This is an introduction to linking and being verbs.

1. Some Verbs Don’t Show Action

2.  Connects, or “links”, the subject to a word that
identifies or describes the subject
 EX: Ms. Taliaferro is a goddess.
 Is connects Ms. Taliaferro to the word goddess.
 Goddess identifies Ms. Taliaferro by explaining
who or what she is.

3.  When a linking verb connects the subject
to a NOUN, the noun IDENTIFIES who or
what the subject is.
 EX: Mrs. Almarez is a teacher.
 Ex: Mrs. Weatherford is
also a graduate student.

4.  When a subject is “linked” to a noun, the noun
is called a predicate noun.
 Itis called a predicate noun because the noun
comes after the linking verb, which means it’s
part of the predicate of the sentence.

5.  When a linking verb connects the subject
with an ADJECTIVE, it DESCRIBES the
subject.
 EX: Miss Haigler seems friendly.
 EX: The classroom looks clean.

6.  When a subject is “linked” to an adjective, it
is called a predicate adjective.
 Itis called a predicate adjective because the
adjective comes after the linking verb,
which means it’s part of the predicate of the
sentence.

7.  Some linking verbs are forms of the word “be”,
so can be called being verbs.
am has been may be
is have been might be
are had been can be
was will be should be
were shall be would have been
 Thesecan also be used as helping verbs when
paired with a main verb.

8.  Some linking verbs can also be used as action
verbs, so the reader has to pay attention to
how the verb is being used in the sentence!
appear grow seem
become look smell
feel remain sound
taste

9.  Memorize this list!
am has been may be
is have been might be
are had been can be
was will be should be
were shall be would have been
appear grow seem
become look smell
feel remain sound taste