In the English language linking verbs are always confusing for new learners.
Linking verbs do not describe an action – instead, they connect the subject of
the sentence to a word describing it or providing additional information about
it.
For example:
• I feel tired.
• He seems unhappy.
• She is a nurse.
• They are engineers.
What follows the linking verb is called a “subject complement” because it
describes the subject of the sentence.
Linking verbs: examples/ sentences
Let’s see some example sentences using linking verbs to connect the subject
of the sentence to its description (the subject complement):
BE:
• I am hungry.
• They are naughty.
• He is a great speaker.
• The movie was boring.
• They are new players.
•
“Be” is a linking verb when it is the main verb, followed by an adjective (hungry, naughty, boring)
But remember :
“Be” functions as a helping verb when followed by a
continuous/ progressive form (I am watching a movie.)
BECOME / GET / GROW / TURN / GO:
These are linking verbs when talking about change or transformation:
. He became a great cricketer.
• The nights get colder in December.
• Her face turned pale when she saw me.
• The mob went crazy when they saw the owner of the factory.
• SOUND /SMELL TASTE / :
• The dish smells superb!
• His idea sound great!
• The mushroom tastes salty.
•
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LINKING VERB AND HEELPING VERB
Progressive form:
She is studying now.
They are taking tea.
I am laughing at him.
in the above sentences is/are/am have been used as helping verb of present continuous
As a linking verb
She is tired today.
They are friendly.
I am lucky enough .
Here’s a list of common linking verbs.
Category/type Linking verbs Examples :
True linking verbs Be -Become- Seem
I am tired.
They became foes.
He seems nice.
Sensory verbs (when describing a quality of something)
Look
Sound
Smell
Taste
Feel
(when describing how someone feels or a quality of something)
The dress looks beautiful.
That sounds fun.
The cake smells superb!
This sauce tastes salty.
I feel tired.
The cat’s fur feels soft.
Verbs meaning “become”
Fall (ill or silent)
Get -Go -Grow -Turn
Their servant fell ill.
She gets impatient easily.
The bowler went bad.
The woods grew dark.
His blood turned cold.
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