Linking Verbs: A Complete Guide to Understanding Copular Verbs

Linking Verbs: Definition and Examples - Complete Guide

Linking Verbs: Definition and Examples

A Complete Guide to Understanding Copular Verbs

Linking verbs (also called copular verbs) are a special type of verb that connects the subject of a sentence to additional information about that subject. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs don't show physical or mental actions - they simply link the subject to its description.

What Are Linking Verbs?

Linking verbs describe the subject's state of being or characteristics rather than showing an action. The most common linking verb is "to be" in all its forms (am, is, are, was, were, etc.).

Examples:
• She is a doctor.
• They seem happy.
• The soup tastes delicious.

Key Point: Linking verbs connect the subject to either a predicate nominative (noun/noun phrase) or predicate adjective (adjective/adjective phrase).

How Linking Verbs Work

Subject Complements

Linking verbs are always followed by a subject complement that describes or identifies the subject:

1. Predicate Nominative (noun):
"He became a lawyer."

2. Predicate Adjective (adjective):
"The flowers smell wonderful."

Difference from Action Verbs

Compare these examples:

Linking verb:
"She looks tired."
(Describes her appearance)

Action verb:
"She looks at the painting."
(Shows physical action)

Rules for Using Linking Verbs

1. Use Adjectives, Not Adverbs

Since linking verbs describe the subject (a noun), they should be followed by adjectives, not adverbs:

✗ Incorrect: "The soup tastes deliciously."
✓ Correct: "The soup tastes delicious."

2. Subject-Verb Agreement

Linking verbs must agree with their subjects, even when the predicate nominative is plural:

"The best part is the songs."
(Singular verb with singular subject)

3. Sensory Verbs as Linking Verbs

Verbs like look, feel, smell, sound, and taste can be linking verbs when they describe the subject:

"You look happy." (Linking)
vs.
"You look at the photo." (Action)

Types of Linking Verbs

Type Examples Notes
Permanent Linking Verbs be, become, seem Always function as linking verbs
Sensory Linking Verbs appear, feel, look, smell, sound, taste Can be either linking or action verbs
Conditional Linking Verbs act, come, fall, get, go, grow, keep, prove, remain, stay, turn Only linking in certain contexts

Common Linking Verb Examples

Forms of "to be"

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

"I am ready."
"They were excited."

Verbs of Change

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

"She became a doctor."
"The leaves turned brown."

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Identify the Linking Verbs

Which verbs in these sentences are linking verbs?

  1. The cake smells wonderful.
  2. He grew tired of waiting.
  3. She looked through the window.
  4. They remained calm during the crisis.

Answers: 1. smells, 2. grew, 4. remained (Note: #3 "looked" is an action verb here)

Exercise 2: Correct the Errors

Fix these sentences with incorrect linking verb usage:

  1. The music sounds beautifully.
  2. She grew happily in her career.
  3. They were the best parts of the show.

Answers:
1. The music sounds beautiful.
2. She grew happy in her career. OR She grew in her career.
3. (This sentence is actually correct)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between linking verbs and helping verbs?

Linking verbs connect the subject to additional information, while helping verbs assist main verbs (e.g., "She is running"). Some verbs like forms of "to be" can serve both functions.

Can a sentence have only a linking verb?

Yes, though rare. Example: "I think, therefore I am." Here, "am" functions as a linking verb without a complement for philosophical emphasis.