What Is a Linking Verb? | Definition & Examples

A linking verb (or copular verb) connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (i.e., a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject). For example, in the statement “Max is excited,” the verb “is” links the subject “Max” to the adjective “excited.”

Linking verbs are used to indicate conditions or states of being. They’re often contrasted with action verbs, which describe physical or mental actions (e.g., “run”). Some verbs can be classed as either linking or action verbs, depending on how they’re used.

Examples: Linking verbs in a sentenceVera was

my favorite aunt

.

Kishwar seems bored.

The finished painting will look great.

How are linking verbs used in sentences?

Linking verbs must follow subject-verb agreement and be conjugated for tense.

A linking verb is always followed by a subject complement (i.e., a word or phrase that identifies or describes the subject). There are two main types of subject complements:

• Predicate nominatives

  (or predicate nouns) identify the subject using a noun or noun phrase.

• Predicate adjectives

  describe the subject using an adjective or adjectival phrase.

Examples: How to use linking verbsJessie became

a respected physician

.

This coffee tastes bitter.

The linking verb “be” can also be used along with an adverb or prepositional phrase to indicate time or location.

Examples: Other types of subject complementThe party was

yesterday

.

The book is on the shelf.

NoteIf you’re unsure whether a verb is a linking verb, try replacing it with a conjugated form of the verb “be.” If the sentence still makes sense (even if it has a slightly different meaning), it’s likely a linking verb.

• Peter seems tired.
• Peter is tired.

Linking verbs and stative verbs

Stative verbs describe states of being or perception. Many verbs can be classed as both linking verbs and stative verbs (for example, the sense verbs “taste,” “sound,” “smell,” “feel,” and “look”). However, not all stative verbs are linking verbs.

While linking verbs always connect a subject with a subject complement, some stative verbs do not. For example, in the statement “I recognize that woman,” “that woman” is not a subject complement; it is a direct object receiving the action of the stative verb “recognize.”

Examples: Linking verbs and stative verbsI am a vegetarian. [linking and stative]

They seem unimpressed. [linking and stative]

I appreciate your time. [stative]

Mark dislikes algebra. [stative]

NoteWith the exception of “feel” (e.g., “I’m feeling good”) and “look” (e.g., “you’re looking well”), linking and stative verbs are not typically used in the continuous tense.

• The flowers are smelling nice.
• The flowers smell nice.

Linking verbs vs. auxiliary verbs

The verb “be” can be used as either a linking verb or an auxiliary verb, depending on the context.

When used as a linking verb, “be” connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement that identifies or describes it. When used as an auxiliary verb, “be” helps another (main) verb to indicate tense, mood, or voice.

Examples: Linking verbs vs. auxiliary verbsThe cat is

asleep

. [linking]

The cat is sleeping. [auxiliary]

Linking verbs vs. action verbs

Linking verbs are often contrasted with action verbs (also called dynamic verbs).

• Linking verbs

  indicate conditions or states of being.

• Action verbs

  refer to specific physical or mental actions or events.

Some verbs (including all sense verbs) can be classed as either linking or action verbs, depending on the context.

Examples: Linking vs. action verbsThe cake

good.

I tasted the cake.

That man looks interesting.

Ross looks at his phone when he is bored.

NoteAdverbs are sometimes mistakenly used as subject complements in sentences that contain linking verbs. As the subject of a sentence will always be a noun or pronoun, it should be modified by an adjective rather than an adverb.

• I feel badly about the accident.
• I feel bad about the accident.

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Sources

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar. Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.