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1. Linking
Verbs
Linking verbs express the state of
being in each sentence. They are like
equal signs.
Examples:
The teacher is very kind.
The teacher = very kind
Our class gathering was really fun.
Our class gathering = really fun
I have been a student leader for three years.
I = student leader for three years
Linking verbs are not always "be" verbs. Other verbs like "seem", "appear"
and "become" are also commonly used as linking verbs.
With large fangs, that dog seems ferocious.
That dog = ferocious
She appears tired after a whole day’s work.
She = tired
Sometimes, the linking verb is a sensory verb. Sensory verbs are verbs
related to your five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.
Sensory verbs: hear, smell, taste, feel
This wallet feels sturdy.
This wallet = sturdy
My mother’s fried rice tastes delicious.
My mother’s fried rice = delicious
However, sensory verbs are not always linking verbs. Sometimes, they are
action verbs. To know if the sensory verb is a linking verb, see if it functions
as an equal sign in the sentence.
I tasted the hamburger.
I = the hamburger?
Since "I" cannot be "the hamburger", the sensory verb "tasted" is not a linking
verb in this sentence.