Which term links the subject to words that describe or identify it?

• A. Linking verbs
• B. Action verbs
• C. Root word
• D. Affix

Answer: (A)

A linking verb acts as a bridge that connects the subject to a word or phrase that describes or renames it. In sentences with a linking verb, the part after the verb provides information about what the subject is like or what it is, rather than showing an action. For example, in The soup tastes salty, the verb tastes links the subject soup to the description salty. In The boy became curious, the verb became links the subject boy to the descriptor curious. And in She is a scientist, is links the subject she to the identity scientist. The other terms don’t serve this linking role: an action verb shows what someone or something does; a root word is the base form of a word; an affix is a prefix or suffix added to a word.