Here's why:
* Linking verbs connect a subject to a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject. For example: "The music sounds beautiful." ("Beautiful" describes the music)
* Action verbs describe an action. For example: "The orchestra sounds the opening chord." ("Sounds" is the action of making a noise)
Examples:
* Linking verb: "The song sounds familiar." ("Familiar" describes the song)
* Action verb: "The bells sound loudly." ("Sound" is the action of making a noise)
To determine if "sounds" is a linking verb in a sentence, ask yourself:
* Does "sounds" connect the subject to a noun or adjective that renames or describes it? If yes, it's a linking verb.
* Does "sounds" describe an action? If yes, it's an action verb.