1. “To be” and linking Verbs
Verb Patterns
“To be” and linking Verbs

2. “To be” English sentences in which the main verb is a form of “to be”
am, is, are, was, were, will be, etc.
Pattern I “to be” + adverb of time or place (AdvTP)
Susan will be
late
very

3. “To be” sister be unhappy. My
Pattern II – “to be” + subject complement that is an adjective describing the subject
Samuel was thoughtful
sister be unhappy. My
Note: AAVE

4. “to be”
Pattern III – “to be” + a subject complement that is a noun renaming the subject.
Henry was doctor
family
our

5. Linking Verb at Her very news the
Pattern IV – linking verb + subject complement that is an adjective describing the subject
cousin appears upset at
Her
very
news
the
Some will diagram the adverb prep phrase under the subject complement

6. Linking Verb aunt will become professor Their my
Pattern V – linking verb + subject complement that is a noun renaming the subject.
aunt will become professor my
Their