Linking Verbs:
* Definition: Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject.
* Examples: *is*, *am*, *are*, *was*, *were*, *be*, *being*, *been*, *seem*, *appear*, *become*, *feel*, *look*, *smell*, *taste*, *sound*, *grow*, *remain*, *stay*.
* Function: They act as bridges between the subject and the predicate, but they don't express any action.
* Example: "The sky is blue." (The verb *is* links the subject *sky* to the predicate adjective *blue*.)
Being Verbs:
* Definition: This is a broader category that includes all forms of the verb "to be."
* Examples: *is*, *am*, *are*, *was*, *were*, *be*, *being*, *been*.
* Function: While some being verbs can be linking verbs, others can be used as auxiliary verbs (helping verbs).
* Example: "I am going to the store." (The verb *am* is part of the verb phrase *am going* and functions as an auxiliary verb.)
In summary:
* All being verbs are part of the verb "to be," but not all being verbs are linking verbs.
* Linking verbs are a specific type of being verb that connects the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective.
Here's a table to visualize the differences:
| Category | Examples | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Being Verbs | *is*, *am*, *are*, *was*, *were*, *be*, *being*, *been* | Can be linking or auxiliary verbs |
| Linking Verbs | *is*, *am*, *are*, *was*, *were*, *be*, *being*, *been*, *seem*, *appear*, *become*, *feel*, *look*, *smell*, *taste*, *sound*, *grow*, *remain*, *stay* | Connect subject to noun, pronoun, or adjective |