Linking Verbs
Linking vs Action Verbs. Definition, Examples, Quiz

Linking Verbs

Linking verbs do not show action. They link or establish a relationship between the subject and its subject complement.

List of linking verbs: become, seem and all form of the verb be like am, are, is, was, were, be, being, been, etc.

In the following examples, subject complements are underlined and linking verbs are shown in color.
  • My friend is a teacher.
  • Mike became the president of the company.
  • He seems nervous.

Other common linking verbs are: appear, feel, get, go, grow, look, prove, remain, smell, sound, taste, turn but note that these verbs may also act as action verbs.

To determine whether a verb is a linking verb substitute am, is, or are for the verb. If it fits – the substituted verb is a linking verb.

In the following examples, verb feel is substituted with am and sentence makes sense so the verb feel acts as linking verb.
  • I feel nervous.
    - I am nervous.
In the following examples, verb feel is substituted with am and sentence makes no sense so the verb feel acts here as action verb.
  • I feel pain from the injury.
    - I am pain from the injury.

Other Types of Verbs

For additional examples please refer to What is a Verb?
http://www.esldesk.com/grammar/verbs

For more practice go to Grammar Quizzes