Wrong: He be my best friend.
✅ Correct: He is my best friend.
Explanation: The verb "be" must be in the correct form ("is," "was," etc.).

4. Using an Object Instead of a Complement

❌ Wrong: She seems a good student.
✅ Correct: She seems to be a good student.
Explanation: Some linking verbs require "to be" before a noun phrase.

Exercises:

Exercise 1: Identify the Linking Verbs

Find the linking verb in each sentence.

1. The cake smells delicious.

2. He became a doctor.

3. She looks happy today.

4. The room was cold.

5. The water feels warm.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Rewrite the sentences correctly.

1. She feels happily today.

2. The flowers smelled sweetly.

3. He be a great teacher.

4. The milk taste sour.

5. She seems a talented musician.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Linking Verb

1. The weather ____ nice today. (is / does)

2. He ____ very confident. (looks / runs)

3. The idea ____ interesting. (smells / sounds)

4. They ____ happy with the decision. (seem / jump)

5. The soup ____ delicious. (tastes / drinks)

Exercise 4: Choose the Correct Option

1. She (looks / looks like) tired today.

2. The baby (feels / feels like) sleepy.

3. The movie (was / were) exciting.

4. The house (smells / smells like) fresh paint.

5. He (seems / seems like) an intelligent student.