Verbs are crucial parts of speech that power our sentences....
English81 views·Updated Aug 14, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Action and Linking Verbs: Simple Notes
1
of 2
Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs
Action verbs show exactly what the subject is doing in a sentence. When you read "My cat purrs loudly" or "My dog barks at the mailman," the words purrs and barks tell us the action happening. They're easy to spot because you can picture the subject performing something.
Linking verbs work differently - they don't show action but instead connect the subject to information about it. In "I am hungry," the verb "am" links "I" to the description "hungry." Since "hungry" describes the subject, it's called a predicate adjective. In "Mrs. Weiler is my teacher," the verb "is" connects Mrs. Weiler to "teacher," which is a predicate noun.
Remember this: Action verbs show what subjects DO, while linking verbs show what subjects ARE.
Sometimes words that normally show action can function as linking verbs. This happens when they're used to connect rather than show physical action.
2
of 2
Identifying Tricky Linking Verbs
Some verbs can be tricky because they look like action verbs but sometimes work as linking verbs. In "The pizza smelled delicious," you might think "smelled" shows action, but pizza can't actually smell something (it doesn't have a nose!).
In this example, "smelled" works as a linking verb that connects "pizza" to the description "delicious." Since "delicious" describes the subject, it's a predicate adjective. Other verbs like feels, looks, sounds, and tastes can function this way too.
Quick Test: To check if it's a linking verb, try replacing it with "is" or "are." If the sentence still makes sense, it's probably a linking verb.
You'll get better at spotting these different verb types with practice. Soon you'll be able to identify them automatically when reading and writing!
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English81 views·Updated Aug 14, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Action and Linking Verbs: Simple Notes
Verbs are crucial parts of speech that power our sentences. They come in different types - some show action while others make connections. Understanding these verb types will help you write more clearly and correctly.
1
of 2
Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs
Action verbs show exactly what the subject is doing in a sentence. When you read "My cat purrs loudly" or "My dog barks at the mailman," the words purrs and barks tell us the action happening. They're easy to spot because you can picture the subject performing something.
Linking verbs work differently - they don't show action but instead connect the subject to information about it. In "I am hungry," the verb "am" links "I" to the description "hungry." Since "hungry" describes the subject, it's called a predicate adjective. In "Mrs. Weiler is my teacher," the verb "is" connects Mrs. Weiler to "teacher," which is a predicate noun.
Remember this: Action verbs show what subjects DO, while linking verbs show what subjects ARE.
Sometimes words that normally show action can function as linking verbs. This happens when they're used to connect rather than show physical action.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Identifying Tricky Linking Verbs
Some verbs can be tricky because they look like action verbs but sometimes work as linking verbs. In "The pizza smelled delicious," you might think "smelled" shows action, but pizza can't actually smell something (it doesn't have a nose!).
In this example, "smelled" works as a linking verb that connects "pizza" to the description "delicious." Since "delicious" describes the subject, it's a predicate adjective. Other verbs like feels, looks, sounds, and tastes can function this way too.
Quick Test: To check if it's a linking verb, try replacing it with "is" or "are." If the sentence still makes sense, it's probably a linking verb.
You'll get better at spotting these different verb types with practice. Soon you'll be able to identify them automatically when reading and writing!
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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