LINKING VERBS

A linking verb links the subject of a sentence with a word or words that: (i) express (es) the subject’s state of being

Example:

1. She is here (expresses state of being)
2. She seems ready (state of being)

(ii) Describe (es) or rename (es) the subject.

Examples:

1. Anna is a nurse (a nurse, describes Anna)
2. Joyce is cheerful (cheerful describes Joyce)
3. The road is bumpy.
4. A linking verb does not tell about an action.

Common Linking Verbs

1. Am look grow
2. Are feel remain
3. Is taste become
4. Was smell sound
5. Were seem
6. Will be appear

NB: Some verbs can be either linking verbs or action verbs.

Examples:

1. The crowd looked at the mangled car – Action
2. The driver of the car looked shocked – LINKING
3. The chef smelled the food – Action
4. The food smelled wonderful – Linking

Exercise 1

Identify the verb in each of the following sentences.

Then label each verb Action or Linking.

1. Queen Elizabeth of England seems an interesting historical figure.
2. We watched the Olympic games on television.
3. The crowd cheered loudly.
4. She seems calm.
5. PLO Lumumba is a quick thinker.
6. The hunter aimed the arrow at the antelope.
7. The referee blew the whistle to start off the game.
8. She was very tired after the journey.
9. She is careful when crossing the road.
10. The country seems prosperous.