Answer First
In the sentence “The Norwegian bobsled team should have been very proud of its excellent time,” the linking verb is been, which is part of the passive-perfect construction “have been”. Here, “been” links the subject “team” to the past participle “proud” and does not express action. Identifying the word that connects the subject to a complement describing it, rather than an action the subject performs, is the key test for a linking verb.
What Is a Linking Verb
A linking verb is a word that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which renames, identifies, or describes the subject. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not show activity; instead, they link the subject to additional information about the subject. Common examples include forms of the verb be (am, is, are, was, were, been, being), as well as sensory and other verbs like seem, become, appear, feel, look, sound, and taste.
Linking Verb Core Traits
- They connect the subject to a complement.
- The complement typically describes or identifies the subject.
- They do not express physical or mental action.
Linking Verb vs Action Verb
Action verbs express what the subject does, whereas linking verbs connect the subject to more information about the subject. Consider these contrastive pairs:
| Verb Type | Example Sentence | Role in Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Action | The team practiced for weeks. | Shows what the team did |
| Linking | The team was exhausted. | Links subject to its state |
In the table, “practiced” is an action verb because the team performs the practice. In “The team was exhausted,” “was” is a linking verb that connects “team” to the description “exhausted” without indicating action.
How to Identify Linking Verbs in Context
To identify linking verbs, first locate the verb in the sentence. Then ask whether it shows action or simply connects the subject to additional information. Next, replace the verb with “is” or “are” (or another form of be) and see if the sentence still makes sense. If the sentence remains logical and describes the subject, the verb is likely a linking verb.
Quick Diagnostic Steps
- Find the main verb of the sentence.
- Determine if it expresses action (action verb) or a state of being (linking verb).
- Test substitution with a form of be to confirm.
The Verb “Be” and Its Forms
The verb “be” is the most common linking verb. It has multiple forms, including am, is, are, was, were, been, and being. These forms can appear in various tenses and structures, including passive voice and perfect constructions. In the target sentence, “been” is the past participle of be and functions as a linking verb within the perfect tense “have been.”
Forms of “Be” as Linking Verbs
| Subject | Example with Linking Verb | Form of “Be” |
|---|---|---|
| I | I am proud. | am |
| They | They were ready. | were |
| The team | The team has been proud. | been |
Common Linking Verbs and Their Use
Beyond be and its forms, many verbs can serve as linking verbs when they connect the subject to a complement. These verbs often relate to the senses, emotions, or conditions that describe a state rather than an action.
Typical Linking Verbs
- Seem — The result seemed unlikely.
- Appear — The outcome appeared satisfactory.
- Become — The situation became tense.
- Feel — The surface feels smooth.
- Look — The sky looks clear.
- Sound — The announcement sounded urgent.
- Taste — The soup tastes spicy.
Note that these verbs can also function as action verbs depending on context. In “She looks through the catalog,” “looks” is an action. In “She looks tired,” “looks” is a linking verb.
Practical Tips for Writers and Editors
Use linking verbs to create clear, descriptive sentences that focus on states and conditions. Avoid overusing forms of “be” by varying your verbs and incorporating other linking verbs where appropriate. Ensure that the subject complement logically describes the subject and that the relationship remains evident to the reader.
Checklist for Effective Use
- Confirm the verb connects rather than describes action.
- Verify that the complement agrees in meaning with the subject.
- Vary sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.
Summary
The linking verb in the sentence about the Norwegian bobsled team is “been,” which links the subject “team” to the complement “proud.” Linking verbs, including forms of “be” and verbs like seem and become, connect the subject to descriptive information rather than indicating action. Recognizing and using linking verbs effectively improves clarity and precision in writing, especially in explanatory and descriptive contexts.