Verbs are crucial parts of speech that power our sentences.... Show more
English74 views·Updated May 22, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Action and Linking Verbs: Simple Notes
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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.
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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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English74 views·Updated May 22, 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
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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...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar Content
Most popular content in English
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user