A linking verb links the subject to an adjective or a noun. The most common present tense linking verbs are am, is and are.
In each of these sentences, the linking verb links the subject to a noun that renames the subject:
I am a writer. The linking verb am links the subject I to the noun writer.
Mary is a teacher. The linking verb is links the subject Mary to the noun teacher.
The girls are classmates. The linking verb are links the subject girls to the noun classmates.
Sometimes the linking verb links the subject to an adjective that describes the subject.
I am hungry. The linking verb am links the subject I to the adjective hungry.
Sally is smart. The linking verb is links the subject Sally to the adjective smart.
The dogs are lost. The linking verb are links the subject dogs to the adjective lost.
A linking verb links the subject to either a noun that renames the subject or an adjective that describes the subject. These are the most common present tense linking verbs: am, is, are.
▶ It’s your turn. Choose a present tense linking verb to put into this sentence: Miss Smith ____ a librarian.
Did you find the correct linking verb? Good for you!