Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are not used to show actions. They act as a link between the subject and the complement, which describes the subject. The complement is mostly an adjective or an adjective phrase although it can be a noun phrase or an adverbial. The complement gives more information about the subject.

The linking verbs are boldfaced in the following examples.

This morning our boss was grumpy. (Complement = adjective)

This morning our boss was very grumpy and moody. (Complement = adjective phrase)

Sitting on a garden bench and watching people jogging past is my new hobby. (Complement = noun phrase)

This cemetery is where the last king was buried. (Complement = adverbial)

Verbs that are always linking verbs:

be*

become

seem

* and any form of the verb be

Verbs that are linking verbs and can also be action verbs:

act	grow	sound*
appear	look*	stay
feel*	prove	taste*
get	remain	turn
go	smell*

* sensory

Linking verbs that are any forms of the verb be and are also helping verbs:

is	was	been
am	were	being
are	be

Some linking verbs in verb phrases:

can be	had been	should be
could be	may be	will be
has been	might be
have been	might have been