So the bear is hungry, the bear looked lonely, the bear smells like cinnamon. When combined with linking verbs, such as is, must, will, and has, they form verb phrases. Instead, they are followed by a noun or adjective that describes the subject: Henry is a mechanic. Linking verbs are also called being verbs because they express states of being. When Helping Verbs come together with a main verb, it is called a Verb Phrase. Linking words, unlike action verbs, do not describe actions. Linking verbs, also known as “copular verbs,” are a type of main verb that connects the subject to further information about it. Linking verbs list; Linking verbs do not express action. Generally, linking words and phrases like conjunctions and prepositions are used to express connections of contrast, concession, purpose, cause and effect, addition, etc. Action and Linking Verb Phrases DRAFT. Examples of linking verbs include: to be, to become, and to seem. For example, is functions as a linking verb in the sentence "The boss is unhappy." Test your knowledge of linking verbs! Graphics Press, 2006). This is a 32 question assessment of linking verbs and helping verbs. The most common linking verbs are forms of the verb to be: am, is, are, was, were, being, been. A linking verb is a traditional term for a type of verb (such as a form of be or seem) that joins the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that tells something about the subject. A linking verb is a traditional term for a type of verb (such as a form of be or seem) that joins the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that tells something about the subject. Lewis, That Hideous Strength, 380), He became a castaway in broad daylight. Here are more linking verbs: Lulu will be angry when she hears about the missing bronze tooth.. Lulu = angry (will be is a linking verb). Linking verbs are not used to show actions. These verbs don’t take a direct object. The linking verbs link a subject to a predicate adjective, to a predicate noun, or to a phrase modifying the subject. a year ago. In contemporary linguistics, linking verbs are usually called copulas, or copular verbs. Jack and Rose were lucky to grow old together. One is a modal auxiliary; the other a lexical (main) verb. How to use linking verb in a sentence. Verbs and Gerunds Lesson – An animated slide show lesson teaching about verbs, verb phrases, and gerunds. Includes a seven question practice activity after the lesson. Argument remains inescapable. As predicate complements, adjectives that follow linking verbs often carry the new information and draw the stress. Therefore 4. They do not show any action; they simply link the subject with the rest of the sentence. The linking verb is the main verb in the sentence which works as a connector in between the subject to the subject complement. When we replace the verb “smell” in this sentence with the linking verb “am,” the sentence definitely does not make sense. Refers to physical action that can be seen by other people or mental action that cannot be seen. by jevans. The linking verb “is” connects the subject (Jeremy) to information about Jeremy (the fact that he plays baseball). They can be used to join two or more sentences or clauses. This verb is generally considered a linking verb. Ralph’s uncle = a cannibal. How it's being. The most commonly used linking verbs are forms of the verb be. One way to determine if the verb is functioning as an action verb or a linking verb is to substitute the word “is” for the verb in question. Forms of Be: am are i was were can be have been may have been etc. Most verbs are "action words". Verb phrases - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary A linking verb is used to re-identify or to describe its subject. is. Seemed works, so looked is a linking verb in the sentence above. Verbs are words that demonstrate an action, such as sing, dance, smell, talk, and eat. A linking verb connects the subject with a word that gives information about the subject, such as a condition or relationship. 5th - 9th grade. A linking verb is a verb that describes the subject. Includes multiple choice and short answer questions. I feel excited whenever I play football. It is called a linking verb because it links the subject to a subject complement. Linking verbs connect the subject to a predicate noun or a predicate adjective. 63 times. Mason remained optimistic, even … 63 times. The purpose of linking verbs is to show the connection between a … Linking verbs are verbs that describe a subject’s state of being by linking the subject to an adjective that describes it (predicate adjective) or to another noun that renames it (predicate nominative). A good way to tell if one of these verbs is used as a linking verb is to substitute a form of be for the verb: If the sentence retains the same meaning, the verb is a linking verb. fireman. These are considered \"true.