A verb expresses ACTION or BEING.
An action verb tells what the subject of the sentence does.
A linking verb does not show action, but instead shows state-of-being .
A verb that is made up of more than one word is called a verb phrase. The last word in a verb phrase is the main verb , and the other words are called auxiliary or HELPING verbs.
Ex: Cesar and Ruth are going to soccer practice after school. main verb=going helping verb=are
Common Helping/Auxiliary Verbs am were do has must might is be does had will would are being did can shall should was been have may could
Common Linking Verbs am is was be become were being look feel taste are seem been appear smell
If you’re really observant you might have noticed that many of the linking verbs are also on the helping verb list. You might ask, “So, what is the difference between a helping verb and a linking verb?”
ANSWER: HELPING/auxiliary verbs are ALWAYS part of a VERB PHRASE which ends with a main (action) verb, but a LINKING verb NEVER ends with an action verb.
Sentence w/helping verbs: Carmen will be practicing all afternoon. verb phrase= will be practicing main verb= practicing helping verbs=will be
Sentence w/linking verb: Mom’s laundry smells so fresh and clean. linking verb=smells