Linking VerbsLinking Verbs

99thth Grade Grade

Mr. MortonMr. Morton

CFSCFS

Being VerbsBeing Verbs

Other verbs express a state of Other verbs express a state of beingbeing. .

These verbs do not refer to action of These verbs do not refer to action of any sort. They simply tell what the any sort. They simply tell what the subject is. subject is. Burt Burt isis the gardener’s assistant. the gardener’s assistant. He He seemsseems afraid of the swans. afraid of the swans. One swan One swan lookslooks angry. angry.In fact, swans In fact, swans are are hungry. hungry.

The most common being verbs The most common being verbs are forms of are forms of bebe itself. itself.

AmAm isisAreAreWasWasWereWereBeBeBeingBeingbeenbeen

Other being verbs:Other being verbs:

AppearAppear BecomeBecome FeelFeel GrowGrow LookLook SeemSeem RemainRemain SmellSmell SoundSound StayStay tastetaste

Identify each verb in the Identify each verb in the sentences below. Does it sentences below. Does it express action or being?express action or being?

1.1. We parked and locked our bicycles in the rack We parked and locked our bicycles in the rack at the library.at the library.

2.2. Many, many resources were available there.Many, many resources were available there.3.3. I considered several books about wild animals. I considered several books about wild animals. 4.4. All of the books looked interesting. All of the books looked interesting. 5.5. Finally, I decided on one about tropical birds. Finally, I decided on one about tropical birds. 6.6. The book described many birds from countries The book described many birds from countries

in Central and South America. in Central and South America. 7.7. I especially liked the photographs in the book. I especially liked the photographs in the book. 8.8. The pictures of the birds are very colorful.The pictures of the birds are very colorful.9.9. Some of the birds’ feathers are pink, orange, Some of the birds’ feathers are pink, orange,

red, and green. red, and green. 10.10. I carried the book home in my backpack. I carried the book home in my backpack.

Linking VerbsLinking Verbs

A verb that expresses a state of A verb that expresses a state of being often functions as a being often functions as a linking linking verbverb. .

A linking verb A linking verb linkslinks, or connects, the , or connects, the subject with a noun or an adjective in subject with a noun or an adjective in the predicate that names or the predicate that names or describes the subject. describes the subject. Peanut Peanut isis a toad. a toad.Peanut Peanut is is tiny. tiny.

Some verbs can function as Some verbs can function as either linking verbs or action either linking verbs or action

verbs. verbs. Linking VerbsLinking Verbs Action VerbsAction Verbs

The lily pond The lily pond smells smells stagnant. stagnant.

The squirrel The squirrel smellssmells its its food. food.

The gardener The gardener felt felt tired. tired.

She She feltfelt the tree’s the tree’s thick leaves. thick leaves.

To help you decide whether one of To help you decide whether one of these verbs is a linking verb, try these verbs is a linking verb, try substituting substituting isis or or areare for the verb. If for the verb. If the sentence still makes sense, the the sentence still makes sense, the verb is probably a linking verb. verb is probably a linking verb. The pigeons look comical. (The pigeons The pigeons look comical. (The pigeons

are comical)are comical)The swan’s hiss sounds fierce. (The The swan’s hiss sounds fierce. (The

swan’s hiss is fierce)swan’s hiss is fierce)

Which sentence in each of the Which sentence in each of the following pairs contains a linking following pairs contains a linking

verb. verb. 11. A monkey appears from behind a tree. It 11. A monkey appears from behind a tree. It

appears excited. appears excited. 12. The young deer grew taller. The male 12. The young deer grew taller. The male

deer grew antlers.deer grew antlers. 13. The koala baby looks cute. It looks for its 13. The koala baby looks cute. It looks for its

mother. mother. 14. The koala tastes a leaf. Does it taste 14. The koala tastes a leaf. Does it taste

good?good? 15. We smell the eucalyptus tree. It smells 15. We smell the eucalyptus tree. It smells

pleasant. pleasant. 16. We feel the tree’s bark. It feels smooth. 16. We feel the tree’s bark. It feels smooth.

List the verbs in the sentences List the verbs in the sentences below. Label each verb action or below. Label each verb action or

being. being. 17. Photographs, television, and movies show us a 17. Photographs, television, and movies show us a

variety of unusual creatures. variety of unusual creatures. 18. We can see animals in their natural habitat in 18. We can see animals in their natural habitat in

national parks, nature sanctuaries, or even city parks. national parks, nature sanctuaries, or even city parks. 19. Few animals look strange to us today. 19. Few animals look strange to us today. 20. Some animals still seem unusual, however. 20. Some animals still seem unusual, however. 21. The anteater is one example. 21. The anteater is one example. 22. The head and snout of this animal form a long 22. The head and snout of this animal form a long

tube.tube. 23. A giant anteater becomes six feet long. 23. A giant anteater becomes six feet long. 24. It grows a coarse coat of hair. 24. It grows a coarse coat of hair. 25. The front toes and claws of the anteater fold 25. The front toes and claws of the anteater fold

under. under. 26. The animal actually walks on its knuckles. 26. The animal actually walks on its knuckles.

List the verbs in the sentences List the verbs in the sentences below. Label each verb action or below. Label each verb action or

being.being.27. The giant anteater usually 27. The giant anteater usually

appears shy.appears shy.28. It enjoys dark, wet tropical 28. It enjoys dark, wet tropical

forests. forests. 29. Ants and termites appear in this 29. Ants and termites appear in this

animal’s diet. animal’s diet. 30. The anteater is a peaceful 30. The anteater is a peaceful

animal. animal.