1. Linking verbs
W. 6.1 B

2. Linking verbs To be verbs are the most common linking verbs.
To be is a true linking verb because it is always a linking verb when used by itself. is
was
been
And sometimes
being
were am
are be

3. Linking verbs
Linking verbs tie the simple subject with information after the verb.
Mrs. Kuklo was a language arts teacher.
Mrs. Kuklo
was
teacher
Mrs. Kuklo
teacher is
Mrs. Kuklo = teacher
Subject
verb
Subject complement
Subject
verb
Subject complement
Now Mrs. Kuklo is a math teacher.
Mrs. Kuklo = teacher.

4. Renames the subject and comes AFTER a linking verb.
Subject Complement
Renames the subject and comes AFTER a linking verb.
Mrs. Finney is
teacher
Mrs. Finney is a thorough math teacher.
Subject
verb
Subject complement
Notice there are no commas between the linking verb and the subject complement.

5. Other true Linking verbs
These true linking verbs are always linking verbs.
Other true Linking verbs
To become (infinitive)
become becomes
became
will become
To seem (infinitive)
seem seems
seemed
will seem
present
past
future

6. Other True Linking verbs
Elvis Presley quickly became a star. Elvis Presley = star
Linking verbs tie the simple subject with information after the verb.
Elvis Presley
became
star
Subject complement
Subject
verb

7. Find the linking verb(S) in each of the following sentences
The rule of law is specific so the branches cannot make arbitrary or haphazard changes or rulings. (8.2.1) is
The delegated and enumerated powers of government are the same. (8.2.4)
are
Federalism is a government with power divided between national and state levels. (8.2.1)
The purpose of separated and shared powers is so no government branch becomes too powerful. (8.2.2)
Notice there are no commas separating the subject, verb, and subject complement – rarely, if ever, will you see one.

8. that are sometimes linking verbs and sometimes action verbs
Other linking verbs
that are sometimes linking verbs and sometimes action verbs
act, appear, feel, get, go, grow, look, prove, remain, smell, sound, stay, taste, and turn

9. Linking or action
Choose whether the following sentences have action or linking verbs.
He acts in school plays uses an action verb because the sentence means he participates as an actor in the play. It shows action.
He acts in school plays.
He acts sad.
He is the oldest in his family.
He acts sad uses a linking verb because it links the subject with his feelings.
He is the oldest in his family has a linking verb because to be verbs are always linking verbs when used alone.

10. Other Linking verb sources to check out