Linking Verbs
Master the verbs that connect subjects to their descriptions and states
What Are Linking Verbs?
Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or identifies it. They don't show action but instead link the subject to additional information. From "is" to "become," linking verbs are essential for descriptive writing.
Types of Linking Verbs
Forms of "Be"
Is
She is happy.
Are
They are tired.
Was
He was late.
Were
We were excited.
Sensory Verbs
Look
She looks beautiful.
Feel
I feel sick.
Sound
The music sounds great.
Taste
The soup tastes delicious.
State of Being
Become
She became a doctor.
Remain
He remained calm.
Stay
The weather stays warm.
Grow
The plant grows tall.
Linking Verb Examples
The sky is blue. (is = linking verb)
The cake smells delicious. (smells = linking verb)
She became a teacher. (became = linking verb)
The flowers look beautiful. (look = linking verb)
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Linking Verbs
Find the linking verb in each sentence:
The weather is cold today.
Show Answer
Answer: is
The soup tastes salty.
Show Answer
Answer: tastes
She became a doctor.
Show Answer
Answer: became
Interactive Quiz 2: Linking vs Action Verbs
Determine if the verb is linking or action:
The dog runs fast. (runs)
Show Answer
Answer: Action verb
The dog is fast. (is)
Show Answer
Answer: Linking verb
She looks at the picture. (looks)
Show Answer
Answer: Action verb
Interactive Quiz 3: Complete with Linking Verbs
Complete each sentence with a linking verb:
The cake _____ delicious.
Show Answer
Answer: tastes, smells, looks
She _____ a teacher.
Show Answer
Answer: is, became, remains
The music _____ beautiful.
Show Answer
Answer: sounds, is
Interactive Quiz 4: Subject Complements
Identify the subject complement in each sentence:
The sky is blue.
Show Answer
Answer: blue
She became a doctor.
Show Answer
Answer: doctor
The flowers smell sweet.
Show Answer
Answer: sweet
Tips for Using Linking Verbs
Identify the Subject
Find what the linking verb connects to the description.
Look for Descriptions
Linking verbs connect subjects to adjectives or nouns that describe them.
Avoid Confusion
Some verbs can be both linking and action verbs depending on context.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Linking verbs connect subjects to their descriptions - they're essential for creating clear, descriptive sentences!