4. What is a Linking Verb?

Look at the sentences below. What do you

notice about the underlined words and their
connection to the circled words?
• Mrs. Lowe’s pies taste wonderful.
• She is an excellent baker.
• The cakes look beautiful.
• They smell delicious.
• The prizes are red and blue ribbons.

Turn and talk.

Be prepared to share.
Some verbs do not show action. Verbs
that do no show action are called
linking verbs. A linking verb is a verb
that LINKS the subject to the predicate.
Many linking verbs are forms of the
verb to be.
 Some common linking verbs are:
am was seem taste
is were appear smell
are will be look feel
 A linking verb links the subject to the
predicate.

Example:
The state fair is a treat.
State fair Treat is describing
Is the subject The state fair

“is” links them

Together.
 A linking verb links the subject to the
predicate.

Example:
The fairgrounds look pretty.
fairgrounds pretty is describing
Is the subject The fairgrounds.

“looks” links them

Together.
 Fill in the sentence with the missing
linking verb.
are very restless.
1. The students in the class _____

was very nervous on the first day of

2. The teacher ______
school.

was very excited about the big game coming

3. The team ______
up on the weekend.

were very pleased that the students were able to

4. They ______
culminate on stage.

are
5. You _______ a great student because you do all your
homework and respect your teacher.
 Verbs
I can identify the direct objects of verbs .

A linking verb: A verb that links the subject to the

predicate.

Underline the linking verb and circle the word in the

predicate to which the subject is linked.

1. The signs for the fair are colorful.

2. Everyone seems thrilled by the fair.
3. The entrance to the fair is huge.
4. Everyone looks happy.
5. People are excited.