* Linking Verbs: These verbs connect the subject of the sentence to a word or phrase that renames or describes the subject. Common linking verbs include: *be*, *seem*, *appear*, *become*, *feel*, *look*, *sound*, *taste*, *smell*.
* Subject Complement: This is the word or phrase that follows the linking verb and tells us more about the subject.
* Predicate Nominative: This is a noun (or pronoun) that renames the subject.
* Example: *My friend is a doctor.* ("Doctor" renames "friend")
* Predicate Adjective: This is an adjective that describes the subject.
* Example: *The flowers are beautiful.* ("Beautiful" describes "flowers")
Not all sentences with linking verbs have a subject complement. For example:
* She feels tired. (No subject complement)
* The soup tastes good. (No subject complement)
In these cases, the linking verb connects the subject to a direct object.
In summary: While linking verbs often have a subject complement, it's not always the case. You need to look at the entire sentence structure to determine if a predicate nominative or predicate adjective is present.