Linking Verbs List with Worksheets

Linking Verbs List with Worksheets

Sadel
by Sadel 36,444 views


In this article, we will discuss a type of verb that describes a state of being. These verbs are referred to as Linking, Helping, or Auxiliary verbs. Unlike typical verbs, these “to be” verbs don’t have to denote action and don’t have any meaning on their own. These verbs (linking verbs) gets their name because they connect the subject with the rest of the sentence. 

Linking Verbs

When there is a “to be” verb, the subject is linked to another word in the predicate. For example, “I am tired.”  In this example, the linking verb is “am” and it links the subject “I” to the adjective “tired.”

True/Primary Linking Verbs 

Certain verbs are always used as linking verbs. These verbs are considered to be “true” or “primary” linking verbs. These are the verbs, “be,” “do,” and “have.” These verbs always perform a linking function in a sentence. The verb “to be” is a popular primary linking verb. There are various forms of the verb “to be.” 


Forms of "to be"

  • Am
  • Is
  • Is being
  • Are
  • Are being
  • Was
  • Was being
  • Were
  • Has
  • Has been
  • Have been
  • Will have been
  • Had been
  • Are being
  • Might have been

Forms of "to become"

  • Become
  • Becomes
  • Became
  • Has become
  • Have become
  • Had become
  • Will become
  • Will have become
    Auxiliary Verbs

    Other Linking Verbs

    Various verbs can be used as either an action verb or a linking verb, depending on the context in which they are used. These verbs could be a bit tricky to spot. Some popular linking verbs are:

    • To feel
    • To appear
    • To seem
    • To remain
    • To smell
    • To stay
    • To sound 
    • To grow
    • To continue 
    • To taste
    • To turn
    • To prove

    When these verbs express a state of being, they can be considered as linking verbs. Here are a few examples: 

    • I feel close to my pets. 
    • The politician appeared flustered. 
    • I remained confused even after the explanation.
    • That sounds like a good idea. 
    • I grew hungry as time passed by.
    • I continue to think the world of my English teacher.
    • This drink tastes delicious.
    • Our best efforts only proved futile. 

    As mentioned before, these verbs could refer to an action or a state of being, depending on the context they are used. For example: “Grandma allowed me to taste the pie.” In this case, the verb ‘taste’ is an action. In the following example, the verb ‘taste’ expresses a state of being and is used as a linking verb. “The pie tastes delicious.” Here is another example:


    “Roger appeared at the door.” - Appeared here is an action.

    “Roger appeared troubled.” - Appeared here is a state of being, Linking.

    Additional Resources (Worksheet Roundup)

    To learn more about teaching sentence structure continue reading How To Teach Sentence Structure

     

    P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please help spread it by clicking one of those sharing buttons below. And if you are interested in more, you should follow our Facebook page where we share more about creative, non-boring ways to teach English.

    Like us!
    Related Categories








    Entire BusyTeacher Library
    Get the Entire BusyTeacher Library:
    Dramatically Improve the Way You Teach
    Save hours of lesson preparation time with the Entire BusyTeacher Library. Includes the best of BusyTeacher: all 80 of our PDF e-books. That's 4,036 pages filled with thousands of practical activities and tips that you can start using today. 30-day money back guarantee.
    Learn more

    Popular articles like this

    How to Teach the Passive Voice – While Being Active!

    0 464,801 0

    Predi-what? How To Help Your ESL Students Understand Predicates

    0 30,345 0

    How to Teach Phrasal Verbs [Get]

    0 42,108 0

    How to Teach Modal Verbs
    4 Simple Steps

    0 569,317 0

    5 Simple Steps for Teaching and Practicing Reported Verbs

    0 33,362 0

    And You Can Quote Him
    Backshifting in Reported Speech and What You Need to Know About It

    0 73,608 0