A linking verb connects the subject to a word that describes or identifies it (the subject complement). Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not express an action.
The most common linking verb is be (am, is, are, was, were, been).
Sense verbs often function as linking verbs:
- seem, look, feel, taste, smell, sound
Other common linking verbs:
- become, appear, remain, grow, turn, prove
Examples:
- "She is a teacher." — is links "she" to "teacher"
- "The food smells delicious." — smells links "the food" to "delicious"
- "He became a doctor." — became links "he" to "doctor"
Be careful: some verbs can be either linking or action depending on context:
- "I feel the fabric." — action (physically touching)
- "I feel happy." — linking (describing a state)