Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to more information about the subject. They don’t show action but instead describe a state of being.

Common Linking Verbs:

• am
• is
• are
• was
• were
• seem
• become
• feel
• look
• taste
• smell
• sound

Examples:

• She is happy.
• The soup tastes delicious.
• They were excited.

In these sentences, the linking verbs connect the subject to a description or state.

Helping verbs work with the main verb to give more information about the action or state. They help to form different tenses, moods, or voices of the main verb.

Common Helping Verbs:

• am
• is
• are
• was
• were
• have
• has
• had
• will
• shall
• can
• could
• may
• might
• must
• should

Examples:

• I am running.
• She has finished her homework.
• They were playing soccer.

In these sentences, the helping verbs work with the main verbs to form continuous or perfect tenses.

Here are some tips to help you identify linking and helping verbs in sentences:

• Linking Verbs: They connect the subject to more information about the subject. Ask yourself if the verb is describing the subject rather than showing an action.
• Helping Verbs: They work with the main verb to add more meaning. Check if there’s another verb in the sentence that the helping verb is assisting.

Examples:

• She is a teacher. (Linking Verb)
• He is running. (Helping Verb)

In the first sentence, “is” links the subject “she” to “a teacher.” In the second sentence, “is” helps the main verb “running.”

Understanding the different types of verbs can help you use linking and helping verbs correctly.

Type of Verb	Function	Examples
Linking Verbs	Connects the subject to more information.	is, am, are, was, were, seem, become
Helping Verbs	Works with the main verb to add meaning.	am, is, are, was, were, have, has, had, will, can

This table shows how linking and helping verbs function differently in sentences.