~ Verbs ~

Linking Verb

A linking verb links, or connects, the subject to a word or word group that identifies or describes the subject. It does not show action.

Ann was cooking dinner in the kitchen.

Ann was cooking dinner in the kitchen. Verb: was cooking Type: helping/main

Frank was tired after work.

Frank was tired after work. Verb: was Type: linking verb

I did my homework right after school.

I did my homework right after school. Verb: did Type: action verb

Practice Time

In the following sentences, see if you can identify the verb

My dad drove his car.

My dad drove his car to the store. Verb: drove Type: action verb

Sarah competed in the track meet.

Sarah competed in the track meet. Verb: competed Type: action verb

Twilight is her favorite movie.

Twilight is her favorite movie. Verb: is Type: linking verb

Common Linking Verbs:

is, am are, was, were, be, been, being, feels, tastes, looks, smells, remains, seems, becomes, stays

Action Verb

An action verb shows action. It tells what the subject of the sentence does. - An action verb expresses either physical or mental ability.

The boys were playing in the park.

The boys were playing in the park. Verb: were playing Type: helping/main

They are watching television.

They are watching television. Verb: are watching Type: helping/main

Action Verb Examples:

1) Bill hit the ball. 2) The cat purred softly. 3) I strolled to school. 4) Susan conversed with me. 5) Kim knew the answer to every question on the quiz.

Helping/Main Verb Examples:

1) I am eating my lunch. 2) Ed has taken the test. 3) We were talking.

Linking Verb Examples:

1) We are hungry. 2) He was late to school. 3) The winner is Johnny. 4) The rose smells good.

To find a linking verb:

1. If the verb is a form of be (be, being, been, am, is, are, was, were), you have a linking verb. 2. For other verbs, if you can replace the verb with a form of "be" and the sentence makes sense, you have a linking verb. - Examples: 1) The pizza tastes good. 2) The pizza is good.

Helping and Main Verbs

A helping verb helps a main verb express action and a state of being. The helping verb comes before the main verb and the two or more verbs make up a verb phrase.