LINKING VERBS :

Some state-of-being verbs are linking verbs.  Linking verbs connect, or link, the subject with a word in the predicate.  Words that follow linking verbs tell something about the subject are either nouns or adjectives.  They are called Predicate words because they appear in the predicate.

Example: 

1. Mrs. Bogle is our landlady.  (Is links the noun landlady to the  subject Mrs. Bogle).

    2. My hands are tired. (Are links the adjective tired to the subject hands).

 Here is a list of frequently used linking verbs:

Am    is       be      are     were   was    seem  become   smell    appear

Sound   feel    taste    look

Do not confuse nouns following linking verbs with direct objects of verbs.  Direct objects follow action verbs, not linking verbs.

FINDING LINKING VERBS:

1.     The burger looks delicious.

2.     The varnish felt sticky.

3.     I am his only aunt.

4.     Those apples look ripe.

5.     Your opinion seems reasonable.

                                                 

TELL IF THE VERB IS AN ACTION VERB OR LINKING VERB:

1.     Will you read the poem again? _____________

2.     My grandparents were Swedes. _____________

3.     We painted the design on the wall. _____________

4.     Her nervousness became obvious. _______________

5.     The trainer tamed the circus lions. _____________