Worksheet on identifying linking verbs in sentences.

Let's solve this step by step.

Understanding Linking Verbs

Linking verbs do not show action. Instead, they connect the subject to a subject complement (like a noun or adjective that describes the subject). Common linking verbs include:
- Forms of be: is, am, are, was, were, been, being
- Become, seem, appear, look, feel, sound, taste, smell, remain
- Some modal verbs: can, may, might, shall, will, when used in a way that links rather than expresses ability or possibility

But note: Modal verbs like "can," "may," "might," "shall" are not always linking verbs — they are usually helping verbs (auxiliary verbs) that express possibility, permission, or ability. They become linking verbs only when they link the subject to a description (e.g., "She can be kind").

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Now, let’s go through each sentence and identify the linking verb(s). We underline them as instructed.

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Sentence Analysis

1. The dog was barking loudly last night.
- "was" is part of the past continuous tense ("was barking") → action verb
- ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

2. Jane can throw the ball over the fence.
- "can" is a modal verb showing ability → not a linking verb
- "throw" is the main action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

3. Madeline is lifting the box off the ground.
- "is" + "lifting" = present continuous → action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

4. The cardboard was bent.
- "was" here is a linking verb connecting the subject ("cardboard") to the adjective "bent" (describing its state)
→ ✔ "was" is a linking verb
→ Underline: was

5. Mary can balance on her skateboard.
- "can" = modal verb for ability
- "balance" = action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

6. Mr. Johnson might ask us to stay after school.
- "might" = modal verb (possibility), not linking
- "ask" = action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

7. The catcher can catch his fastball.
- "can" = ability, "catch" = action
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

8. I shall cut my hair tomorrow.
- "shall" = future tense helper, not linking
- "cut" = action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

9. The television is flickering often.
- "is" + "flickering" = present continuous → action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

10. I am thinking about you often.
- "am" + "thinking" = present continuous → action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

11. She might go camping with us!
- "might" = modal (possibility), "go" = action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

12. I can swim really fast.
- "can" = ability, "swim" = action
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

13. My dog is running across the field.
- "is" + "running" = present continuous → action verb
→ ✔ No linking verb
→ *No underlining*

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✔ Final Answer: Only one sentence has a linking verb.

> 4. The cardboard was bent.
> → Underline: was

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📌 Explanation:

In sentence 4, "was" is a form of "be" and it connects the subject "the cardboard" to the complement "bent", which describes the state of the cardboard. This is a classic example of a linking verb.

All other sentences use "was," "is," "can," "might," "shall" as helping verbs in action verb phrases (e.g., "was barking", "is lifting"), so they are not linking verbs.

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✔ Correct Answer:

Only sentence 4 contains a linking verb:
"was" → underline "was"

✔ All others have no linking verbs.