Definitions and Examples of Copular Verbs

In English grammar, a copula is a  verb that joins the subject of a sentence  or clause to a subject complement. For example, the word  is  functions as a copula in the sentences Jane  is my friend and Jane is friendly. The primary verb be is sometimes referred to as the copula. However, while forms of  being  (am, are, is, was, were) are the most commonly used copulas in English, certain other verbs (identified below) have copular functions as well. Copular verbs can occur in both main and subordinate clauses. Unlike auxiliary verbs (also called helping verbs), which are used in front of other verbs, copular verbs function by themselves in the manner of main verbs. Fast Facts: Copular Verbs Etymology: From the Latin for linkPronunciation: KOP-u-la.Adjective: copularAlso known as copular verbs or linking verbsContrast with: lexical verbs and dynamic verb Examples of Copulas The weather is horrible.That car looks fast.The stew smells good.I do feel a fool.She became a racehorse trainer.Its getting late. Copular Verbs in Common Usage Some of the most frequently used copular verbs are: be, feel, seem, appear, look, sound, smell, taste, become, get. Adjectives follow copular verbs, not adverbs. He looks intelligent. (Intelligent is an adjective in a predicative position. It tells you about the person himself. Youre making the assumption He is intelligent based on observation. Here, the look is a copular verb. Copular verbs are complemented by a subject predicative in a sentence or clause structure. A copular prepositional verb is a prepositional verb (the combination of a verb plus preposition) that is complemented by a subject predicative. For example: That doesnt sound like him.Dont turn into a glutton.Let that serve as a warning. Copulas that describe the condition the thing or person referred to by the subject is in include: be, remain, seem, and appear. Copulas that describe the result of change affecting the thing or person referred to by the subject include: become, turn, grow, and get. Further Study InversionLinking VerbStative VerbVerb of BeingZero Copula Sources Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press, 1995)Hurford, James R. Grammar: A Students Guide. Cambridge University Press, 1994Greenbaum, Sidney. Oxford English Grammar. Oxford University Press, 1996