Why Do Linking Verbs Matter in Writing?
Here's the thing — most people can spot a linking verb when it shows up in a grammar worksheet, but ask them to use one correctly in their own writing and they'll draw a blank. Instead, they quietly connect subjects to descriptions, emotions, or states of being. Plus, they don't propel action forward. That's because linking verbs don't do anything dramatic. Miss one or misuse it and your sentence loses its emotional punch or becomes awkwardly flat.
Real talk, linking verbs are the glue that holds descriptive writing together. Without them, you're left with choppy action verbs that don't paint the full picture. Take this: "She sings beautifully." That's fine. But add a linking verb and suddenly you've got insight: "She is beautiful." See the difference? That said, one tells you what she does. The other tells you who she is.
What Are Linking Verbs?
Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement — usually an adjective, noun, or pronoun that renames or describes the subject. Unlike action verbs that show movement or action, linking verbs essentially "link" or "relate" the subject to additional information.
The most common linking verb in English? Be. Which means it's in every form: is, are, was, were, am, being, been. But don't stop there. Verbs like seem*, become*, appear*, remain*, and feel* can also act as linking verbs when they connect to descriptions rather than actions.
Here's what most grammar guides get wrong: they treat linking verbs as a fixed club you join or don't. In reality, the same verb can switch roles depending on how you use it. "He seems tired" uses seems* as a linking verb. "He seems to be tired" uses it as an action verb. Context matters more than you think.
Examples of Sentences with Linking Verbs
Let's look at some clear examples:
- She is happy* — 'is' links the subject to the adjective describing her state.
- The soup tastes delicious* — 'tastes' connects the soup to how it's experienced.
- He became a doctor* — 'became' links the person to his new role.
- They appear exhausted* — 'appear' connects them to their visible condition.
- I feel tired today* — 'feel' links the speaker to his physical state.
Each of these verbs could appear in other sentences where they're doing something entirely different. Now, that's the key insight: it's not about memorizing a list. It's about understanding function.
Why People Care About Linking Verbs
Here's what changes when you master linking verbs: your writing becomes more vivid, more precise, more alive. That's why action verbs tell readers what's happening. Linking verbs help them understand what it means.
Think about it this way: "The dog runs fast" tells you about speed. In practice, "The dog is energetic" tells you about character. Both use linking verbs differently, but both add depth that pure action verbs can't provide.
In creative writing, missing linking verbs leave readers with flat characters and settings. On the flip side, in professional writing, they create confusion or weak assertions. Also, "The report seems incomplete" carries weight that "The report is incomplete" might not have. The nuance matters.
Even in casual conversation, we rely on linking verbs constantly. "I'm fine" connects identity to state. Even so, "You look tired" links observation to condition. Without them, even everyday speech becomes stilted and unclear.
How Linking Verbs Actually Work
The mechanics are simpler than they seem. When you spot a linking verb, check what comes after it. If you see an adjective, noun, or pronoun that's describing or renaming the subject, you've got a linking verb.
Adjective Complements
These are the most common. The verb links the subject to a descriptive word:
- She is intelligent* — 'intelligent' describes her mental capacity.
- The coffee smells strong* — 'strong' describes the aroma.
- He looks worried* — 'worried' describes his facial expression.
Notice how the adjective after the verb gives you information about the subject. That's the signature of a linking verb construction.
Noun Complements
Sometimes the complement is a noun or pronoun that renames the subject:
- They are teachers* — 'teachers' identifies what they do.
- This is my brother* — 'my brother' names the person.
- What are they? They are students* — 'students' defines their role.
This usage is trickier because you might not immediately recognize the noun as a complement. But the structure is there: subject + linking verb + noun that renames or identifies.
Participle Complements
Less common but worth knowing:
- She seems having finished* — though this is grammatically questionable.
- The house appearing abandoned* — works better as a fragment.
These constructions push the boundaries of standard English and often signal deeper grammatical issues.
Common Mistakes People Make
Here's what most people miss: they confuse linking verbs with helping verbs. Is running* isn't a linking verb phrase — it's a present continuous action. But is happy* clearly uses is as a linking verb.
Another frequent error: treating be verbs as always linking. There's no subject complement following it. Same with "She is going home."He is in the room" uses is as a locational verb, not a linking verb. " Movement verbs don't link; they show motion.
Worse yet are sentences that try to force linking verbs where they don't belong:
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- She is tall like her mother* — awkward because 'like her mother' isn't a proper complement.
- He seems to be happy* — technically correct but unnecessarily wordy when He seems happy* suffices.
