helping verb and linking verbs

http://www.geocities.com/fifth_grade_tpes/linking_verbs.html

word definition

Helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, are verbs that assist the main verb in a sentence. They help to convey the tense, mood, or voice of the main verb. Common helping verbs include "is," "am," "are," "was," "were," "has," "have," "had," "do," "does," "did," "can," "could," "shall," "should," "will," "would," "may," "might," "must," and "ought to."

Linking verbs, on the other hand, are verbs that connect the subject of a sentence with a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes it. They do not show any action; instead, they show a state of being or a condition. Common linking verbs include "be," "am," "is," "are," "was," "were," "been," "become," "seem," "look," "feel," "taste," "smell," "sound," "appear," "remain," "prove," and "become."

To identify helping verbs and linking verbs in a sentence, follow these steps:

1. Read the sentence and locate the main verb (action verb or state of being verb).
2. Look for any words that come before or after the main verb.
- If there are words before the main verb, they are likely helping verbs.
- If there are words after the main verb, they are likely describing or renaming the subject and are linking verbs.

Here are a few examples:

1. She is running.
- "Is" is a helping verb that assists the main verb "running."

2. The flowers smell fragrant.
- "Smell" is a linking verb that connects the subject "flowers" to the adjective "fragrant."

3. They have been studying all night.
- "Have" and "been" are helping verbs that assist the main verb "studying."

Remember, not all verbs in a sentence are necessarily helping or linking verbs. Only words that assist the main verb or connect the subject to a complement should be considered as such.