English Linking Verbs

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject with an adjective or a noun that identifies or describes it.

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Examples of linking verbs:

• Be
  
  
• Become
  
  
• Turn

Example sentences:

• I am a singer.
  (Am connects the subject I with the noun singer.
  The noun singer tells the identity of the subject I.)
  
  
• He is Jack.
  (Is connects the subject he with the noun Jack.
  The noun Jack tells the identity of the subject he.)
  
  
• She became angry.
  (Became connects the subject she with the adjective angry.
  The adjective angry describes the subject she.)
  
  
• Amy turned red.
  (Turned connects the subject Amy with the adjective red.
  The adjective red describes the subject Amy.)

Some more examples (the linking verb is in bold):

• I am Beth.
  
  
• You are a teacher.
  
  
• He is a good cook.
  
  
• He became a successful businessman.
  
  
• Lisa seems more tired than usual. 
  
  
• You don't look so surprised.
  
  
• Dinner smells wonderful!

Important

Many linking verbs can also be used as action verbs.

Examples:

• You look terrible. (Look = linking verb)
• Look at me. (Look = action verb)

• These cookies taste strange. (Taste = linking verb)
• He will not taste the cake. (Taste = action verb)

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