Linking Verbs Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. A student says “remained” must express an action in “The hikers remained calm.” Which response correctly evaluates that claim?
The claim is incorrect because “remained” links “hikers” to their continuing condition, “calm.”
The claim is correct because any verb describing something over time is an action verb.
The claim is correct because “calm” functions as the direct object of “remained.”
The claim is incorrect because “remained” is helping an unstated main verb.
2. Which word is the linking verb in “The hallway grew quiet after the bell”?
after
quiet
grew
bell
3. Which pair consists of verbs that commonly function as linking verbs by connecting a subject to a condition or identity?
carried and opened
seemed and became
built and repaired
asked and answered
4. What is the primary job of a linking verb in a sentence?
To connect the subject with a word or phrase that identifies or describes it
To show an action performed by the subject on an object
To join two independent clauses into one sentence
To modify the meaning of another verb
5. Which sentence uses “was” as a linking verb rather than as a helping verb?
Leo was running toward the finish line.
Leo was the winner of the contest.
Leo was chosen by the judges.
Leo was being watched by the crowd.
6. Which sentence contains a predicate noun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject?
Elena became the captain.
Elena spoke confidently to the captain.
Elena congratulated the captain.
Elena carried the captain’s equipment.
7. Compare “Maya tasted the soup” with “The soup tasted salty.” How does the function of “tasted” change?
It is linking in both because each sentence is about flavor.
It is action in both because tasting always names a physical action.
It is action in the first sentence and linking in the second.
It is linking in the first sentence and action in the second.
8. Which rewrite best preserves the linking-verb structure and basic meaning of “The room seems peaceful”?
The room creates peace.
The room appears peacefully.
The room contains peaceful guests.
The room is peaceful.
9. Why is “look” a linking verb in “Those berries look ripe”?
It shows that the berries are using their eyes.
It helps another verb express the present tense.
It connects “berries” with the description “ripe.”
It transfers an action from the berries to an object.
10. Compare “The audience grew restless” with “The farmer grew tomatoes.” Which analysis is correct?
“Grew” is an action verb in both sentences because growth always names an action.
“Grew” is a linking verb in both sentences because it is followed by another word.
“Grew” is linking in the first sentence but action in the second.
“Grew” is action in the first sentence but linking in the second.
11. Which sentence contains a linking verb?
The garden smells fresh after the rain.
Nora smelled the flower carefully.
The chef tasted the sauce before serving it.
The dog looked toward the open gate.
12. Which sentence uses a form of “be” as a helping verb rather than a linking verb?
The students are ready.
Ms. Patel was the captain.
The final task is difficult.
The students are studying in the library.
13. Which statement best describes the “be”-substitution test for a possible linking verb?
Replace the verb with an action verb and check whether the sentence becomes more vivid.
Move the verb before the subject and check whether it forms a question.
Add another verb after it and check whether the tense changes.
Replace it with a form of “be” and check whether the basic connection between subject and complement remains.
14. Which sentence has an adjective serving as a subject complement after a linking verb?
The athlete ran quickly.
The bell rang loudly.
The child carried warm blankets.
The metal feels cold.
15. In the sentence “The clouds became dark,” what does “dark” do?
It tells how the clouds performed an action.
It describes the subject after the linking verb.
It receives the action of the verb.
It modifies the entire sentence as an adverb.
16. What role does “turned” play in the sentence “The milk turned sour”?
It is an action verb showing that the milk rotated.
It is a linking verb connecting “milk” with the description “sour.”
It is a helping verb supporting an omitted main verb.
It is an adverb explaining how the milk changed.