Action verbs and linking verbs from "summary" of The parts of speech. Section I. A, Nouns, adjectives and articles. B, Pronouns and numerals. Section II, The verb and the particles by Hendrik Poutsma
Action verbs are verbs that express action or a state of being. They show what someone or something is doing. For example, in the sentence "She runs every morning," the verb "runs" shows the action that she is performing. These verbs can be physical actions like "run," "jump," or "dance," or mental actions like "think," "believe," or "consider."Linking verbs, on the other hand, connect the subject of a sentence to a noun or an adjective that describes or renames the subject. These verbs do not show action but instead act as a link between the subject and the complement. For example, in the sentence "He is a doctor," the verb "is" links the subject "He" to the complement "a doctor."
It is important to note that some verbs can function as both action verbs and linking verbs, depending on how they are used in a sentence. For example, the verb "feel" can be used as an action verb in the sentence "She feels the soft fabric," where it shows the physical action of touching. However, it can also be used as a linking verb in the sentence "She feels happy," where it connects the subject "She" to the adjective "happy."
Understanding the difference between action verbs and linking verbs is essential for constructing clear and concise sentences. Using the appropriate verb can help convey the intended meaning and ensure that the sentence is grammatically correct. By identifying whether a verb expresses action or serves as a link, writers can effectively communicate their ideas to their readers.
