Linking Verbs

Linking Verbs

They're different than action verbs (obviously).

Multiple Choice

ACTION VERBS...

• are always in a sentence.

• show action.

• show word relationships.

• do none of these things.

So, if action verbs show action,

what do linking verbs NOT do?

As we can guess,

• linking verbs link things. But what?

• They link the SUBJECT of a sentence to a noun or an adjective in the PREDICATE.

Multiple Choice

The SUBJECT of a sentence...

• tells whom or what the sentence is about.

• tells what the subject does or is.

Multiple Choice

The PREDICATE of a sentence...

• tells what the sentence is about.

• tells what the subject does or is.

Linking verbs are often forms of the verb "be."

• am

• is

• are

• was

• were

• will be

• You can't "am" anything, so it's not an action verb!

Linking verbsalso include the verbs:

• look

• seem

• appear

• taste

• sound

• smell

• feel (and become)

Multiple Select

Which of these are linking verbs? (Hint: two of these are sets of linking verbs!)

• want and move

• sleep and sit

• is and feel

• were and smell

If a NOUN follows the linking verb, it names the subject.

• Ms. Zoeller and Mrs. Wright are teachers.

• 5B is Ms. Zoeller's homeroom.

If an ADJECTIVE follows the linking verb, it describes the subject.

• 5A was tired this morning.

• The trash smells terrible!

So, linking verbs help NAME or DESCRIBE the subject!

Multiple Choice

Does the linking verb in this sentence help NAME or DESCRIBE the subject: Dogs feel so soft and fluffy!

• It helps NAME.

• It helps DESCRIBE.

Multiple Choice

Does the linking verb in this sentence help NAME or DESCRIBE the subject: That whale is a sea animal.

• It helps NAME.

• It helps DESCRIBE.

Multiple Choice

Does the linking verb in this sentence help NAME or DESCRIBE the subject: Cats are wonderful pets!

• It helps NAME.

• It helps DESCRIBE.

So remember: Linking verbs only help NAME or DESCRIBE the subject.

They do not show action!