Linking verbs act as an equals sign between the subject and another word in the predicate, showing that the subject "is" or "is like" something else described by a noun or adjective. Common linking verbs include forms of "to be" such as "is", "am", "are", "was", and "were". To identify a linking verb, you can substitute "is", "am", or "are" for the suspected verb - if the sentence still makes sense, it is likely a linking verb. Linking verbs do not show action and instead connect the subject to another word that renames or describes it.

1. Linking Verbs The great equals sign of sentences

6. Linking Verbs in Action Mr. Childers is the nicest teacher in the school. Here is the linking verb Mr. Childers is the subject

7. Linking Verbs in Action Mr. Childers is the nicest teacher in the school. Think of the linking verb as an equals (=) sign

8. Linking Verbs in Action Mr. Childers is the nicest teacher in the school. Mr. Childers equals what? Teacher is a noun in the predicate that renames the subject, so we call it a predicate nominative

10. Linking Verbs in Action The trees are beautiful in the fall. Linking Verb Subject Predicate Adjective The verb are links an adjective in the predicate with the subject

11. Linking Verbs in Action The play was exciting. Linking Verb Subject Predicate Adjective The verb was links an adjective in the predicate with the subject

12. Linking Verbs in Action It seemed like a good idea at the time. Linking Verb Subject Predicate Adjective The verb seemed links a noun in the predicate with the subject

14. You Try It! Ice cream is my favorite dessert.

15. YES!

16. Oh NO!

17. You Try It! This water tastes funny.

18. YES!

19. Oh NO!

20. You Try It! The report cards were terrible.

21. YES!

22. Oh NO!

23. You Try It! That couple seems pleasant.

24. YES!

25. Oh NO!

26. You Try It! We were delirious with joy!

27. YES!

28. Oh NO!

34. Is, Am, Are The meatloaf is like it is overcooked. This time is doesn’t make sense, so the verb is not a linking verb