Linking Verbs

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not show action. Instead, they link the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject.

Examples of Linking Verbs

• Common linking verbs: be, am, is, are, was, were, seem, become, appear, feel, look, sound, taste, smell
• Example sentences:
• Sarah is a doctor. (The linking verb "is" connects the subject "Sarah" to the subject complement "doctor.")
• The flowers smell sweet. (The linking verb "smell" connects the subject "flowers" to the subject complement "sweet.")

Study Guide

Here are some tips for identifying and using linking verbs:

1. Recognizing linking verbs: Look for verbs that do not show action but instead connect the subject to a subject complement.
2. Subject complements: Identify the words that come after linking verbs and rename or describe the subject.
3. Practice: Review sentences and identify the linking verbs and subject complements.
4. Usage: Use linking verbs to connect the subject to a subject complement in your own writing.

By understanding and identifying linking verbs, you can improve your writing and communication skills.

[Linking Verbs] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• VerbsEnglish Language Arts • Second Grade
• VerbsEnglish Language Arts • Fifth Grade
• Categorizing WordsEnglish Language Arts • First Grade
• Parts of SpeechEnglish Language Arts • Sixth Grade