What Are Linking Verbs?
Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence to more information about that subject. They do not show action, but instead help describe the subject.
In Swahili, linking verbs are often translated as part of the verb “kuwa” (to be) and sometimes appear as prefixes in verbs depending on tense.
Common Linking Verbs in English
Here are some of the most common linking verbs:
- am, is, are
- was, were
- be, being, been
- seem, become, appear, feel, look, sound
Examples of Linking Verbs (with Swahili Translations)
| English Sentence | Swahili Translation |
|---|---|
| She is happy. | Yeye ni mwenye furaha. |
| They were tired. | Walikuwa wamechoka. |
| He looks strong. | Anaonekana mwenye nguvu. |
| I am a teacher. | Mimi ni mwalimu. |
| The food smells good. | Chakula kinanukia vizuri. |
| You are ready. | Wewe uko tayari. |
| It became dark. | Ilikuwa giza. |
| We are students. | Sisi ni wanafunzi. |
How to Identify a Linking Verb
Ask yourself:
- Is the verb describing the subject, not showing action?
- Can you replace the verb with “is” or “are” and the sentence still makes sense?
Example:
“He became tired.” → “He is tired.” 
(Still makes sense)
In Swahili: The Verb “Kuwa” (To Be)
Swahili often uses the verb “kuwa” (to be) as a linking verb, but in many cases, “ni” or prefixes are used depending on tense and person.
| English | Swahili (present tense) |
|---|---|
| I am | Mimi ni |
| You are | Wewe ni / uko |
| He/She is | Yeye ni / yuko |
| We are | Sisi ni / tuko |
| They are | Wao ni / wako |
Quick Practice (English → Swahili)
- She is a nurse. → Yeye ni muuguzi.
- We are ready. → Sisi tuko tayari.
- He looks tired. → Anaonekana amechoka.
- They were students. → Walikuwa wanafunzi.
Summary
- Linking verbs connect the subject to a description or identity.
- In English, common linking verbs include is, are, was, seem, become, etc.
- In Swahili, we often use “kuwa”, “ni”, or tense-based prefixes like “uko, yuko”.
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