Linking verbs act as equal signs to connect a subject to a predicate adjective or predicate noun. Common linking verbs include forms of "to be" like "is", "am", "are", as well as seem and appear. Sensory verbs like taste, feel, smell can also function as linking verbs when used to describe a state of being, but not when used with a direct object. Linking verbs provide essential information about the subject's identity or condition.

1. Linking Verbs

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
What is the teacher? kind
Kind is the predicate adjective

4. Linking verbs act like
equal signs
I have been a student leader for three years.
I = student leader for three years
What have I been? student leader
student leader is the predicate noun

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Most Common Linking
Verbs