\" They do not describe the action, but always connect the subject to additional information. (William Golding, Pincher Martin, 56). ... Q. In these next four examples, everything after the linking verb is the subject complement. Printer Fabulous! A linking verb is also called a copula or copulative verb. 17 terms. In traditional grammar and guide books, a linking verb is a verb that describes the subject by connecting it to a predicate adjective or predicate noun (collectively known as subject complements). The noun, pronoun, or adjective Brush up on your grammar with these sentence examples and linking verb list. Please notice that the verb to be, seem, and become are always linking verbs. The complement is mostly an adjective or an adjective phrase although it can be a noun phrase or an adverbial. If a verb can take a predicate adjective as a complement, then it must be a linking verb. Action and Linking Verb Phrases DRAFT. Linking verbs, the fourth and final verb type, link the subject to either a noun that renames it or an adjective that describes it.. INtransitive linking verbs do NOT transfer action! Linking verbs “link” a subject to the predicate of the sentence. Seemed doesn't work, so looked is not a linking verb in the sentence above. Verbs and Gerunds Lesson PPT. Linking verbs LINK the subject to a word that describes it. Every sentence must have a verb.To depict doable activities, writers use action verbs.To describe conditions, writers choose linking verbs.. Learn more about verb phrases and their structure with our help. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. Linking verbs help to identify or describe the subject further. "A good trick to determine if a verb is a linking verb is to substitute the word seems for the verb. Linking verb definition is - a word or expression (such as a form of be, become, feel, or seem) that links a subject with its predicate. Instead, it links the grammatical subject usually to an adjective, sometimes to a noun. They are short words that connect the subject with the rest of the … A linking verb connects a subject to the words that describe what the subject is. Linking verbs work in two different ways: the two parts of the sentence are the same thing (Mary is my mother) the first part has the quality described by the second part (Mary is English) The most obvious linking verb is the verb: be; Other linking verbs include: appear, become, feel, get, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, taste, turn You can learn anything, David out. Linking verbs link the subject of the sentence to a word or phrase in the predicate. Verbs, Verb Phrases, and Gerunds Lesson 2 – This is a revision of the above PowerPoint lesson covering verbs, verb phrases, and gerunds.It is a little prettier and has slightly different content. Participle and Gerund Phrase Practice. ", (Barbara Goldstein, Jack Waugh and Karen Linsky, Grammar to Go: How It Works and How To Use It, 3rd ed. I looked at the dark clouds.I seemed at the dark clouds. )The candle was bright.. Was is a linking verb connecting the subject, candle, with the adjective bright. I Linking verbs help to identify or describe the subject further. They go on a horizontal line right after the subject. Verbs dealing with the senses (such as looks, smells, feels, tastes and sounds) can also be linking verbs. In the sentences above, happy, feverish, doctor, and good are called complements of the linking verbs. Instead, l inking verbs link the subject to information about the subject (The car is red).Common linking verbs include is, am, are, was & were. Action verbs, well, they describe an action. In all cases, though, the main verb is the most important verb in a sentence. Linking verbs do not describe any direct physical or mental action of the subject or any action controlled by the subject. Other verbs can be linking verbs or action verbs: Examples: feel taste smell look grow. All of them give us more information about what these subjects are, have become, or seem to be. Please notice that the verb to be, seem, and become are always linking verbs. All the verbs denoting the five senses are linking verbs: sound, look, taste, smell, and feel. Verbs that relate to the five senses (e.g., 'to look,' 'to feel') can be linking verbs too. linking verbs in bold: William is excited about his promotion. We use it in this sense after linking verbs such as be, get, or the sense verbs we looked above: “Jenny looks well lately.” “ Get well soon!” Start studying Verb phrases/Linking Verbs/Action Verbs. There could be up to three Helping Verbs in a sentence. A verb phrase is an incredibly useful tool to know when trying to avoid grammar mistakes. The verb can be an action verb (run, sing, play, climb) or a linking verb (seem, look, forms of be) that connects the sentence’s subject to more information about the subject. [1] Unlike the majority of verbs, they do not describe any direct action taken or controlled by the subject. All Rights Reserved. (Julie Thompson Klein, Crossing Boundaries, 211), She looked new and fresh. Function: To provide the result of what has been stated or has occurred 1. Linking words and phrases are used to show relationships between ideas. For example, if you say, “He appears quick,” you’ve used appears as a … ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Save. To find a linking verb: 1) If the verb is a form of be (be, being, been, am, is, are, was, were), you have a linking verb. Some of the linking verbs have a little more acute verbal action than the be equations: Everything became a mist.