What follows a linking or action verb is called what?

The word that follows a linking or action verb is called the complement.

Here's a breakdown:

* Linking verbs connect the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes it. The complement provides this renaming or description. Examples:

* He is a doctor. (Doctor renames the subject "He")

* The sky is blue. (Blue describes the subject "sky")

* Action verbs describe an action. The complement can be a direct object (receiving the action) or an indirect object (receiving the direct object). Examples:

* She wrote a letter. (Letter is the direct object, receiving the action of writing)

* He gave her a gift. (Her is the indirect object, receiving the direct object "gift")

Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other questions!