Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that renames or describes the subject.
Here's why:
* They don't show action: Unlike action verbs, linking verbs don't describe what the subject is *doing*. Instead, they connect the subject to a word or phrase that provides more information about the subject.
* They indicate a state of being or condition: Linking verbs often express a state of being (e.g., *is*, *are*, *was*, *were*) or a condition (e.g., *feel*, *look*, *smell*, *sound*, *taste*).
* They introduce a complement: The word or phrase that follows a linking verb is called a complement. This complement can be a noun, pronoun, adjective, or adjective phrase, and it provides more information about the subject.
Examples:
* The sky is blue. (*is* connects the subject *sky* to the adjective *blue* which describes it.)
* She feels happy. (*feels* connects the subject *she* to the adjective *happy* which describes her condition.)
* He became a doctor. (*became* connects the subject *He* to the noun *doctor* which renames him.)
Let me know if you have any other questions!