What are linking verbs?

1. Linking Verbs
Understanding Verbs Part 1

2. Linking Verbs
- Express state of being
- Act like an equal sign

3. Linking verbs act like
equal signs
The teacher is very kind.
The teacher = very kind

4. Linking verbs act like
equal signs
Our class gathering was really fun.
Our class gathering = really fun

5. Linking verbs act like
equal signs
I have been a student leader for three years.
I = student leader for three years

6. Linking verbs are not
always “be” verbs.
With large fangs, that dog seems ferocious.
That dog = ferocious

7. Linking verbs are not
always “be” verbs.
She appears tired after a whole day’s work.
She = tired

8. Linking verbs are not
always “be” verbs.
Sensory verbs: hear, smell, taste, feel
This wallet feels sturdy.
This wallet = sturdy
My mother’s fried rice tastes delicious.
My mother’s fried rice = delicious

9. Sensory verbs are not
always linking verbs!
Sensory verbs are only linking verbs when they
act as “equal signs”.
I tasted the hamburger.
I = hamburger?
not a linking verb

10. Most Common Linking
Verbs

11. Summary
Linking verbs are extremely common.
Linking verbs act like equal signs.
The most common linking verb is “be”.
Other common linking verbs are “become”, “appear”
and “seem”.
Sensory verbs are linking verbs at times.