Linking Verb

In the sentence "My favorite snack is popcorn with extra butter," which word is the linking verb?

• snack

• is

• popcorn

• with

Answer explanation

The verb 'is' is a form of 'to be' and acts as a linking verb, connecting the subject 'snack' to the word that renames it, 'popcorn'. The other words are nouns or a preposition.

Which word is the sensory linking verb in the sentence "The gym locker room smells awful after practice"?

• gym

• smells

• awful

• after

Answer explanation

The verb 'smells' is a sensory verb used here to link the subject 'locker room' to the predicate adjective 'awful'. It describes a state of being, not an action.

True or False: A linking verb shows a strong action that the subject performs.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is the definition of an action verb. A linking verb connects the subject to a word or phrase that describes or renames it, expressing a state of being.

In which sentence is the verb 'felt' used as a linking verb, not an action verb?

• I felt the fuzzy blanket with my hands.

• She felt nervous before her presentation.

• The doctor felt for a pulse on the patient's wrist.

• He felt a tap on his shoulder.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'felt' connects the subject 'She' to the adjective 'nervous,' describing her state of being. In the other options, 'felt' is an action verb describing the physical act of touching.

Complete the sentence: My brother and his best friend ______ the new co-captains of the soccer team.

• is

• was

• are

• been

Answer explanation

The compound subject 'My brother and his best friend' is plural, so it requires the plural linking verb 'are'. 'Is' and 'was' are singular, and 'been' requires a helping verb.

True or False: In the sentence "He is building a model rocket," the word 'is' is a linking verb.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'is' is a helping (or auxiliary) verb that works with the main verb 'building' to form the present progressive tense. It does not link the subject to a description.

What is the subject complement in the sentence "The new video game looks incredibly difficult"?

• video game

• looks

• incredibly

• difficult

Answer explanation

The linking verb 'looks' connects the subject 'video game' to the predicate adjective 'difficult,' which describes the game. 'Incredibly' is an adverb modifying 'difficult'.

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate linking verb: That plan ______ like a great idea for the weekend.

• sounds

• tastes

• feels

• grows

Answer explanation

A 'plan' is something you hear about or discuss, so the sensory verb 'sounds' is the logical choice to link 'plan' to the description 'a great idea'. The other verbs do not fit the context.

In which sentence does the verb 'tasted' function as an action verb taking a direct object?

• The lemonade tasted too sweet.

• After the chili cook-off, everything tasted spicy.

• The chef tasted the soup to check the seasoning.

• This apple tastes crisp and juicy.

Answer explanation

Here, 'tasted' is an action performed by the 'chef' on the 'soup' (the direct object). In the other sentences, 'tasted' is a linking verb connecting the subject to an adjective describing its flavor.

Fill in the blank with the grammatically correct word: Even though he lost the race, he didn't feel ____ about his performance.

• bad

• badly

• worse

• poor

Answer explanation

After the linking verb 'feel,' an adjective is needed to describe the subject 'he'. 'Bad' is an adjective, while 'badly' is an adverb that would incorrectly describe the action of feeling.