To solve this worksheet, we need to look at each sentence and decide if the underlined verb is an
action verb or a
linking verb.
Here is the simple rule to help you decide:
*
Action Verb: The subject is *doing* something (running, thinking, eating). You can usually replace it with a different action word.
*
Linking Verb: The verb acts like an equals sign (=). It connects the subject to a description or a new name. Common linking verbs are forms of "to be" (is, am, are, was, were) and sense words (smell, taste, look, feel, seem, appear, become, remain).
Let's go through them one by one:
1.
The dogs <u>barked</u> at the stranger.
* Are the dogs doing something? Yes, they are making noise.
* This is an
Action verb.
2.
Frank <u>is</u> a great student.
* Does "is" show action? No. It connects Frank to the description "great student." (Frank = great student).
* This is a
Linking verb.
3.
The books you want <u>are</u> on the top shelf.
* Does "are" show action? No. It tells us where the books are located. It connects the subject to the location.
* This is a
Linking verb.
4.
The boys <u>walked</u> to the corner store.
* Are the boys doing something? Yes, they are moving their legs to walk.
* This is an
Action verb.
5.
The garden <u>remains</u> as it has always been.
* Is the garden doing an action? No. "Remains" means it stays the same. It describes the state of the garden.
* This is a
Linking verb.
6.
That girl <u>appears</u> to be friendly.
* Is she performing the action of appearing (like a magician)? No. It describes how she looks/seems.
* This is a
Linking verb.
7.
George <u>reached</u> for the peanut butter.
* Is George doing something? Yes, he is stretching his arm out.
* This is an
Action verb.
8.
Those cookies <u>smell</u> amazing.
* Are the cookies sniffing something? No. The word "smell" here describes the scent of the cookies.
* This is a
Linking verb.
9.
Jill <u>is becoming</u> a beautiful young lady.
* Is Jill performing an action? No. "Becoming" shows a change in her state or description.
* This is a
Linking verb.
10.
Tim <u>ignored</u> her many requests for help.
* Did Tim do something? Yes, he chose not to listen. That is a mental action.
* This is an
Action verb.
11.
Madeline <u>seems</u> happy.
* Is Madeline performing an action? No. "Seems" describes her mood or appearance.
* This is a
Linking verb.
Final Answer:
1. Action verb
2. Linking verb
3. Linking verb
4. Action verb
5. Linking verb
6. Linking verb
7. Action verb
8. Linking verb
9. Linking verb
10. Action verb
11. Linking verb
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of linking verb worksheet.
