We use words every day to express our thoughts, but have you ever stopped to think about how the parts of a sentence come together? One little hero that often goes unnoticed in our sentences is the “linking verb”. Let’s dive in and learn about “what is a linking verb”, their examples, and how to use them in sentences.
What is a Linking Verb?
Imagine you’re putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece has to connect with another to make the picture complete. In the world of grammar, linking verbs are like those connectors in the puzzle. They link, or connect, the subject of a sentence to more information about the subject.
Linking verbs don’t express action. Instead, they describe a state of being. They tell us more about the subject without showing any action being performed.
Simple Definition
A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that gives more information about the subject.
List of Common Linking Verbs
The most common linking verb is the verb “to be” and its forms:
- has been
- was
- is
- might have been
- were
- are
- are being
- am
Other verbs can also act as linking verbs, including:
- appear
- feel
- grow
- turn
- stay
- look
- seem
- become
- remain
- sound
Linking Verbs in a Sentences
The cat seemed happy.
- “Seemed” gives us an impression about the cat’s state, which is “happy.”
He looks tired.
- “Looks” connects “He” to his appearance or state, which is “tired.”
The music sounds loud.
- “Sounds” links “The music” to its quality or characteristic, which is “loud.”
The soup smells delicious.
- “Smells” links the soup to how it is perceived, which is “delicious.”
She is a teacher.
- Here, the linking verb “is” connects the subject “She” to more information about her, which is “a teacher.”
They become friends quickly.
- “Become” links “They” to their new state, which is “friends.”
Linking Verb Examples Sentences
Here are some sentences showcasing the use of linking verbs:
- My friends are excited for the trip.
- The music sounds
- The movie wasn’t that good.
- The city is alive at night.
- The soup tastes
- The room feels
- The town remains
- The news was
- The situation remained
- You were late for the meeting.
- The cat remained
- The decision is
- Her speech was
- The concert was
- They are
- The water feels
- The cake is
- The problem becomes
- The coffee tasted
- She grew tired of waiting.
- Her answer was
- The flowers smell
- The theme is
- The sun is bright today.
- The building stands
- The story sounds
- The issue becomes
- This apple seems
- The bird looks
- The film was
- The path became
- The idea sounds
- Their relationship is
- The sky turned
- The shirt looks too big for him.
- He looks
- The book seemed
- The dog looks
- His response was
- The baby seemed
- My suggestion is to wait a bit longer.
- The garden remains
- The wine tastes
- The solution was
- The show was
- She stays focused during meetings.
- The weather is getting cooler.
- He was a brave soldier.
- The ice cream tasted too sweet.
- That statement is
- I am a student.
- The tea smells
- The cake appeared
- The theory is
- The kids are being noisy.
- My brother became a pilot.
- The solution was
- She is a teacher.
- The book became a bestseller.
- The cat seems
