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Linking verbs: be, seem, look, etc

Common linking verbs​

Some verbs are used to join an adjective or noun complement to a subject. These verbs can be called ‘linking verbs’, ‘copulas’ or ‘copular verbs’. Common examples: be, seem, appear, look, sound, smell, taste, feel, become, get.

  • The weather is horrible.
  • I do feel a fool.
  • That car looks fast.
  • She became a racehorse trainer.
  • The stew smells good.
  • It’s getting late.

Adjectives after linking verbs​

After linking verbs we use adjectives, not adverbs. Compare:

  • He spoke intelligently. (Intelligently is an adverb. It tells you about how the person spoke.)
    He seems intelligent. (Intelligent is an adjective. It tells you about the person himself—rather like saying He is intelligent. Seem is a linking verb.)

Other uses​

Some of these verbs are also used with other meanings as ordinary non-linking verbs. They are then used with adverbs, not adjectives. Compare:

  • The problem appeared impossible. (not ... impossibly.)
    Isabel suddenly appeared in the doorway. (not ... sudden ...)

Other verbs used in two ways like this are look (see here), taste (see here) and feel (see here).

Change: become, get, grow, etc​

Some linking verbs are used to talk about change, or the absence of change. The most common are: become, get, grow, go, turn, stay, remain, keep.

  • It’s becoming colder.
  • It’s growing late.
  • How does she stay so young?
  • Keep calm.
  • I’m getting sleepy.
  • The leaves are going brown.
  • I hope you will always remain so happy.
  • His hair is turning grey.

For the differences between these verbs, (see here).

Other verbs followed by adjectives​

Sometimes other verbs, too, can be followed by adjectives. This happens when we are really describing the subject of the sentence, and not the action of the verb. It is common in descriptions with sit, stand, lie, fall.

  • The valley lay quiet and peaceful in the sun.
  • She sat motionless, waiting for their decision.
  • He fell unconscious on the floor. (not ... unconsciously ...)

Adjectives can also be used in the structure verb + object + adjective, to describe the object of the verb.

  • New SUPER GUB washes clothes SUPER WHITE. (not ... WHITELY ...)
  • He pulled his belt tight and started off. (not ... tightly ...)
note

For the difference between adjectives and adverbs, (see here).

For cases like drive slow, think positive, (see here), (see here).

For more about structures after verbs, see here.

See also the entries for particular linking verbs.