Download Linking Verbs Linking verbs link the subject with another word in the

Linking Verbs
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Linking verbs link the subject with another word in the sentence. The
other word either renames or describes the subject.
Forms of the verb be are the most common linking verbs. In fact, any
verb phrase ending in be or been can be a linking verb. (ie. “can be”,
“will be”, “will have been”)
Forms of the verb be are not always linking verbs. To be a linking verb, a
verb must link the subject with another word that renames or describes
the subject. Some verb forms of be simply make statements. (ie. “She
was there.”)
When identifying linking verbs, have the student underline the linking
verb or verb phrase, and then highlight the two words that are being
linked. This will allow the student to see how the words are related to
each other.
Other linking verbs: seems, appears, looks, feels
Predicate (Nominatives) Nouns and Predicate Adjectives
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Teach that predicate adjectives and predicate nouns only follow linking verbs
Teach that linking verbs are verbs of being
Have students memorize the following linking verbs: am, is, are, was, were,
be, being, been
Teach students that a few other verbs can be linking verbs also: seems,
appears, looks, feels, becomes, tastes
Teach that linking verbs link two parts of a sentence
Teach that a predicate noun is a noun that renames the subject
Teach that a predicate adjective can be picked up and placed in front of the
subject to describe it
Give students sentences to analyze and label. Students label the predicate
noun by placing an N for noun under the word and PN above the word for
predicate noun. Students then draw an arrow from the predicate noun to the
subject noun it renames.
Teach students how to diagram a sentence with a predicate noun. Give
students sentences to read, analyze, label and diagram.
Give students sentences to analyze and label. Students label the predicate
adjective by placing adj. under the word and PA above the word for predicate
adjective. Students then draw an arrow from the predicate adjective to the
subject noun it describes
Teach students how to diagram a sentence with a predicate adjective. Give
students sentences to read, analyze, label, and diagram.