Verbs are an important part of English because they tell us what the subject does or what the subject is. Among the different types of verbs, action verbs and linking verbs are often confusing for students. Action verbs show an activity or movement, while linking verbs connect the subject to more information about it. Understanding the difference between these two types of verbs helps learners write clearer sentences and avoid common grammar mistakes. In this article, you will learn the difference between action verbs and linking verbs in easy English with clear explanations and examples that make the concept simple and practical for everyday use.
What Are Action Verbs in English?
Action verbs show what the subject does. They express a physical or mental action performed by a person, animal, or thing. These verbs clearly indicate movement, activity, or effort.
Action verbs can describe:
- Physical actions (run, jump, write)
- Mental actions (think, remember, decide)
Examples of Action Verbs
- She writes neatly.
- They play football.
- He thinks carefully before speaking.
Action verbs make sentences active and direct, which is why they are common in both spoken and written English.
What Are Linking Verbs in English?
Linking verbs do not show action. Instead, they connect the subject to more information about it. They describe a state, condition, or identity of the subject.
The most common linking verb is be (is, am, are, was, were), but many other verbs can also function as linking verbs.
Common Linking Verbs
- be (is, am, are, was, were)
- seem
- appear
- become
- feel
- look
- sound
- taste
- smell
Examples of Linking Verbs
- She is happy.
- The food tastes good.
- He seems tired.
Action Verbs with Linking Verbs with Examples
Key Difference Between Action Verbs and Linking Verbs
The main difference lies in what the verb does in the sentence.
Comparison Table: Action Verbs vs Linking Verbs
| Action Verbs | Linking Verbs |
|---|---|
| Show action or activity | Show state or condition |
| Answer “What does the subject do?” | Answer “What is the subject like?” |
| Can be physical or mental | Never show action |
| Followed by objects or adverbs | Followed by subject complements |
| Common in active sentences | Common in descriptive sentences |
How to Identify Action Verbs
You can identify an action verb by asking:
- Is someone doing something?
- Can you see or imagine the action?
Example:
-
She runs fast.
Here, runs shows a clear action.
How to Identify Linking Verbs
You can identify a linking verb by checking:
- Does the verb connect the subject to a description?
- Can the verb be replaced with is or are?
Example:
-
She looks happy.
Replacing it: She is happy.
This confirms that looks is a linking verb here.
Verbs That Can Be Both Action and Linking Verbs
Some verbs can act as action verb or linking verb, depending on how they are used in a sentence.
Examples Table
| Verb as Action | Verb as Linking |
|---|---|
| She looks at the sky. | She looks tired. |
| He feels the fabric. | He feels cold. |
| The chef tastes the soup. | The soup tastes delicious. |
| I smell the flowers. | The flowers smell nice. |
Context determines whether the verb shows an action or links the subject to a description.
Action Verbs vs Linking Verbs in Exams
For ESL learners, this topic is important in:
- Sentence correction
- Identifying verb types
- Choosing correct adjectives or adverbs
- Grammar MCQs
Common Exam Tip
- Action verbs are often followed by adverbs
She sings beautifully. - Linking verbs are followed by adjectives, not adverbs
She feels happy. (not happily)
Common Mistakes ESL Learners Make
- Using an adverb after a linking verb
❌ She feels happily
✔ She feels happy - Confusing action and linking forms of the same verb
- Assuming all verbs show action
Understanding sentence meaning helps avoid these mistakes.
Practice Comparison Sentences
- He runs fast. (Action verb)
- He is fast. (Linking verb)
- She became a teacher. (Linking verb)
- She teaches English. (Action verb)
Why This Difference Matters in English Learning
Knowing the difference between action verbs and linking verbs helps learners:
- Write grammatically correct sentences
- Choose correct word forms
- Improve clarity in speaking
- Score better in exams
Example of Action Verbs and Linking Verbs
| Action Verb Sentences | Linking Verb Sentences |
|---|---|
| Birds fly in the sky. | Birds are free. |
| Children play outside. | Children are happy. |
| She writes every day. | She is confident. |
| He runs very fast. | He is tired. |
| They read quietly. | They seem calm. |
| I eat healthy food. | I feel strong. |
| We study together. | We are ready. |
| She cleans the room. | The room looks clean. |
| He opens the door. | The door is open. |
| They build houses. | The houses appear new. |
| She draws pictures. | The pictures are beautiful. |
| He carries a bag. | The bag feels heavy. |
| We watch movies. | The movie was interesting. |
| She teaches English. | She is a teacher. |
| He fixes the bike. | The bike seems fine. |
| They cook dinner. | The food smells good. |
| I listen carefully. | I am attentive. |
| She answers politely. | She sounds polite. |
| He throws the ball. | The ball is round. |
| We finish early. | We become relaxed. |
Example of Action Verbs and Linking Verbs
List of Action Verbs with Linking Verbs
- run
- walk
- eat
- drink
- read
- write
- speak
- listen
- play
- work
- study
- teach
- learn
- open
- close
- clean
- cook
- build
- carry
- throw
- catch
- draw
- paint
- help
- fix
- push
- pull
- drive
- watch
- travel
List of Linking Verbs in English
- am
- is
- are
- was
- were
- be
- being
- been
- seem
- appear
- become
- feel
- look
- sound
- smell
- taste
- remain
- stay
- grow
- turn
- prove
- get
- keep
- seem to be
- appear to be
- continue
- rest
- lie
- stand
- exist
List of Action with Linking Verb
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