How to use linking verbs

A linking verb can create a relationship between the subject of the sentence and a noun. Cambridge English Grammar
  • Maria is a psychopath.
The words ‘Maria’ and ‘psychopath’ are linked because they are the same thing.
  • Maria’s husband is a pathological liar.
The words ‘husband’ and ‘pathological liar’ are linked because they are the same thing. A linking verb can create a relationship between the subject of the sentence and an adjective.
  • Arturo is harry.
The words ‘Arturo’ and ‘harry’ are linked because ‘harry’ describes Arturo.
  • Jazmin is tall.
The words ‘Jazmin’ and ‘tall’ are linked because ‘tall’ describes Jazmin.



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The linking verbs you will encounter most frequently are the many forms of the verb to be: am, is, are, was, were, being, been
  • I am upset.
  • He is a genious.
  • You are very brave.
  • She was as physician in Russia.
  • We were foolish.
  • They were being ridiculous.
  • She had been very courageous.

Other linking verbs are: to appear, to become, to feel, to look, to seem, to smell, to sound, and to taste
  • Rosa appears sleepy.
  • Edgar became ill.
  • The cloth felt smooth.
  • Alexis looked old.
  • Sergio seems angry.
  • The tacos smell delicious.
  • Paulina sounded upset.
  • The pepián tasted sublime.

What are linking verbs?

Linking verbs are NOT action verbs. A linking verb creates a relationship between the subject of the sentence and a noun or an adjective.

Example sentences using a linking verb

  • John and Mary were tired.
  • The eggs smell rotten.
  • He was angry after tripping on the rug.
  • Her plans for the wedding sounded wonderful.
  • The CIA is politically corrupt.
  • She looked beautiful.
  • You look exhausted after studying all night.
  • William sounded excited about his promotion.
  • She appears upset about the announcement.
  • I am putty in his hands.
  • Maria should have been honest.
  • Tom appeared nervous when the teacher found the photos.
  • The audience seemed disappointed when the conductor walked on stage.
  • The vegetables in the bin looked disgusting and spoiled.
  • They shall be happy ever after.
  • The children are cranky.
  • After the snowstorm, the roads were slippery.
  • You are very foolish.
  • Samantha was nostalgic on her 30th birthday.
  • The crowd was calm in spite of the imminent threat.
  • All the children seem satisfied with the bouncy castle.
  • Bob felt sleepy after eating the whole pizza.
  • The cinnamon rolls tasted heavenly.

More sentences with a linking verb

  • Some couples are lucky to grow old together.
  • I feel worthy when my boss compliments me.
  • The weather was accommodating and the party continued.
  • The embers were red and hot.
  • Your friend will be disappointed if you don’t go.
  • Sometimes, kids are foolish.
  • We are dismayed about the foreclosure.
  • The tests indicate that your child is gifted.
  • The spectators were silent after the injury on the field.
  • He became suspicious when he saw the safe was open.
  • All the kittens were playful.
  • The theater was dark.

Use of linking verbs in American English

This Ngram indicates the use of ‘appear’ and ‘become’ in American books, journals, and magazines.

Use of linking verbs in British English

This Ngram indicates the use of ‘appear’ and ‘become’ in British books, journals, and magazines.

Trends in the use of linking verbs

This graph shows the trends in the use of ‘appear’ by country. You can compare with this graph which indicates the trends in the use of ‘become’ by country.


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