Linking Verb Practice Lists

As the name suggests, linking verbs work as a link between the subject (who or what the sentence is about) and information about the subject. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not express action, but rather serve as a way of connecting the subject of the sentence to a noun or connecting it to a description of the subject. Studying our common linking verb pracatice lists can help students gain a strong understanding of how different types of verbs function.

Example Linking Verb Practice Lists
Connect subject to a noun	The room was a mess.
Connect subject to a noun	The car is a wreck.
Describes subject	The dog is brown.
Describes subject	The man is tall.

The most common linking verbs are “to be” verbs, for example is, are, was, and were. Other common linking verbs include “to become” and “to seem”. These verbs are true linking verbs, as they always function as a linking verb. See below for true linking verbs examples:

True Linking Verbs Examples
Verb	Example
Be	I am tall.
Become	He became suspicious.
Seem	She seems happy.

Some action verbs double as linking verbs, like “grow” and “look”. In the sentence “He looks tired,” the verb “looks” provides information about the subject and works as a linking verb. Whereas in the sentence “He looks at the dog,” “looks” refers to an action made by the subject, therefore serving as an action verb. To determine whether a verb is serving as a linking verb, substitute it with a “to be” verb, like “is.” If the sentence makes sense with the substitution, it is a linking verb.

Other Linking Verbs Examples
Verb	Example
grow	She grows tired.
feel	The fabric feels soft.
look	She looks sad.

Below is a list of common linking verbs. Access additional example linking verb practice lists with VocabularySpellingCity. Word lists can be imported and later paired with engaging learning linking verb practice games and activities. VocabularySpellingCity is your source for games, activities, lists, and all other things about linking verbs for kids!