Linking Verbs
* Definition: Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word that describes or identifies the subject. They don't show an action; instead, they link the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes it.
* Common Linking Verbs:
* Forms of "to be": is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been
* Other linking verbs: appear, become, feel, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, taste, turn
Examples:
* The cat is fluffy. (Fluffy describes the cat)
* The sky became dark. (Dark describes the sky)
* She seems happy. (Happy describes her)
* He is a doctor. (Doctor renames him)
Action Verbs
* Definition: Action verbs express a physical or mental action. They tell us what the subject is doing.
* Examples:
* The dog runs in the park. (Running is a physical action)
* She thinks about her vacation. (Thinking is a mental action)
* He opened the door. (Opening is a physical action)
* They played soccer. (Playing is a physical action)
How to Tell the Difference
* Ask "What is the subject doing?" If you can answer that question with an action, it's an action verb.
* Ask "What is the subject?" If the answer is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or renames the subject, then you have a linking verb.
Key Points to Remember
* Action verbs always have a direct object: The object is the receiver of the action. (Example: The dog chases the ball. "Ball" is the direct object)
* Linking verbs do not have a direct object. They are followed by a subject complement (noun, pronoun, or adjective) that renames or describes the subject.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or further explanations!