Unlike most elements of sentence structure, the definition of linking verb describes a relationship rather than an action. These special verbs serve as a bridge, connecting the subject of a sentence to a word that identifies or describes it. This function is distinct from the typical verb, which denotes physical or mental activity, making the link verb a crucial component for building complete and meaningful statements.
What is a Linking Verb?
The definition of linking verb centers on its role as a connector. It joins the subject, who or what the sentence is about, to a subject complement. This complement provides essential information, either renaming the subject with a noun or pronoun (predicate nominative) or modifying it with an adjective (predicate adjective). Without this verb, the sentence would feel incomplete, leaving the reader expecting more detail about the subject.
Linking Verb vs. Action Verb
To fully grasp the definition of linking verb, it is helpful to contrast it with the action verb. Action verbs depict physical or mental activities, such as *run*, *think*, or *build*. Linking verbs, however, do not show action; they show a state of being or a condition. For example, in the sentence "The soup *is* hot," the verb *is* does not create heat but simply connects *soup* to the description *hot*, whereas in "She *cooks* soup," the verb *cooks* shows what she is actively doing.
Common Linking Verbs and Examples
While verbs like *be* (is, am, are, was, were) are the most obvious examples, the definition of linking verb extends to other words that function as connectors. Verbs such as *seem*, *become*, *appear*, *feel*, *sound*, *taste*, and *look* often serve this purpose. For instance, in the sentence "He *seems* tired," *seems* links the subject *He* to the adjective *tired*, conveying his state rather than an action he is performing.
Verbs That Wear Two Hats
A key point in understanding the definition of linking verb is recognizing that many words can function as either a linking verb or an action verb depending on context. The verb *feel* illustrates this duality perfectly. In "The fabric *feels* soft," *feels* is a linking verb connecting *fabric* to *soft*. However, in "She *feels* the fabric," *feels* becomes an action verb, representing the physical act of touching. This versatility is why analyzing the sentence structure is essential for correct identification.
Identifying Linking Verbs in Complex Sentences
Mastering the definition of linking verb requires attention to the sentence structure that follows. A true linking verb is always followed by a subject complement that directly modifies or renames the subject. It is a common mistake to assume that a verb preceding a noun is always an action verb. For example, in "The flowers *smell* sweet," *smell* is a linking verb because *sweet* describes the subject *flowers*, not an object being smelled. The test is whether the verb can be replaced with a form of *be* without changing the core meaning of the identification or description.
The Importance of Subject Complements
Without a subject complement, the definition of linking verb loses its purpose. These verbs demand additional information to complete their thought. If one tries to shorten "The sky *is*" without adding a complement like *blue* or *clear*, the statement feels grammatically awkward and incomplete. This requirement distinguishes them from transitive action verbs, which require a direct object to receive the action, such as "He *ate* the apple." The complement is the necessary piece that completes the picture painted by the linking verb.