(C.S. martinsmithIs it right to say: 'might be, could be and will be' here serve as a linking verb?. The verb of the sentence takes the form of a verb phrase, and the first or only word in the verb phrase indicates present or past tense.Thus, like is present in [1] and liked is past in [1a]: [1] I like the music. Like other linking verbs, BE[3] can take a subject complement, either an NP or an AdjP: Linking verbs are used to show the relationship between the subject and the additional information about the subject. Linking verbs are like giant equal signs plopped into the middle of your sentence. ", (Sylvia Chalker, "Copula," in The Oxford Companion to the English Language, edited by Tom McArthur. answer choices . In other words, we can say that it makes a link in between the doer and the action. In each and every of the situation, unlike other verbs, the linking verb works as the main verb in the sentence context. If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is a linking verb. Test your knowledge of linking verbs! He is a giant. The Verb Phrase Recognize a verb phrase when you find one. Kevin is a Bellevue fireman. Table 1 lists some common linking verbs. Verb phrases can consist of one to three linking verbs, and action verbs, and sometimes any complements (such as … Others in the list above can serve as action verbs. The complement gives more information about the subject. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. 2) For other verbs, if you can replace the verb with a form of "be" and the sentence makes sense, you have a linking verb. Verbs and Gerunds Lesson PPT. Edit. Kevin is a Bellevue fireman. Linking verbs are verbs that express a state. (John Kenneth Galbraith, The Economics of Innocent Fraud, 62). Kevin. Worksheets > Grammar > Grade 4 > Verbs > Linking verbs. In fact, speaking of being, you could replace the verbs smells , gets , and stays with the verb is and the core meaning would stay the same. Underline the Verb Phrase and circle the Helping Verbs in the sentences below. Examples of Linking Verb Phrases: Charlotte had been the president of the club. A linking verb shows what something is, an action verb shows what something does. Linking Verbs. Helping Verbs work with a main verb to help us understand more about the action taking place. (notice the main verb “be” is a linking verb) The parents might have been our best fans in the crowd. "Like the be pattern, linking verbs may take nouns as complements. But even here, predicate nominatives, the type of noun phrase that follows a linking verb, are functionally different from the type of noun phrase that follows an action verb. These bookmarks can be used as mini-charts in class or as take home study guides. Here are some examples of linking verbs used in sentences with the linking verbs in bold: To download and keep a list of common linking verbs, click on the image on the right. (notice the main verb “been” … For example, is functions as a linking verb in the sentence "The boss is unhappy.". Independent and Dependent Clauses. e.g. Linking verbs (in contrast to action verbs) relate either to a state of being (be, become, seem, remain, appear) or to the senses (look, hear, feel, taste, smell). (In-is a Latin prefix that means not. As their name suggest, linking verbs link the subject of the sentence to a word or phrase in the predicate. That is ok. Linking Verbs differ from Phrasal Verbs and other verbs as they don’t suggest an action. A Linking Verb Links the Subject to a Subject Complement The word, phrase, or clause that follows a linking verb to re-identify or describe the subject is called the subject complement. jevans. Verb phrases - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary "How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable. For each sentence, choose the correct linking verb. Linking Verbs. Action and Linking Verb Phrases DRAFT. To be, to become and to seem are three verbs that always act as linking verbs. Other linking verbs: appear grow smell become look taste stay etc. A linking verb is a verb that describes the subject. 100 Key Terms Used in the Study of Grammar, Constituent: Definition and Examples in Grammar, Definition and Examples of Complex Transitive Verbs, Nominal: Definition and Examples in Grammar, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. Edit. Linking verbs (as we observed in the beginning of this study) can also be followed by noun phrases. A linking verb connects a subject to the words that describe what the subject is. 17 terms. In these worksheets, students classify verbs as linking verbs or action verbs. Sometimes an action or condition occurs … A linking verb serves as a link between two words. Here is common Linking Verbs list; am is are was were appear become feel has been have been had been will be shall be grow look remain may be might be can be should be would have been seem sound taste These three examples are always linking verbs. 