Action and Linking Verbs exercise - Free Printable

Problem Overview:

The task is to determine whether the underlined verbs in each sentence are action verbs or linking verbs. The worksheet provides a method for distinguishing between the two: replace the verb with "am," "is," "are," "was," or "were." If the sentence still makes sense, the verb is a linking verb; if it doesn't make sense, the verb is an action verb.

Solution Approach:

1. Understand the Definition:
- Action Verb: Describes a physical or mental action.
- Linking Verb: Connects the subject to a description or state of being (e.g., "feel," "look," "sound").

2. Apply the Test:
- Replace the underlined verb with "am," "is," "are," "was," or "were."
- Check if the sentence still makes sense:
- If it does, the verb is a linking verb.
- If it doesn't, the verb is an action verb.

3. Analyze Each Sentence:
Let's go through each sentence step by step.

---

Sentences and Analysis:

#### 1. I felt angry after my sister dropped the last piece of cake on the floor.
- Underlined verb: felt
- Test: Replace "felt" with "was."
- "I was angry after my sister dropped the last piece of cake on the floor."
- This sentence makes sense.
- Conclusion: Linking verb.
- Answer: L

#### 2. Maria felt the straps to make sure they were fastened correctly.
- Underlined verb: felt
- Test: Replace "felt" with "was."
- "Maria was the straps to make sure they were fastened correctly."
- This sentence does not make sense.
- Conclusion: Action verb.
- Answer: A

#### 3. The guard sounded the alarm when the enemy approached.
- Underlined verb: sounded
- Test: Replace "sounded" with "was."
- "The guard was the alarm when the enemy approached."
- This sentence does not make sense.
- Conclusion: Action verb.
- Answer: A

#### 4. That sounds like an excellent idea.
- Underlined verb: sounds
- Test: Replace "sounds" with "is."
- "That is like an excellent idea."
- This sentence makes sense.
- Conclusion: Linking verb.
- Answer: L

#### 5. The vegetable stew tasted too salty.
- Underlined verb: tasted
- Test: Replace "tasted" with "was."
- "The vegetable stew was too salty."
- This sentence makes sense.
- Conclusion: Linking verb.
- Answer: L

#### 6. Alex tasted his dad's new chili recipe.
- Underlined verb: tasted
- Test: Replace "tasted" with "was."
- "Alex was his dad's new chili recipe."
- This sentence does not make sense.
- Conclusion: Action verb.
- Answer: A

#### 7. The old chest smelled moldy when I opened it.
- Underlined verb: smelled
- Test: Replace "smelled" with "was."
- "The old chest was moldy when I opened it."
- This sentence makes sense.
- Conclusion: Linking verb.
- Answer: L

#### 8. The dog smelled my dirty clothes.
- Underlined verb: smelled
- Test: Replace "smelled" with "was."
- "The dog was my dirty clothes."
- This sentence does not make sense.
- Conclusion: Action verb.
- Answer: A

#### 9. I looked across the fields to watch the hunters come home.
- Underlined verb: looked
- Test: Replace "looked" with "was."
- "I was across the fields to watch the hunters come home."
- This sentence does not make sense.
- Conclusion: Action verb.
- Answer: A

#### 10. My sister looked pretty when she left for the dance.
- Underlined verb: looked
- Test: Replace "looked" with "was."
- "My sister was pretty when she left for the dance."
- This sentence makes sense.
- Conclusion: Linking verb.
- Answer: L

---

Final Answers:

1. L
2. A
3. A
4. L
5. L
6. A
7. L
8. A
9. A
10. L

Boxed Answer:

\[
\boxed{L, A, A, L, L, A, L, A, A, L}
\]