Linking Verbs
Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word that describes or renames it. They don't show action. Here are some common linking verbs:
* Be verbs: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
* Sense verbs: seem, appear, look, feel, sound, smell, taste
* Other linking verbs: become, grow, remain, stay, turn
Examples:
* The sky is blue. ("blue" describes the sky)
* She seems happy. ("happy" describes her)
* This soup tastes delicious. ("delicious" describes the soup)
* The leaves have become brown. ("brown" describes the leaves)
Helping Verbs
Helping verbs assist the main verb in a sentence. They provide information about tense, mood, and voice. Common helping verbs include:
* Be verbs: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
* Have verbs: have, has, had
* Do verbs: do, does, did
* Modal verbs: can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must
Examples:
* I am going to the store. ("am" helps "going")
* She has finished her homework. ("has" helps "finished")
* They did not go to the party. ("did" helps "go")
* You should study for the test. ("should" helps "study")
Important Note: Some verbs can be used as both linking verbs and helping verbs depending on the context.
* Example:
* He is a doctor. (linking verb, connecting "he" to "doctor")
* He is eating lunch. (helping verb, helping "eating")