Question 1

What is a linking verb?

Accepted Answer

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a description of that subject. It does not show a normal action in the way that run, write, or open does. In "the soup smells wonderful", smells links the soup to the adjective wonderful. In "the children remained silent", remained links the children to the state silent. Common linking verbs include be, feel, look, seem, sound, taste, smell, become, appear, get, stay, remain, go, grow, and turn when they describe a state or change.

Question 2

Why is the adjective correct after taste, smell, and feel?

Accepted Answer

Taste, smell, and feel can describe qualities instead of actions. "The sauce tasted spicy" means the sauce was spicy. "The room smells fresh" means the room is fresh in smell. "This fabric feels soft" means the fabric is soft to the touch. In these uses, the adjective describes the subject, not the manner of an action. That is why spicy, fresh, and soft are correct. If a person actively tastes, smells, or feels something, the verb may be an action verb and an adverb may be needed.

Question 3

How can I test whether I need an adjective after a verb?

Accepted Answer

Try replacing the verb with be or become. If the sentence keeps a similar meaning, the verb is probably linking and an adjective is likely. "The plan sounds fantastic" is close to "the plan is fantastic", so fantastic is right. "The weather got cold" is close to "the weather became cold", so cold is right. This test is not perfect for every sentence, but it is useful for the basic B1 patterns in this exercise. Then check that the word describes the subject, not how someone performs an action.

Linking Verbs + Adjectives - Basic

Quick Rule

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Adjective or Adverb? - Easy

Adjective or Adverb? - Intermediate

Adjective or Adverb? - Advanced

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Conditionals

Present Perfect