Download Linking Verbs

Linking Verbs
A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a word that renames or
describes it that is found in the predicate of the sentence.
A linking verb can be either a state of being verb or a sensory verb (appears,
tastes, feels, seems, etc.).
If the subject is linked to a noun or pronoun in the predicate of the sentence, that
word is called a predicate nominative.
If the subject is linked to an adjective in the predicate of the sentence, that word
is called a predicate adjective.
Example:
The Martians are visitors to our world. The linking verb in this sentence is
are. It links Martians to visitors therefore it is a predicate nominative.
The Martians feel happy to be here. The linking verb in this sentence is
feels. It links Martian to happy therefore it is a predicate adjective.
Points to remember:
Verbs must show action or state of being.
State of being verbs can be either a helping verb or a linking verb.
A verb phrase consists of at least one helping verb and a main verb.
Verb phrases can be found in statements and questions.
If it is a question, you will need to restate it as a declarative sentence in
order to easily locate the verb phrase.
Verbs and verb phrases will usually start the predicate of a sentence.
Forms of have and do can also be main verbs or helping verbs.
If the state of being verb is by itself, it probably is a linking verb.
If the state of being verb is with other verbs, it probably is a helping verb.