1. Some Verbs Don’t Show Action

2.  Connect,
or “link”, the subject to a word that
identifies or describes the subject
 EX:
 Is
Ms. Taliaferro is a goddess.
connects Ms. Taliaferro to the word goddess.
 Goddess
identifies Ms. Taliaferro by explaining
who or what she is.

3.  When
a linking verb connects the subject
to a NOUN, the noun IDENTIFIES who or
what the subject is.
 EX:
Mrs. Almarez is a teacher.
 Ex:
Mrs. Weatherford was
a graduate student.

4.  When
a subject is “linked” to a noun, the noun
is called a predicate noun.
 It
is called a predicate noun because the noun
comes after the linking verb, which means it’s
part of the predicate of the sentence.

5.  When
a linking verb connects the subject
with an ADJECTIVE, it DESCRIBES the
subject.
 EX:
Miss Haigler rarely seems tired.
 EX:
The classroom looks clean.

6.  When
a subject is “linked” to an adjective, it
is called a predicate adjective.
 It
is called a predicate adjective because the
adjective comes after the linking verb,
which means it’s part of the predicate of the
sentence.

7.  Some
linking verbs are forms of the word “be”,
so they can be called being verbs.
am
is
are
was
were
 These
has been
have been
had been
will be
shall be
may be
might be
can be
should be
would have been
can also be used as helping verbs when
paired with a main verb.

8. Examples with the being verb “were.”
Linking:
Thelma and Louise were sweet to bring donuts.
predicate adjective
Helping:
Taylor and Jordan were passing the soccer ball.
action verb

9.  Some
linking verbs can also be used as action
verbs, so the reader has to pay attention to
how the verb is being used in the sentence!
appear
become
feel
taste
grow
look
remain
seem
smell
sound

10. Examples with the being verb “taste.”
Linking:
Angelina thought the spinach tasted disgusting.
predicate adjective
Note: Spinach doesn’t have taste buds and therefore can’t
perform the action of tasting!
Action:
When I tasted the ice cream, it was surprisingly sour.
direct object (a noun that receives the action)

11.  Memorize
am
is
are
was
were
appear
become
feel
this list!
has been
have been
had been
will be
shall be
grow
look
remain
may be
might be
can be
should be
would have been
seem
smell
sound
taste

12. Daisy becomes tired when she stays up too late.
Some of the boys grew frustrated with the project.
Macy was the top student in her senior class.
Occasionally, Bill would be the receiver for his team.
Mainly, the students were good sports about
homework.