1. Linking Verbs

2. Linking verbs do not express action. Instead, they connect the subject of the verb to additional information about the subject. Linking verbs do not express action. Instead, they connect the subject of the verb to additional information about the subject.

3. EXAMPLE: Keila is a shopaholic. EXAMPLE: Keila is a shopaholic. EXPLANATION: Ising isn't something that Keila can do. Is connects the subject, Keila, to additional information about her. EXPLANATION: Ising isn't something that Keila can do. Is connects the subject, Keila, to additional information about her.

4. EXAMPLE: After drinking the old milk, Blake turned green. EXAMPLE: After drinking the old milk, Blake turned green. EXPLANATION: Turned connects the subject, Blake, to something said about him, that he was needing Pepto Bismol. EXPLANATION: Turned connects the subject, Blake, to something said about him, that he was needing Pepto Bismol.

5. EXAMPLE: Irene always feels sleepy after pigging out on pizza from Antonio's Ristorante. EXAMPLE: Irene always feels sleepy after pigging out on pizza from Antonio's Ristorante. EXPLANATION: Feels connects the subject, Irene, to her state of being, sleepiness. EXPLANATION: Feels connects the subject, Irene, to her state of being, sleepiness.

6. The following verbs are true linking verbs: The following verbs are true linking verbs: any form of the verb be [am, is, are, was, were, has been, are being, might have been], become, and seem. any form of the verb be [am, is, are, was, were, has been, are being, might have been], become, and seem.

7. Irregular Linking Verbs appear, feel, grow, look, prove, remain, smell, sound, taste, and turn. appear, feel, grow, look, prove, remain, smell, sound, taste, and turn. Sometimes these verbs are linking verbs; sometimes they are action verbs. Their function in every individual sentence determines what you call them. Sometimes these verbs are linking verbs; sometimes they are action verbs. Their function in every individual sentence determines what you call them.

8. EXAMPLE: Sylvia tasted the spicy squid eyeball stew. EXAMPLE: Sylvia tasted the spicy squid eyeball stew. EXPLANATION: Sylvia is the stew? Of course not! Tasted, therefore, is an action verb in this sentence. EXPLANATION: Sylvia is the stew? Of course not! Tasted, therefore, is an action verb in this sentence.

9. EXAMPLE: The vegetable stew tasted good. EXAMPLE: The vegetable stew tasted good. EXPLANATION: The stew is good? Yes! Tasted is a linking verb in this sentence. EXPLANATION: The stew is good? Yes! Tasted is a linking verb in this sentence.

10. EXAMPLE: I smell the delicious aroma of a mushroom and papaya pizza baking in the oven. EXAMPLE: I smell the delicious aroma of a mushroom and papaya pizza baking in the oven. EXPLANATION: I am the aroma? No way! Smell, in this sentence, is an action verb. EXPLANATION: I am the aroma? No way! Smell, in this sentence, is an action verb.

11. Action or Linking? It appears that the only solution to this problem is starting over. It appears that the only solution to this problem is starting over.

12. Answer: Action Answer: Action

13. Action or Linking? The group appears dismayed at that prospect. The group appears dismayed at that prospect.

14. Answer: Linking Answer: Linking

15. Action or Linking? Dennis was asked to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the butler did it. Dennis was asked to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the butler did it.

16. Answer: Action Answer: Action

17. Action or Linking? There was no doubt in his adversary's mind that his argument would prove faulty. There was no doubt in his adversary's mind that his argument would prove faulty.

18. Answer: Linking Answer: Linking

19. Action or Linking? The sign says to stay behind the line when viewing the work of art.

20. Answer: Action Answer: Action

21. Action or Linking? We stayed quiet while the tour guide explained the painting.

22. Answer: Linking Answer: Linking

23. Action or Linking? We tasted the cookies and cream ice cream and ordered a pint to take home.

24. Answer: Action Answer: Action

25. Action or Linking? We decided that it tasted delicious.

26. Answer: Linking Answer: Linking