Here's how it works:
* Action verbs describe an action that the subject performs.
* Example: "The dog ran across the yard." (The verb "ran" describes the action of the dog.)
* Linking verbs connect the subject to a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject.
* Example: "The dog is happy." (The verb "is" links the subject "dog" to the adjective "happy" which describes the dog.)
Here are some verbs that can be both action and linking verbs:
* Be (am, is, are, was, were, been, being)
* Become
* Feel
* Look
* Seem
* Smell
* Sound
* Taste
* Remain
* Appear
* Grow
* Turn
Examples:
* Action verb: "The flower grew taller." (Describing an action)
* Linking verb: "The flower grew quickly." (Connecting "flower" to the adjective "quickly" which describes its growth.)
To determine whether a verb is acting as an action or linking verb, ask yourself:
* Does the verb describe an action? If so, it's an action verb.
* Does the verb connect the subject to a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject? If so, it's a linking verb.