Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs

Reminder: Action Verbs “indicate the action of a person or thing; action can be physical or mental” Kylie scored a goal in yesterday’s soccer game. Rachel’s hopes soared high after receiving an A on her Vocabulary test

Linking Verbs “connect a subject to a word that identifies or describes the subject” Konnor is funny during homeroom. Logan and Ryan seemed tired in class yesterday.

Distinguishing Between Action Verbs and Linking Verbs Some verbs can be used as either linking verbs or action verbs. Linking:The tyrant felt threatened. (Felt links tyrant and threatened) Action:The tyrant felt the sword. (The tyrant performed an action of feeling the sword)

More Examples Linking:The students grew unhappy. (Grew links students and unhappy) Action:The people grew crops. (The people performed an action)

To test whether a verb is a linking verb or an action verb, replace the verb with is, am, or are. If a sentence still makes sense, then the verb is a linking verb. Examples: The tyrant grew threatened. (Linking Verb) The tyrant is threatened. The students felt the sharp edges of the desk. (AV) The students are the sharp edges of the desk.

Forms of “to be” and Other Linking Verbs Other Linking Verbs:Forms of “to be” AppearIs BecomeAm GrowAre FeelWas LookWere RemainBe SeemBeing SmellBeen Sound Stay TasteGrammar Quiz on these: TurnWednesday, November 2

Exercises 1.Arachne’s fame became so great that people came from far and wide to watch her work. 2.Even the graceful nymphs would peep shyly through the doorways to watch her. 3.Arachne seemed gifted. 4.Her hands stayed still as everyone watched her. 5.Arachne stayed in her seat while she worked.