Grammar Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Linking Verbs Worksheet
A printable grammar worksheet for grades 3-5 that teaches the difference between action verbs and linking verbs. Students label 12 verbs as action or linking, then write the linking verb from each of 6 sentences. Targets forms of be (is, am, are, was, were) plus seem, look, feel, taste, smell, and become. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Grammar
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Linking Verbs, verbs
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A linking verb does not show what the subject does – it links the subject to a word that describes or renames it. The most common linking verbs are forms of be (is, am, are, was, were), but the sense verbs seem, look, feel, taste, smell, sound, appear, and become are also linking when they connect the subject to a description. Knowing the difference between an action verb and a linking verb helps students recognize complete sentence structure and write more precise descriptions.
Section A on page 1 gives students 12 sentences with the verb in CAPS. The student labels each verb action or linking. The mix of items alternates action and linking so students cannot pattern-match – they must read each sentence and decide whether the verb shows action (kicks, barks, wrote) or links the subject to a description (tastes sweet, are happy, became a doctor).
Section B on page 2 gives students 6 sentences, each with a linking verb. The student writes the linking verb on the line. The verbs include 3 forms of be (is, were, is) and 3 sense verbs (looks, seem, tastes) so students see the full range of common linking verbs in context.
Page 3 is a complete answer key in a compact two-column format for quick spot-checking.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and walk through the room-is-quiet and sun-feels-warm examples; emphasize that linking verbs connect a subject to a describing word.
Work Section A item 1 together: ‘TASTES sweet’ – the cake is not doing an action; tastes links cake to sweet, so the answer is linking.
Assign the rest of Section A independently or in pairs.
Demonstrate Section B item 13 together: identify the linking verb (looks) and write it on the line; the verb links sky to gray.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or aide spot-check.
Pair with the Action Verbs Worksheet or Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet to reinforce verb identification.
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Linking Verbs Worksheet
A printable grammar worksheet for grades 3-5 that teaches the difference between action verbs and linking verbs. Students label 12 verbs as action or linking, then write the linking verb from each of 6 sentences. Targets forms of be (is, am, are, was, were) plus seem, look, feel, taste, smell, and become. A complete answer key is included.
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