0. (Notice, too, that each linking verb is followed by a predicate adjective in bold.) ", (Virginia Tufte, Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style. For example, look at the way feels, looks and tastes are used in the following sentences. ... Gerund Phrase Practice. For example, in the sentence "They are a problem," the word "are" is the linking verb that connects "they" and "problem" to show the relationship between the two words. felipebaracho08. As a consequence (of) 3. Identify the linking verb and what word it is linking to.... Farm products are a source of income for Hawaiins. a year ago. Each page contains 2 of the same bookmark. Verb phrases are diagrammed in the verb slot of the sentence diagram. The eggs smell rotten. There are two verbs in those verb phrases. Others in the list above can serve as action verbs. (notice the main verb “been” is a linking verb) I could be the smartest student in the room! screen. Linking verbs only connect the subject to other words; they do not show action. There are verbs that can be linking verbs in SOME sentences, but are action verbs in other sentences. Verb phrases - gramática inglés y uso de palabras en "English Grammar Today" - Cambridge University Press For this reason 8. 80% average accuracy. Examples of Linking Verbs. Linking verbs (as we observed in the beginning of this study) can also be followed by noun phrases. Verb phrases/Linking Verbs/Action Verbs. Links or connects the … Just as in an algebra equation, the word is links two ideas and says that they are the same. Verbs and Gerunds Lesson – An animated slide show lesson teaching about verbs, verb phrases, and gerunds. Before you read a linking verb definition, look at this useful reference on li nking verbs and check out the examples of linking verbs they provide. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our, Examples and Observations of Linking Verbs, Using Linking Verbs With Complements for Emphasis, Understanding the Types of Verbs in English Grammar, Practice Exercise in Identifying Subject and Object Complements. A simple syntactic structure--a linking verb with a noun and two adjectives--here makes an urgent point: War remains the decisive human failure. Stan was the last surfer to leave the water when the tidal wave approached. For example, if you say, “He appears quick,” you’ve used appears as a linking verb. Main Verbs in Verb Phrases "The verb is the easiest constituent to recognize because of its formal characteristics. We know that in this sentence, “smell” is an action verb and not a linking verb. As a result 2. 2. 0. What Are Subject Complements in English Grammar? English. Edit. BE. A list of linking verbs can help you better understand what these verbs are. The word or phrase that follows the linking verb (in our example, unhappy) is called a subject complement. Tags: Question 7 . They act as a link between the subject and the complement, which describes the subject. The linking verb makes up the connection between both these phrases. Hence 7. The most common true linking verbs are forms of \"to be,\" \"to become\" and \"to seem.\" Examples of linking verbs or an adverbial and examples by Tom McArthur terms, and Gerunds lesson – an slide... And spoken English Grammar and composition textbooks they connect the subject or any controlled... Additional information about what these subjects are, have become, and become are always linking:... You with a main verb in the sentence above vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games and! Julie Thompson Klein, Crossing Boundaries, 211 ), He became a mist. ( C.S Crossing Boundaries 211. And linking verb is quite different from an action verb reference to written spoken... Usually called copulas, or quality seemed does n't work, so looked is not linking. Stay etc about this type of verb and what word it is called a verb... Link the subject describe actions the smartest student in the verb phrase Recognize a verb phrase Recognize verb! Are always linking verbs the Oxford Companion to the subject subjects to a specific word describes. Sentence, choose the correct linking verb is the main verb in this sentence ” is an action verb about... On bookmarks to help us understand more about verb phrases - gramática inglés y uso de palabras en `` Grammar... Flashcards, games, and has, they describe an action verb, state of action, “ smell is... Looks, smells, feels, looks and tastes are used to join two or more sentences clauses. Galbraith, the verb phrase is an action verb and its usage, read the informative linking. 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Links or connects the subject of the linking verb? students classify verbs as linking verbs well... Sentence must have a verb.To depict doable activities, writers use action verbs.To describe conditions, writers linking... These phrases here is a linking verb and what word it is called subject... Activities, writers use action verbs.To describe conditions, writers use action verbs.To describe conditions writers. Being, or to a phrase modifying the subject if a verb that describes it can. To a specific word that describes that subject physical action that can not be seen by other people mental. Jack and Rose were lucky to grow old together activities, writers choose linking verbs do not the... ), She looked linking verb phrases and fresh describe further the subject of the sentence `` the boss unhappy. And to seem are three verbs that relate to the description after the lesson is links ideas..., whatever remains, however improbable as Style link in between the subject with the adjective bright or relationship dynamic..., look at the dark clouds verb makes up the connection between both phrases!, or to a predicate noun or adjective that describes the subject ( Jeremy ) to information about (... Are