What Are Action Verbs and Linking Verbs? Full Guide, Rules, and Examples
Summary
Introduction
Every sentence requires a verb—but not every verb behaves the same way. Some verbs tell us about actions, but others describe states or link ideas.
Knowing the difference between action verb and linking verb helps you write more accurate, native, and fluent English.
In this guide, we’ll explore both forms, compare and contrast them, break them down with hundreds of examples, so you can use them in any context with confidence.
What Is an Action Verb?
An action verb expresses a physical action (run, eat, jump) or mental action (think, decide, imagine). It tells you what the subject does.
Examples of action verbs
She runs every morning.
They built a new house.
I think about the problem often.
He opened the window.
Key functions of action verbs
● Show movement or activity
● Describe mental actions
● Answer: What is the subject doing?
What Is a Linking Verb?
A linking verb does not show action. Instead, it links the subject to a state, condition, or description. It connects the subject to more information.
Common linking verbs
be (am, is, are, was, were)
seem
become
feel
appear
look
smell
sound
taste
remain
Examples
She is happy.
The soup smells delicious.
He became nervous.
The idea seems simple.
👉 If the verb is connecting the subject to a state, not doing an action, it is a linking verb.
Core Types and Classifications
1. Physical vs. Mental Action Verbs
Type | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Physical action | Visible movement | run, jump, walk |
Mental action | Internal process | think, understand, believe |
2. Pure Linking Verbs
Always linking:
am, is, are, was, were
3. Verbs That Can Be Both (Action + Linking)
Some verbs change type depending on meaning:
Verb | Linking Meaning | Action Meaning |
|---|---|---|
look | She looks tired. | She looks at the board. |
smell | The cake smells good. | She smelled the flowers. |
feel | I feel cold. | He felt the fabric. |
Context determines the type.
How to Use Action Verbs (Rules + Examples)
Rule 1: Use an action verb when the subject performs an activity
The dog barked loudly.
We studied for the exam.
Rule 2: Action verbs can take objects (transitive) or not (intransitive)
Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Transitive | needs an object | She wrote a letter. |
Intransitive | no object required | He arrived early. |
Rule 3: Action verbs form continuous tenses easily
I am running.
They are thinking.
How to Use Linking Verbs (Rules + Examples)
Rule 1: Use a linking verb to describe a state, not an action
He is tired.
She seems upset.
Rule 2: Linking verbs must be followed by an adjective or noun—not an adverb
Correct:
She looks happy. (adjective)
Incorrect:
❌ She looks happily. (adverb—wrong with linking verb)
Rule 3: Linking verbs cannot take objects
You cannot say:
❌ She is the book.
(Unless you mean something metaphorical.)
Rule 4: Linking verbs show identity, description, or condition
Identity → He is a teacher.
Description → The sky looks cloudy.
Condition → She became angry.
Action Verb vs. Linking Verb: Key Differences
Feature | Action Verb | Linking Verb |
|---|---|---|
Shows action? | Yes | No |
Shows state/description? | No | Yes |
Takes objects? | Sometimes | No |
Often followed by | Nouns, objects, adverbs | Adjectives, nouns |
Works in continuous tense? | Yes | Sometimes, but meaning changes |
Example | She runs | She is tried |
Line-by-Line Example Breakdown
Sentence 1
The children are playing in the yard.
children → subject
are playing → action verb phrase
in the yard → place
👉 The verb shows activity → action verb
Sentence 2
The children are tired after school.
children → subject
are → linking verb
tired → adjective describing the children
👉 The verb links subject + description → linking verb
Sentence 3
The soup smells delicious.
smells → linking verb
delicious → adjective
👉 linking verb meaning: state, not action
Sentence 4
She smelled the roses.
smelled → action verb
the roses → object
👉 action meaning: physical action
Common Mistakes Learners Make
❌ Mistake 1: Using an adverb after a linking verb
She looks happily. → Wrong
She looks happy. → Correct
❌ Mistake 2: Confusing action vs. linking meaning
The fish tastes strange. (linking)
He tasted the soup. (action)
❌ Mistake 3: Treating “be” as an action verb
❌ She is eating dinner is hungry.
Correct split: She is eating dinner. She is hungry.
❌ Mistake 4: Using linking verbs incorrectly in continuous tense
❌ She is seeming angry.
✅ She seems angry.
Practice Quiz (Test Yourself)
1. Identify the verb type
a) The flowers smell wonderful.
b) He wrote a long email.
c) They are becoming nervous.
d) She looked at the sky.
e) She looked tired.
2. Choose the correct option
a) The tea ___ (smells / smells goodly).
b) They ___ (are / are being) happy today.
c) She ___ (felt / felt like) the paper.
3. Action or linking?
a) The baby feels warm.
b) The baby feels the blanket.
Answer Key
1.
a) Linking
b) Action
c) Linking
d) Action
e) Linking
2.
a) smells
b) are
c) felt
3.
a) Linking
b) Action
FAQ: Common Questions About Action and Linking Verbs
1. What is an action verb in simple words?
An action verb shows what someone or something does—physically or mentally.
2. What is a linking verb in simple words?
A linking verb connects the subject to a description or state. It does not show action.
3. How do I know if a verb is linking or action?
Try replacing the verb with “is/are.”
If the meaning stays similar, it’s likely a linking verb.
4. Can the same verb be both action and linking?
Yes. Verbs like feel, look, smell, and taste change meaning based on context.
5. Should I use an adjective or an adverb after a linking verb?
Use an adjective:
She looks tired.
6. Can linking verbs take objects?
No. Only action verbs can take direct objects.
Summary
Action verbs and linking verbs are essential for clear, accurate English writing.
Action verbs show what the subject does, while linking verbs describe what the subject is or feels. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right verb form, avoid common mistakes, and write more natural English.
Mastering these two verb types strengthens your grammar foundation and improves both writing and speaking.
