Is the verb in this sentence an action or linking Susan appeared confident during debate?

The verb "appeared" in the sentence "Susan appeared confident during the debate" is a linking verb.

Here's why:

* Linking verbs connect the subject (Susan) to a word that describes or identifies the subject (confident).

* Action verbs show an action being performed.

In this case, "appeared" doesn't describe an action Susan is doing. It's linking her to the state of being confident.