There is one more type of verb which includes the “to be” verbs, that describes a state
of being, and is not ACTION. These verbs are called LINKING because they connect the subject
When there is a “to be” verb, the SUBJECT is LINKED to another word in the predicate.
The linking verb, is AM. It links the subject, “I” to an adjective,
“hungry.”
But some verbs LINK that are NOT “TO BE:
The most common LINKING VERBS are:
To feel, to appear, to seem, to remain, to smell, to stay, to sound, to grow, to continue,
When these verbs describe a state of being, they are called LINKING VERBS
Here are some examples of linking verbs in sentences:
I feel close to my dog. The doctor appears calm.
I remain confused by the lecture. That sounds like a good idea
We grew hungry when we smelled the pork chops. I continue to think the world of my math teacher.
The cake tastes delicious. The milk turned sour in the heat.
Some of these words can be EITHER ACTION or LINKING depending on how they are used in
The Baker smelled each loaf before placing it in the display case (action)
Those cinnamon buns smell heavenly. (linking)
How do you tell the difference?
In the first sentence, the baker is DOING something, smelling the loaves.
In the second sentence, the cinnamon buns are not DOING anything. They just give off
that wonderful cinnamon smell. In that sentence, because SMELL is NOT ACTION, it is being used
Let’s try another one. Sam appeared at the door in his Halloween
costume. (action) Sam appears troubled by the news. (linking)
In the first sentence, SAM is DOING something. He has appeared!
In the second sentence, “appears” is NOT an ACTION that Sam does, just a state of being.
He “seems” troubled by the news.
Here’s another: The bell sounded for dinner. (action)
Just remember that LINKING VERBS are NON ACTION verbs that describe a state of being. That
should help you determine whether you’re in ACTION or LINKING territory.