Linking ("To Be") Verbs

Linking verbs, also known as verbs of being ("to be" verbs), are verbs which connect the subject of a sentence with additional information about that subject. Unlike action verbs, which show a direct action taking place, linking verbs simply add detail to the subject.

• Linking verbs can connect the subject with an adjective: "Her puppy was fat."
• Linking verbs can also connect the subject with another noun: "Mrs. Park is a policewoman."

Usage Chart

Since there are quite a few common linking verbs, and since students commonly mix them up, we thought a little chart might be helpful:

Verb	Person	Tense
Am	"I" Only	Present
Is	First Person	Present
Are	Second, Third Person	Present
Was	First Person	Past
Were	Second, Third Person	Past
Will Be	First, Second, Third Person	Future