Here's a breakdown:
* Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or renames it. They don't show action, but rather establish a relationship between the subject and the information that follows.
* Forms of the verb "be" include: am, is, are, was, were, being, been
Examples:
* She is a doctor. (Here, "is" links "She" to the noun "doctor" that renames her.)
* The sky was blue. (Here, "was" links "The sky" to the adjective "blue" that describes it.)
Other common linking verbs:
While many linking verbs are forms of "be", there are other verbs that can act as linking verbs too. Some common examples include:
* Appear, become, feel, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, taste, turn
Example:
* The flowers smell sweet. (Here, "smell" links "The flowers" to the adjective "sweet" that describes them.)
Key point: The linking verb helps to establish what the subject *is* or *is like*. It acts as a bridge between the subject and the descriptive information.