Linking Verbs
* Definition: Connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject. They don't show action.
* Common Linking Verbs: *be* (am, is, are, was, were, being, been), *become*, *seem*, *appear*, *feel*, *look*, *sound*, *taste*, *smell*, *grow*, *remain*, *stay*
* Examples:
* The sky is blue. (Blue describes the sky)
* She became a doctor. (Doctor renames her)
* The music sounds beautiful. (Beautiful describes the music)
Auxiliary Verbs
* Definition: Help to form a verb phrase. They often indicate tense, voice, or mood.
* Common Auxiliary Verbs: *be* (am, is, are, was, were, being, been), *have* (has, had, having), *do* (does, did, doing), *will*, *shall*, *would*, *should*, *can*, *could*, *may*, *might*, *must*
* Examples:
* I am eating breakfast. ( *am* helps form the verb phrase *am eating*)
* He has finished his work. (*has* helps form the verb phrase *has finished*)
* They will go to the store. (*will* helps form the verb phrase *will go*)
Key Differences
* Function: Linking verbs connect the subject to a renaming or descriptive word. Auxiliary verbs help form verb phrases.
* Action: Linking verbs do not show action. Auxiliary verbs often indicate the action's tense, voice, or mood.
How to Tell the Difference
1. Ask "What is the subject doing?" If the answer doesn't describe an action, it's likely a linking verb.
2. Check if the verb has an object. Linking verbs usually have a subject complement (a word that renames or describes the subject) instead of an object.
3. Consider the verb's meaning. Does it connect the subject to something else? Is it helping another verb?
Example:
* "The flowers smell sweet." (Smell is a linking verb, connecting flowers to the adjective sweet.)
* "The flowers are blooming." (Are is an auxiliary verb, helping to form the verb phrase are blooming.)