Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns

Learning Objectives Define what a linking verb is and how it differs from an action verb. Identify common linking verbs in sentences. Recognize the subject of a sentence that contains a linking verb. Define what a predicate adjective is and identify it in a sentence. Define what a predicate noun is and identify it in a sentence. Distinguish between predicate adjectives and predicate nouns. Construct sentences using linking verbs with predicate adjectives and predicate nouns correctly. Ever wonder how some words connect ideas in a sentence without showing action? 🤔 Let's uncover the secret connectors that make our sentences shine! In this lesson, you'll learn about special verbs called linking verbs and the words they connect to the subject: predicate adjectives...

TermDefinitionExample VerbA word that describes an action, state, or occurrence.The dog *ran*. She *is* happy. Action VerbA verb that expresses a physical or mental action performed by the subject.The student *wrote* a story. (physical action) 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. (is connects 'sky' to 'blue') SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described by the verb in a sentence.*The cat* slept. *She* felt tired. Predicate AdjectiveAn adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence.The music *sounded loud*. (loud describes 'music') Predicate Noun (or Predicate Nominative)A noun or pr...

The Linking Verb Test If you can replace the verb with a form of 'to be' (is, am, are, was, were) and the sentence still makes sense, the verb is likely a linking verb. Use this test to determine if verbs like 'feel, look, smell, sound, taste, grow, appear, become, seem, remain' are acting as linking verbs or action verbs. If it connects the subject to a description or renaming, it's linking. Identifying Predicate Adjectives A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the *quality* of the subject. It answers 'What kind?' or 'How?' about the subject. Look for an adjective after a linking verb that modifies the subject, not the verb itself. It tells you more about the subject's state or chara...