This document discusses linking verbs and provides examples to distinguish them from action verbs. It notes that linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to other information and do not show action. Common linking verbs include forms of "to be" such as am, are, is as well as seem, look, feel, taste, smell, sound, grow, appear and remain. There are also some verbs like sound and seem that can be either linking verbs or action verbs depending on their use.

1. Linking Verbs
Using and Identifying
Linking Verbs

2. Practice Test
• How are linking
verbs different
from action
verbs?
• What are
examples of
linking verbs?

3. Linking Verb Definition
• Linking verbs are verbs that
connect or LINK the subject of
a sentence to other
information in the sentence.
• Linking verbs do NOT show
action.

4. Some Examples of Linking Verbs
Forms of Be Could be Action or Linking
• Am • Sound
• Are • Seem
• Is • Look
• Was • Feel
• Were
• Taste
• Be
• Grow
• Being
• Been • Appear
• Become • Remain
• Became • Smell

5. Another Way to Remember
• To the tune of London Bridges:
Am, are, is, was, were, and be
Forms of Be
Forms of Be
Taste, smell, sound, seem, look, feel,
Grow, appear, remain

6. Exceptions
• Depending on how some are used,
some words may be an action verb
or linking verb.
• Try the substitution test: take out
the verb, add is, are, or was. Does it
make sense?
• If it does, it is a linking verb.
• Example:
– Amy looked through the telescope.
– Amy looked pale.

7. Practice Time
• Page 359
– Exercise 3
– 1-10

8. Extra Practice
• http://www.curriculumassociat
es.com/educator-
resources/write/grammar/gram
marD_3.htm