Linking verbs

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to an ......... that completes the meaning of the verb. Common linking verbs are the forms of the verb to be; verbs relating to the five senses; and the verbs become, appear, and seem.

• adjective, noun, or pronoun

• adverb, verb, preposition

Identify the linking verb in the following sentence: "The cake smells delicious.

• cake

• smells

• delicious

"The house looks old," what is the complement?

• the house

• looks

• old

When talking about a process of change, which verb is often used instead of "become"?

• all of them

• go

• get

• turn

To describe a change in color, which verb is often used?

• become

• get

• go

• turn

In the phrase "get dressed," what is the function of "get"?

• • linking verb

• • helping verb

• • main verb

• • preposition

Choose the most appropriate linking verb to complete the sentence: "Over time, his attitude toward the project has ________ more positive."

• • turned

• • become

• • gotten

Consider the sentence "The situation has gone from bad to worse." What is the function of "gone" in this sentence?

• • linking verb

• • helping verb

• • main verb

• • preposition

In the phrase "wear out," what is the meaning of "wear"?

• • a clothing item

• • a process of becoming tired or damaged

• • a verb meaning to put on clothes

• • a preposition

Which linking verb would you use to express a change in appearance or condition that is often negative?

• • fall

• • go

• • turn

• • get