direct
Yes, a subject complement follows a linking verb and not an action verb.
The subject complement in the sentence is "to a farmer," which completes the meaning of the subject "they gave their dog" by indicating where the dog was given.
A linking verb is followed by a subject complement, which renames or describes the subject. An action verb is followed by a direct object, which receives the action of the verb.
A linking verb has a complement which describes the subject; an action verb has a complement which is acted on by the verb. For instance: in "he feels the ball" the ball is acted upon by the verb and does not describe "he", but in "he feels cold", the word cold describes "he". The questions are "WHAT did he feel?" for actions and "HOW did he feel?" for linking verbs. (Note: if the complement is included you might get "how" for action verbs, as in "how did he feel the ball?)
"Go" can function as both an action verb and a linking verb. As an action verb, it indicates physical movement. As a linking verb, it connects the subject to a subject complement that describes or renames the subject.
"Understood" can function as both a linking verb and an action verb. As a linking verb, it connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement. As an action verb, it can indicate the act of comprehending or grasping something.
There is no action verb. The verb "is" (to be) is a linking verb.
A subject complement is called a subject complement because it 'completes' the subject; it tells what the subject is or has become. A linking verb 'links' the object to the subject with further information about the subject.When an action verb is used, how it is used determines if it is a linking verb.Example action verbs that can be linking verbs:feel: I feel fine. (I=fine, a linking verb); I feel the warm sand. (not a linking verb, I'm not and I don't become the sand)appear: You appear happy. (you=happy, a linking verb); I look and you appear. (not a linking verb, there is no object)grow: Jim grows taller every year. (Jim=taller, a linking verb); Jim grows roses. (not a linking verb, Jim is not and does not become roses)
In most cases, "visit" is considered an action verb because it describes an action that someone is performing. However, in certain contexts, it can also function as a linking verb to connect the subject with a subject complement.
The subject - linking verb - complement sentence pattern includes a subject plus a linking verb (is, are, were, was, am, will be, being, been) plus the subject complement, which can be a noun or an adjective. Some examples are:Susie is queen of the class to her classmates.The dog was playful, the kids noticed.Parents are people. too.
"Was" is a linking verb. It is used to connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement that describes or renames the subject.