The problem isn't using linking verbs incorrectly. It's using them when other verbs would serve better.
Practical Tips That Actually Work
So how do you spot and use linking verbs effectively?
First, look for the pattern: subject + verb + description. If you can replace the verb with 'equals' and the sentence still makes sense, you've probably got a linking verb:
- She is happy* → She equals happy* (doesn't work, but shows the structure)
- He became angry* → He equals angry* (captures the linking function)
Second, trust your ear. Here's the thing — linking verbs often create a more passive tone than action verbs. They describe states rather than drive action. Day to day, "The storm approaches" moves you forward. "The storm is fierce" stops you to observe.
Third, don't overthink it. Day to day, you already use linking verbs instinctively. "I'm tired" uses am correctly. "You look great" uses look* as a linking verb. The trick is recognizing when you're doing it naturally and applying that same logic to more complex sentences.
Finally, read your sentences aloud. If they sound stilted or unclear, check whether a linking verb might smooth things out — or whether you've forced one where it doesn't belong.
FAQ
Can modal verbs be linking verbs?
Rarely. Modal verbs like can, could*, should*, would* typically function as auxiliaries, not linkers. That said, in constructions like He is able to succeed*, the is is still linking, while able* is the complement.
How do I distinguish linking verbs from action verbs in the same sentence?
Context is king. She runs* shows action. If the verb is followed by a descriptive element and the verb itself isn't showing action, it's likely linking. She is swift* links to description. Easy to understand, harder to ignore.
Are there linking verbs other than forms of 'be'?
Yes. Seem*, become*, appear*, remain*, feel*, look*, sound*, smell*, taste*, and grow* can all act as linking verbs when they connect subjects to complements rather than showing action.
What about 'get'? Is it always a linking verb?
No. He gets the mail* uses it as an action verb. Day to day, he gets angry* uses it as a linking verb. Get is highly versatile. Same word, different function based on what follows.
**How many
How Many Linking Verbs Are There, Really?
There isn’t a fixed tally that fits every grammar book, because the category is defined by function rather than by a static list. In one sentence feel* might link (The soup feels warm*), while in another it can act as an action verb (She feels the fabric*). Here's the thing — when that relationship conveys a state, condition, or identity, the verb is doing the linking work. Here's the thing — what matters is the relationship between the subject and the word that follows. In practice, that openness means you’ll encounter a handful of core candidates—be, become*, seem*, appear*, grow*, remain*, feel*, look*, sound*, taste*, smell*—but each of them can shift roles depending on context. The fluidity is what makes the classification a tool, not a rigid count.
Why the Count Isn’t the Point
Focusing on how many items belong to the group can lead writers down a rabbit hole. * If the answer is “no” but the sentence still reads naturally when you think of the verb as a bridge to a description, you’re likely dealing with a linker. In practice, instead of memorizing a static roster, it’s more productive to ask a simple diagnostic question: Can I replace the verb with “equals” and still convey meaning? This mental shortcut sidesteps the need for an exact number and keeps attention on purpose.
Practical Ways to Test the Function
- Swap in “seems” or “appears.” If the meaning stays intact, the original verb is probably linking.
- Try the “equals” test. Insert equals* after the subject; if the sentence still feels plausible, the verb is linking in nature.
- Check for action potential. If the verb can be replaced by a word that denotes physical or mental activity (run, write, solve*), it may be an action verb instead.
These strategies let you sidestep the enumeration game and focus on the sentence’s rhythm.
A Quick Glance at the Most Common Linking Verbs
- Forms of “be” – am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been*
- Sensory pairings – look, sound, feel, taste, smell*
- State changers – become, grow, turn, remain, appear, seem*
- Modal auxiliaries used as linkers – become* in He became restless*
Notice that many of these words double as ordinary verbs when they carry an action component. The distinction hinges on what follows them.
Conclusion
Linking verbs are the quiet connectors that turn a subject into a description, a condition, or an identity. They don’t drive the narrative forward with vigor; instead, they pause the flow to let readers linger on a state of being. That's why when you let the grammar serve the meaning rather than forcing it into a preconceived slot, your writing gains both precision and flexibility. Here's the thing — recognizing them isn’t about counting a fixed set of words; it’s about listening for the way a sentence settles into a description rather than an action. Day to day, by applying simple diagnostic tricks—substituting “equals,” swapping in sensory verbs, or testing for action—you can spot linkers instinctively and use them to craft clearer, more vivid prose. In the end, the power of linking verbs lies not in how many there are, but in how skillfully you wield them to illuminate the world you’re describing.
