A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not show action. Instead, they help to describe a state of being or condition.
Common linking verbs include forms of the verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were, etc.), as well as verbs like “become,” “seem,” “appear,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” “taste,” and “smell.” These verbs are essential for providing more information about the subject and are often used to describe characteristics or states.
For example, in the sentence “She is happy,” the linking verb “is” connects the subject “She” to the adjective “happy,” which describes her state of being.