We have learned that some verbs are action verbs and some verbs are existence verbs.
Existence verbs are actually called linking verbs. Linking verbs do not show any action by the subject.
Linking verbs link the subject to a noun or an adjective that describes the subject.
Forms of the verb to be are always linking verbs. Here are some forms of the verb to be:
am, are, is, was, were, has been, have been, will be
Sentences using forms of the verb to be:
I am tired.
Mom is happy.
We were noisy.
The sky has been cloudy.
There is no action in these sentences. The subjects are not doing anything. They are just existing.
Forms of the verb to be are always linking verbs.
Here are some more linking verbs that show existence: grow, look, feel, sound, taste
Notice how these verbs show existence in the following sentences:
We grow tired at the end of a long bike ride.
We aren’t actually growing anything. We are just existing in a tired state.
The flowers look wilted.
The flower aren’t actually looking at something. They exist in a wilted state.
I feel unhappy today.
I am not physically touching something to feel it. I am existing in an unhappy state of mind.
The chili tastes spicy.
The chili isn’t actually using its taste buds here. The chili exists in a spicy condition.
It’s important to know that these five linking verbs can also act as action verbs.
Notice the subject doing an action in each of these sentences:
I grow tomatoes in my garden.
I look at the stars each night.
I feel each cloth to find the smoothest one.
You should sound the alarm if you are in danger.
I can taste the cinnamon in these muffins.
Here are three other linking verbs: remain, seem, become.
These verbs are never action verbs.
I remain your friend forever.
There is no action here. The subject is going to exist as a friend.
You seem tired tonight.
The subject is existing in a tired state. There is no action.
The flowers become wilted without water.
The flowers aren’t doing anything. They exist in a wilted state.
Linking verbs show a state of existence. Forms of the verb to be are always linking verbs. Some linking verbs can also work as action verbs. It helps for you to think about whether a verb is showing action or existence.