Linking and Helping Verbs

Front

What is a linking verb?

Back

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject.

Front

Give an example of a linking verb in a sentence.

Back

In the sentence 'The sky is blue,' the word 'is' is a linking verb that connects 'sky' to 'blue.'

Front

What is a helping verb?

Back

A helping verb, also known as an auxiliary verb, is used with a main verb to form a verb phrase that indicates tense, mood, or voice.

Front

Give an example of a helping verb in a sentence.

Back

In the sentence 'She has finished her homework,' the word 'has' is a helping verb that helps the main verb 'finished.'

Front

Identify the linking verb in this sentence: 'The flowers smell sweet.'

Back

The linking verb is 'smell.'

Front

Identify the helping verb in this sentence: 'They are playing soccer.'

Back

The helping verb is 'are.'

Front

What is the purpose of a linking verb?

Back

The purpose of a linking verb is to link the subject to additional information about the subject, such as a description or identification.

Front

What is the purpose of a helping verb?

Back

The purpose of a helping verb is to assist the main verb in expressing tense, mood, or voice.

Front

List some common linking verbs.

Back

Common linking verbs include: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, and been.

Front

List some common helping verbs.

Back

Common helping verbs include: is, are, was, were, has, have, had, will, shall, can, could, may, might, must.