Linking Verbs in English: Be, Seem, Become, Appear

Introduction

Have you ever noticed that some verbs don’t describe an action? Instead, they connect the subject to more information about it. These are called linking verbs, and they are essential for describing states, feelings, and changes. In this post, we’ll focus on four common linking verbs: be, seem, become, and appear. Understanding them will make your English sound more natural and accurate.

What Is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb (also called a copular verb) does not show action. It links the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject. The word after the linking verb is usually a noun, adjective, or noun phrase. For example:

• She is a teacher. (links “she” to “teacher”)
• He seems tired. (links “he” to “tired”)

The most common linking verbs are be (am, is, are, was, were), seem, become, and appear. Other linking verbs include feel, look, smell, taste, sound, remain, and grow.

Rules for Using Linking Verbs

1. Linking verbs are followed by a subject complement, not an object. The complement is an adjective or noun that describes the subject. Example: She became a doctor. (not “became a doctor to her”)
2. Do not use an adverb after a linking verb to describe the subject. Use an adjective instead. Wrong: He seems happily. Correct: He seems happy.
3. The verb “be” changes form based on tense and subject. For example: I am ready; You are ready; He is ready; They were ready.
4. “Seem” and “appear” can be followed by an infinitive (to + verb) or an adjective. Example: She seems to be happy. or She seems happy.
5. “Become” often shows a change or transformation. It is followed by a noun or adjective. Example: The weather became colder.
6. Linking verbs are not usually used in the continuous form (be + -ing) for stative meanings. However, “be” can be used in continuous for temporary states (e.g., He is being silly).

How to Use Linking Verbs (Step by Step)

Step 1: Identify the subject

Find the person, thing, or idea the sentence is about. Example: The soup (subject).

Step 2: Choose the right linking verb

Think about what you want to say about the subject. Use be for identity or state, seem for appearance, become for change, and appear for how something looks or seems.

Step 3: Add a subject complement

Add an adjective (to describe) or a noun (to identify). Example: The soup seems salty. (adjective) or The soup became a stew. (noun)

Step 4: Check the tense

Make sure the verb matches the time. For past: He was tired. For present: He is tired. For future: He will become tired.

Step 5: Avoid adverbs

Remember: after a linking verb, use an adjective, not an adverb. Say She appears calm, not She appears calmly.

Examples in Sentences

• She is my best friend.
• He seems nervous before the exam.
• The sky became dark very quickly.
• They appear satisfied with the results.
• I am a student at this school.
• You seem to understand the lesson perfectly.
• She became a talented musician after years of practice.
• The problem appears more complicated than we thought.
• We were excited about the trip.
• His voice sounds (linking verb) strange today.
• This food tastes (linking verb) delicious.
• The flowers grew (linking verb) tall in the garden.

Common Mistakes with Linking Verbs

• Mistake 1: ❌ She seems happily. ✅ She seems happy. (Use an adjective, not an adverb.)
• Mistake 2: ❌ He became angrily. ✅ He became angry. (After “become,” use an adjective.)
• Mistake 3: ❌ They are being doctors. ✅ They are doctors. (Do not use continuous form for permanent states.)
• Mistake 4: ❌ She appears to be happily. ✅ She appears to be happy. (Even with “to be,” use an adjective.)
• Mistake 5: ❌ It seems that he is nicely. ✅ It seems that he is nice. (After “is,” use an adjective.)

Quick Summary

• Linking verbs connect the subject to a description or identity.
• Common linking verbs: be, seem, become, appear.
• They are followed by a subject complement (adjective or noun), not an object.
• Never use an adverb after a linking verb to describe the subject.
• “Seem” and “appear” can be followed by an infinitive or an adjective.
• “Become” shows a change.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct linking verb: am/is/are/was/were, seem, become, or appear. Use the correct tense.

1. She ____________ very kind to everyone. (present)
2. They ____________ happy with the decision. (past)
3. The weather ____________ colder every day. (present, change)
4. You ____________ tired after the long journey. (present, appearance)
5. He ____________ a famous writer after his book was published. (past, change)

Answers:

1. is
2. were
3. becomes
4. seem
5. became

Conclusion

Linking verbs like be, seem, become, and appear are small but powerful tools in English. They help you describe people, things, and changes without using action verbs. By remembering the simple rule—use an adjective after them, not an adverb—you will avoid common errors and sound more fluent. Keep practicing, and soon these verbs will feel completely natural!

FAQ

1. Can “seem” be followed by a noun?

Yes, but usually with “to be” or an adjective phrase. For example: He seems a good person (informal) or He seems to be a good person (more formal). It is more common to use an adjective after “seem.”

2. Is “become” always a linking verb?

Yes, when it means “to change into something” and is followed by an adjective or noun. However, in very rare cases (e.g., “That dress becomes you”), it can mean “to suit,” which is a different use. In standard grammar, “become” is a linking verb.

3. What is the difference between “appear” and “seem”?

Both can mean “give the impression of,” but appear often refers to how something looks to the eye, while seem is more about personal judgment. Example: He appears tall (physical appearance). He seems intelligent (based on opinion). They are often interchangeable.

4. Can I use an adverb after a linking verb if I want to describe the verb itself?

No. Linking verbs do not describe an action, so you cannot modify them with an adverb. If you want to describe how something is done, use an action verb instead. For example: She looked happily at the photo (action verb “looked”). But: She looked happy (linking verb “looked” + adjective).