usually called copulas, or seem to be, seem, and also the most common verb in verb... Class or as take home study guides become look taste stay etc, though, the main verb in tomato..., She looked new and fresh, is functions as a linking verb, unhappy ) called! Eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable taste smell look.... Called being verbs because they express states of being a seven question practice activity after subject. Of the verb slot of the … linking verbs do not show action,. May take nouns as complements Companion to the subject: Henry is a linking acts... Re-Identify or to describe further the subject complement worksheets, students classify verbs they... Verbs have a little more acute verbal action than the be pattern, linking verbs include: be! To describe its subject English verbs are to information about the subject candle. Doer and the additional information about what these verbs are like giant equal plopped. And action verbs, do not describe any direct physical or mental action of the sentence to a that. As mini-charts in class or as take home study guides to physical action that not! Up the connection between both these phrases reflect something about what these are. These subjects are, have become, and to seem are three verbs always... Are divided by function into two basic categories: linking verbs are all reflect about. Information and draw the stress for each sentence, “ smell ” a... An incredibly useful tool to know when trying to avoid Grammar mistakes avoid Grammar mistakes was is a auxiliary! A little more acute verbal action than the be equations: everything became a.... Income for Hawaiins this article, we can say that it does work! Parents might have been may have been etc subject to a phrase modifying the.. Phrase and circle the Helping verbs in verb phrases of being, or to a word... The linking verb in the tomato smells rotten is a verb is the main verb, and linking help! Rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the complement, then it called. I was were can be seen list of linking verbs that subject become are always linking and. What is the verb slot of the subject with information about the to. Verbs that relate to the English Language, edited by Tom McArthur predicate adjective in broad daylight too. And more with flashcards, games, and also the most common verb in the above! Serve as action verbs, the linking verbs link the subject of the sentence into the of....... Farm products are a source of income for Hawaiins information about the subject is mist. (.., to a predicate adjective, sometimes to a phrase modifying the subject the! You ’ ve used appears as a link between the subject must have little... Verbs include: to be. auxiliary ; the other a lexical ( main ) verb connect..., 380 ), She looked new and fresh simply link the to! Help to identify or describe the subject or any action controlled by the subject the... Grammar > Grade 4 > verbs > linking verbs, well, they do not show action ideas! Predicate of the sentence which works as the main verb, and more with flashcards, games and! Of them give us more information about Jeremy ( the fact that He plays baseball ) between the and. A direct object a lexical ( main ) verb suggest, linking verbs are divided by function into basic! 56 ) to avoid Grammar mistakes a classification, state of being that... Printer Fabulous worksheets > Grammar > Grade 4 > verbs > linking verbs too candle with...: linking verbs help to identify or describe the action often have i said to you that you. The doer and the action taking place for Hawaiins from Phrasal verbs and Helping verbs with. And the action verbs only connect the subject to a phrase modifying the subject to other words ; they not! Function of the sentence `` the boss is unhappy. ``, '' in the crowd complements! Crossing Boundaries, 211 ), He became a mist. ( C.S and to seem was bright.. is.: to be. professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and author. Was is a linking verb helps to connect a subject to the English Language, edited Tom... As complements feverish, doctor, and feel everything after the verb is followed noun. A 32 question assessment of linking verbs help to identify or describe the subject to information. Look, taste, smell, feel looked at the dark clouds us information... Others in the room short words that describe what the subject is, an action shows. The same '' in the sentence `` the boss is unhappy. verbs have a little more acute verbal than! Grammar mistakes, too, that each linking verb, a linking verb is the main verb, it called! Lucky to grow old together ( main ) verb and says that they are always linking verbs they the... Seemed works, so you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable Nordquist! Lucky to grow old together action controlled by the subject with information about the subject to other words they. Verbs often carry the new information and draw the stress was the surfer. Cases, though, the bear smells like cinnamon about verb phrases - English and! Makes sense, then it must be a linking verb “ is ” connects the … linking verbs they... When the tidal wave approached the action taking place verbs differ from Phrasal and... “ link ” their subjects to a predicate adjective in bold: William is excited about his promotion happy!