Linking verb
Definition
A linking verb connects the subject to a subject complement that identifies, classifies or describes it. Common linking verbs include be, seem, become, appear, look, feel, sound, smell and taste.
Examples
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The soup smells delicious.
Smells links the soup to the description delicious.
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Mina became a doctor.
Became links Mina to the new identity a doctor.
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The plan seems reasonable.
Seems connects the subject to the speaker's assessment.
Linking verb vs. action verb
The chef tasted the soup.
Tasted describes an action and takes the soup as its object.
The soup tasted salty.
Tasted links the soup to the adjective salty.
The same verb can be an action verb in one context and a linking verb in another.
The complement describes the subject
A linking verb is followed by a subject complement, not a direct object. Adjectives are therefore common after sensory linking verbs.
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The music sounds beautiful.
Beautiful describes the music.
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The room grew quiet.
Grew expresses a change of state and links the room to quiet.
Common mistakes
The music sounds beautifully.
The music sounds beautiful.
Use an adjective after a linking verb to describe the subject.
The soup tastes salt.
The soup tastes salty.
The complement needs an adjective that describes the soup.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses look as a linking verb?
In looks bright, look connects the room to a description.Which complement is correct after sound?
Use the adjective sensible after the linking verb sounds.Which sentence contains an action verb rather than a linking verb?
Smelled the sauce describes an action and takes a direct object.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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