Linking verbs and phrases in grammar

Linking Verbs

A linking verb is a verb that describes the subject. Linking verbs connect the subject to a predicate noun or a predicate adjective. Linking verbs do not describe any direct physical or mental action of the subject or any action controlled by the subject.

Unlike action verbs, there is only a very short list of words that are true linking verbs. Interestingly these words are always linking verbs.

Here is the list:

Be, am, is, are, was, were, has been, any other form of the verb “be”, become, and seem.

There are other verbs that can be both linking verbs and action verbs. All of the sense verbs; look, smell, touch, appear, sound, taste, and feel can be linking verbs. Other examples of verbs that can be linking verbs and action verbs include turn, remain, prove, and grow.

Some examples of linking verbs:

• She is a lawyer.
• He seems like a nice guy.
• I have become tired of your lateness.