Helping vs. Linking Verbs | Worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go through the worksheet step by step.

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Part 1: Label each sentence — action verb or linking verb

We need to remember:
- Action verbs show something you *do* (like run, jump, eat).
- Linking verbs connect the subject to more info about it — often “be” verbs (am, is, are, was, were) or words like seem, become, feel, look (when describing state, not action).

1. I will finish my homework.
→ “finish” is something you do → action verb

2. I was late.
→ “was” connects “I” to “late” → linking verb

3. I might be late to the party.
→ “be” here links “I” to “late” → linking verb

4. I turn in my work.
→ “turn in” is an action you do → action verb

5. You must be here.
→ “be” connects “you” to “here” → linking verb

6. I should do my chores.
→ “do” is an action → action verb

✔ So answers for Part 1:
1. action verb
2. linking verb
3. linking verb
4. action verb
5. linking verb
6. action verb

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Part 2: Write three sentences with helping verbs and action verbs

Helping verbs help the main verb (like “will”, “can”, “should”, “have been”). Action verbs show what someone does.

Example from sheet: “You will finish your vegetables.” → “will” = helping, “finish” = action

Let’s make our own:

1. She has eaten her lunch. → “has” helps “eaten” (action)
2. They are playing soccer now. → “are” helps “playing” (action)
3. He will study tonight. → “will” helps “study” (action)

✔ These all use a helping verb + action verb.

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Part 3: List three sentences with only linking verbs

Linking verbs don’t show action — they link subject to description.

Examples from sheet: “He seems happy.” → “seems” links “he” to “happy”

Let’s write:

1. The sky is blue. → “is” links “sky” to “blue”
2. You became tired after school. → “became” links “you” to “tired”
3. That cake smells delicious. → “smells” (here, not action — describes how it is) → linking verb

Wait — let’s double-check #3. Is “smells” always linking? Not always — if I say “I smell the flowers,” that’s action. But “The cake smells good” — that’s linking because it describes the cake’s state.

Yes, okay.

Alternatively, to be super safe, stick with clear “be” verbs:

1. I am ready.
2. She was kind.
3. They were excited.

These are unmistakably linking verbs.

✔ Final choice for safety:

1. I am ready.
2. She was kind.
3. They were excited.

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All parts done!

Final Answer:

Part 1:
1. action verb
2. linking verb
3. linking verb
4. action verb
5. linking verb
6. action verb

Part 2 (example answers):
1. She has eaten her lunch.
2. They are playing soccer now.
3. He will study tonight.

Part 3 (example answers):
1. I am ready.
2. She was kind.
3. They were excited.