Lesson

Linking verbs: be, appear, seem, become, get etc.

Copular verbs

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are Linking Verbs?

Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement — a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject. They do not show actions; they describe states, qualities, identity, or change.

  • Common linking verbs: be, seem, appear, become, get, feel, look, sound.
  • Complements after linking verbs are usually adjectives or noun phrases (predicate nominatives).
  • Linking verbs do not take a direct object.

Table

Common Linking Verbs and Examples

Verb Function Example
be Identity / state The manager is responsible for the budget.
seem Appearance of a state or opinion The proposal seems reasonable.
appear Perceived state The document appears complete.
become Change of state or role She became the new director in June.
get Change of state (informal) He got tired after the long meeting.
feel Sensation or perceived state The team feels confident about the presentation.
look Visual appearance The schedule looks tight for next week.
sound Auditory impression / opinion That idea sounds promising.

Tip

Key Rule: Position and Function of Linking Verbs

Linking verbs connect the subject to a complement that describes or identifies it. Recognize them by the role they play, not by form.

  • After a linking verb use an adjective or a noun phrase: The candidate is qualified. / He became CEO.
  • Linking verbs do not take a direct object: × She seems the report. ✓ She seems satisfied with the report.
  • Some verbs (get, feel, look) can be linking or action verbs depending on context: He got nervous (linking) vs He got the report (action).

Think: linking verbs 'link' subject + complement; ask 'who/what is the subject?' or 'what is the subject like?'

Example

Examples in context

The manager is experienced in project management.

She became the head of operations last year.

The report appears incomplete.

After the meeting, the team got nervous about the deadline.

Tip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learners often confuse linking verbs with action verbs or misuse complements. Watch for these universal errors.

  • Treating a linking verb like a transitive verb and adding a direct object: × She seems the report. ✓ She seems satisfied with the report.
  • Using an adverb instead of an adjective after a linking verb: × He looks carefully. ✓ He looks careful.
  • Confusing passive voice with a linking construction: × The team was completed. ✓ The task was completed. (action vs state)
  • Not recognizing that some verbs can be either linking or action verbs depending on context (get, feel, look).

Always ask: Is the verb describing the subject (linking) or showing an action with an object?

Quiz

Which sentence uses a linking verb correctly?

Hint: Focus on verbs that describe a state rather than actions with objects.

Quiz

Complete: The CEO _____ very confident after the presentation.

Hint: Think about a verb that links the subject to an adjective describing its state.

Quiz

Choose the best completion: "After the training, the staff _____ more prepared for the audit."

Hint: Which option directly links the subject to an adjective phrase without adding extra words?

Key Points

GrammarPoint

linking verb

noun CEFR B2 //ˈlɪŋkɪŋ vɜːrb//

A verb that connects the subject to a subject complement describing or identifying it.

A linking verb connects a subject to an adjective or noun phrase.

Vocabulary

seem

verb CEFR B1 //siːm//

To give the impression of being; to appear to be.

The plan seems feasible after the revisions.

Vocabulary

become

verb CEFR B2 //bɪˈkʌm//

To start to be; to change into a different state or role.

After years of training, she became the department director.

Vocabulary

get

verb CEFR B2 //ɡet//

Informal linking verb used to indicate a change of state (e.g., get tired, get ready).

By 6 p.m. the staff got exhausted after the long audit.

GrammarPoint

complement (subject)

noun CEFR B2 //ˈkɒmplɪmənt//

A word or phrase (often an adjective or noun) that completes the meaning of a linking verb by describing or identifying the subject.

In 'She is manager', 'manager' is a subject complement identifying her role.

GrammarPoint

predicate adjective

noun CEFR B2 //ˈprɛdɪkət ˈædʒɪktɪv//

An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject.

In 'They seemed happy', 'happy' is a predicate adjective.