Here's how to tell the difference:
Linking Verb:
* Connects the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject.
* Doesn't show an action.
Example:
* "She became a doctor." (The verb "became" links the subject "she" to the noun "doctor" that renames her.)
Action Verb:
* Shows an action the subject performs.
Example:
* "The caterpillar became a butterfly." (The verb "became" describes the action of transforming into a butterfly.)
To determine whether "become" is a linking verb or an action verb, ask yourself:
* Does it link the subject to a descriptive word or phrase? (linking verb)
* Does it describe an action the subject performs? (action verb)