English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns
Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a linking verb and identify common examples.
Distinguish between linking verbs and action verbs in sentences.
Define a predicate adjective and locate it in a sentence.
Define a predicate noun and locate it in a sentence.
Correctly identify the subject, linking verb, and either the predicate adjective or predicate noun in a given sentence.
Explain the function of predicate adjectives and predicate nouns in describing or renaming the subject.
Use linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns correctly in their own writing.
Ever wonder how some words connect ideas like a bridge, instead of showing action? 🌉 Let's explore the special verbs that link subjects to descriptions or identities!
In this lesson, you'll learn about link...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Linking VerbA verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or renames the subject. It does not show action.The sky *is* blue. (The verb 'is' connects 'sky' to 'blue'.)
Predicate AdjectiveAn adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence.The soup *tasted* delicious. ('Delicious' describes 'soup'.)
Predicate Noun (or Predicate Nominative)A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence.My dog *is* a golden retriever. ('Golden retriever' renames 'dog'.)
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that the sentence is about; it performs the action or is described.*She* is happy. ('She' is the...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Identifying Linking Verbs
If a verb connects the subject to a word that describes or renames it, and you can replace the verb with a form of 'to be' (is, are, was, were) without changing the sentence's meaning, it's likely a linking verb.
This rule helps you test verbs that can sometimes be action verbs and sometimes linking verbs (e.g., 'look', 'feel', 'smell', 'taste', 'sound', 'grow', 'appear', 'become', 'remain', 'seem'). If it describes a state of being or a condition, it's linking. If it shows an action, it's action.
Predicate Adjective Rule
A predicate adjective always follows a linking verb and modifies (describes) the subject of the sentenc...
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Challenging
In the sentence 'The main reason for the delay was the unexpected traffic jam,' which of the following correctly identifies the parts?
A.Subject: delay, Linking Verb: was, Predicate Noun: jam
B.Subject: reason, Linking Verb: was, Predicate Noun: jam
C.Subject: reason, Linking Verb: was, Predicate Adjective: unexpected
D.Subject: traffic, Linking Verb: was, Predicate Noun: jam
Challenging
Read the sentence: 'The defendant remained surprisingly calm during the trial.' Which word is the predicate adjective and why?
A.'surprisingly,' because it describes how the defendant remained
B.'calm,' because it is an adjective that follows the linking verb and describes the subject
C.'trial,' because it is a noun that renames the defendant
D.There is no predicate adjective because 'remained' is an action verb.
Challenging
In the sentence 'The author's purpose was to persuade the reader, and her argument was effective,' which words are predicate adjectives or predicate nouns?
A.purpose, argument
B.reader, effective
C.to persuade the reader, effective
D.persuade, argument
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