What are the 11 linking verbs?

There isn't a strict list of "11 linking verbs" as the number can vary depending on the grammar source you consult. However, some of the most common linking verbs include:

The "Big Five":

1. be (am, is, are, was, were, being, been)

2. become

3. seem

4. appear

5. feel

Other Common Linking Verbs:

6. look

7. sound

8. smell

9. taste

10. grow

11. remain

12. stay

13. turn

14. prove

15. get

16. go

What makes a verb a linking verb?

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject. It doesn't show action; instead, it links the subject to a description of it.

Examples:

* She is a doctor. ("doctor" renames "she")

* The flowers smell sweet. ("sweet" describes "flowers")

* He became a teacher. ("teacher" renames "he")

Remember, a verb can be used as a linking verb in one sentence and an action verb in another. For example:

* He is happy. (linking verb)

* He is running. (action verb)