Linking, Intransitive, and Transitive Verbs Explained

A verb is essential for every English sentence, whether you are preparing for school exams or using English in daily conversation. Understanding **linking, intransitive, and transitive verbs** builds your grammar skills and helps you write and speak more confidently.

Verb Type	Definition	Example
Linking Verb	Connects the subject to more information, not showing an action	The tea is hot.
Transitive Verb	Shows an action done to a direct object	She threw the ball.
Intransitive Verb	Shows an action that does not need a direct object	The baby slept.

How to Identify Linking, Transitive, and Intransitive Verbs

• Check if the verb shows action (transitive/intransitive) or connects the subject to a description (linking).
• If the verb answers "what?" or "whom?", it is likely transitive.
• If there is no object, and the verb makes sense alone, it is intransitive.
• Linking verbs often use forms of “be” (am, is, are, was, were) or words like become, seem, appear.

Examples: Linking, Transitive, and Intransitive Verbs in Sentences

Sentence	Verb Type
The soup smells delicious.	Linking
He built a house.	Transitive
They laughed loudly.	Intransitive
She is a teacher.	Linking
We took the test.	Transitive
Birds fly.	Intransitive
The sky turned orange.	Linking
Rajiv draws pictures.	Transitive
The students arrived early.	Intransitive
You seem tired.	Linking

Rules and Tips for Using Transitive, Intransitive, and Linking Verbs

• Transitive verbs must have a direct object (“She plays music.”).
• Intransitive verbs never take a direct object (“They slept.”).
• Many common verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on the sentence (“She sings.” vs. “She sings songs.”).
• Linking verbs never show action. Instead, they join the subject with a word describing the subject (“He became calm.”).
• Practice by swapping objects. If the meaning changes or feels incomplete without one, the verb is transitive.

Verbs That Can Be Both Transitive and Intransitive

• Run: “He runs every morning.” (intransitive), “He runs a business.” (transitive)
• Play: “Children play.” (intransitive), “Children play football.” (transitive)
• Eat: “We eat at 8 pm.” (intransitive), “We eat dinner at 8 pm.” (transitive)

Common Mistakes With Linking, Intransitive, and Transitive Verbs

• Don’t add an object after intransitive verbs; it is not needed.
• Don’t confuse action verbs with linking verbs. Linking verbs do not show action.
• Double-check if a verb can have both types; look at the context.
• Practice lots of example sentences to make verb types clear.

Summary of Linking, Transitive, and Intransitive Verbs

Linking, transitive, and intransitive verbs are the main types you need to master in English grammar. Knowing how to spot and use them improves your writing, helps in exams, and builds clear sentences. Review the examples and practice regularly for the best results.

• For more practice, visit Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Exercises.
• To explore other verb types in English, check Types of Verbs in English.
• See how auxiliary and modal verbs differ at Auxiliary and Modal Verbs.