G10 EGUMPP Linking Verbs

​Lesson 8: Linking Verbs

By Jessy Silva

What is a Linking Verb?

A linking verb connects the subject to a word that renames or describes it, expressing a state of being or condition.

Example Sentences:

• She is happy.

• The soup tastes good.

• He became a doctor.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence contains a linking verb?

• She runs fast.

• The soup tastes good.

• They play basketball.

• He fixed the car.

Subject Complements

Predicate nominative: noun/pronoun that renames the subject (answers Who? or What?).

Predicate adjective: adjective that describes the subject (answers What kind? or How?).

Example Sentences:

• Predicate nominative:
  She is a teacher.
  (Teacher renames "She")

• Predicate adjective:
  The sky looks blue.
  (Blue describes "sky")

Multiple Choice

In the sentence "My friend is a teacher," what is "teacher"?

• Subject

• Linking verb

• Predicate nominative

• Predicate adjective

Multiple Choice

In the sentence "The sky looks blue," what is "blue"?

• Subject

• Linking verb

• Predicate nominative

• Predicate adjective

The Verb "To Be"

Forms include be, being, been, am, is, are, was, were.

These can all be linking verbs expressing a state of being.

Example Sentences:

• She is tired.

• They are excited.

• I was late.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses a form of "to be" as a linking verb?

• She is singing

• They are happy.

• He was running.

• I will be there.

Other Linking Verbs

Verbs like appear, become, feel, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, taste, and turn can be linking verbs when expressing a condition or state.

Example Sentences:

• The cake smells delicious.

• She feels tired.

• The flowers look beautiful.

Multiple Choice

In "The cake smells delicious," what role does "smells" play?

• Action verb

• Linking verb

• Helping verb

• Subject