In the sentence: My plans for vacation include redecorating my room. I know the gerund phrase is redecorating my room, but is include a action verb or linking verb? I need to be able to tell if the gerund phrase is used as a direct object or predicate noun. Thanks.

The gerund phrase is a direct object. The verb "include" is not a linking verb.

To determine whether "include" is an action verb or a linking verb in the given sentence, you need to understand the functions of these types of verbs.

An action verb is a verb that expresses an action or a movement. It shows the subject performing some kind of activity. Examples of action verbs include run, eat, write, dance, etc.

A linking verb, on the other hand, connects the subject of the sentence with a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject. Common linking verbs include be, am, is, are, was, were, seem, become, appear, etc.

In the sentence "My plans for vacation include redecorating my room," the verb "include" is a linking verb. It connects the subject "My plans for vacation" with the noun phrase "redecorating my room." In this case, "redecorating my room" functions as the predicate noun, as it renames or describes the plans for vacation.

To identify whether "redecorating my room" is used as a direct object or a predicate noun, consider the role it plays in the sentence. Since it renames or describes the subject ("My plans for vacation"), it functions as a predicate noun.

So, in summary:
- "Include" is a linking verb in the sentence.
- "Redecorating my room" is a predicate noun.

Remember, understanding the functions and characteristics of different verb types is crucial to identifying how they are used in a sentence.