Mastering Linking Verbs: A Complete Lesson with Examples and Practice
Linking Verbs Lesson: Explain how linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or renames it. Students contrast linking and action verbs through examples, guided practice, and a printable worksheet.
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What Are Linking Verbs?
Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about that subject. Instead of showing action, they link the subject to a state of being or description.
🔹 Common Linking Verbs:
Forms of to be: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
Seem, become, appear, feel, look, sound, taste, smell, remain
🔹 Rule Notes:
Linking verbs do not show action. They describe what something is or how it seems.
Example: The soup smells delicious. (No one is “smelling” — it describes the soup.)
If you can replace the verb with “is” and the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
Example: The sky looks blue. → The sky is blue. ✅
Practice Together
Instructions: Write out the linking verb in each sentence.
The soup tastes spicy.
She is my best friend.
The flowers look beautiful.
He became angry after the game.
This cake feels soft and fluffy.
The sky turned dark before the storm.
The teacher is patient with her students.
My cat seems tired today.
Answer Key
tastes – links “soup” to “spicy”
is – links “she” to “my best friend”
look – links “flowers” to “beautiful”
became – links “he” to “angry”
feels – links “cake” to “soft and fluffy”
turned – links “sky” to “dark”
is – links “teacher” to “patient with her students”
seems – links “cat” to “tired”
Linking Verbs Quiz
Now it’s your turn!
Conclusion
Linking verbs may not show action, but they play an essential role in clear and descriptive writing. They connect subjects to information that defines, describes, or explains them, helping sentences express states of being and sensory details with precision. By recognizing and correctly using linking verbs, students can make their writing more vivid and accurate—showing what something is rather than just what it does. Mastering these verbs builds a stronger foundation for thoughtful, expressive communication.
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