COPULATIVE VERB

A Copulative verb connects the subject with a word that gives

information about the subject, such as a condition or relationship. They do
not show any action; but, they link the subject with the rest of the
sentence. For example, in the sentence "They are a problem," the word
"are" is the linking verb that connects "they" and "problem" to show the
relationship between the two words.

Linking verbs, also referred to as copulas or copular verbs, don't

function in the same way as typical verbs in showing action, it can
sometimes be tricky to recognize them. These types of verbs:

Show a relationship between the subject and the

sentence complement, the part of the sentence following the verb

Connect or link the subject with more information words that

further identify or describe the subject

Identify a relationship or existing condition

These types of verbs are sometimes described as performing the

function of an equal sign because they provide the connection between a
subject and a certain state.

Some words are always linking verbs. These are considered "true."
They do not describe the action, but always connect the subject to
additional information. The most common true linking verbs are forms of
"to be," "to become" and "to seem."

Forms of "to be" :

Am Is

Are Is being

Was Are being

 Were Was being

Has been Have been

Forms of "to become" :

Become Have become

Becomes Had become

Became Will become

Has become Will have become

Forms of to seem

Seemed Seeming
Seems Has seemed
Have seemed Had seemed

Any time you see these words in a sentence, you know they are
performing a linking or connective function in showing a relationship or
describing a state.

For example:

"I am glad it is Friday." Here the linking verb "am" connects the
subject (I) to the state of being glad.

"Laura is excited about her new bike." Here "is" describes Laura's
emotional state of excitement.

"My birds are hungry." The word "are" identifies that the birds
currently exist in a physical state of hunger.

Determining Other Linking Verbs

In addition to true linking verbs, there are also many verbs that can
exist either as action verbs or linking verbs. These are also called
resultative verbs. Verbs related to the five senses often function in this
way.

Common verbs that can exist as either action verbs or linking verbs
include:

Grow Look

Prove Remain

Smell Sound

Taste Turn

Stay Get

Appear Feel

Since these verbs can function as either action verbs or copular

verbs, how do you make the distinction? A common test is to replace the
verb you suspect in the sentence with an appropriate form of a true
linking verb.

If it makes sense, it is linking.

If it isn't logical with the substitution, it's an action verb.

For example, take these two sentences:

"The flowers looked wilted."

"She looked for wildflowers"

Substitute the copular verb "are" for the word "looked" in both sentences.
In the first sentence, it makes sense: "The flowers are wilted." In the
second sentence, however, it doesn't make sense: "She are for
wildflowers."

"The spaghetti sauce tasted delicious."

 "She tasted the delicious spaghetti sauce."

The sentence: "The spaghetti sauce is delicious" works, but "She is the
delicious spaghetti sauce" is illogical. The verb in the first sentence is
copular, and in the second sentence it is not.

Examples

Here are examples of linking verbs in sentences with the linking verbs
bolded:

William is excited about his promotion.

She appears upset about the announcement.

The eggs smell rotten.

He went red after tripping on the rug.

Your plans for the wedding sound nice.

You look exhausted after studying all night.

I am putty in his hands.

Maria might have been more forthcoming with the news.

Tom acted nervous when the teacher found the note.

The audience fell silent when the conductor walked on stage.

Dreams come true when we believe in them.

The crowd stayed calm in spite of the imminent threat.

All the children seem satisfied with the bouncy castle.

Bob felt sleepy after eating the whole pizza.

The cinnamon rolls taste heavenly.

 Building the house proves difficult for them.

Anthony has been a dream the last few weeks.

The spectators remained silent after the injury on the field.

He became suspicious when he saw the safe was open.

All the kittens were playful.

The theater gets dark when the show is about to begin.

Some couples are lucky enough to grow old together.

I feel worthy when the boss compliments me.

The weather was accommodating and the party continued.

The embers turn ashy as they cool.

You are being very foolish to believe her.

Mary waxed nostalgic on her 50th birthday.

Your friend might be disappointed if you dont go.

Sometimes, kids act foolish.

We are dismayed about the foreclosure.

The tests indicate that your child is gifted.

Martin does like very spicy food.

Jumping into a pond could be dangerous.

Most children get cranky when they are sleepy.

After the snowstorm, the roads were slippery.

A flaw in the design appeared to be the cause of the collapse.

 The vegetables in the bin looked disgusting and spoiled.

They shall be happy ever after.

Riding in a car will be safer with a seat belt.

The police department is getting tough on crime.

She remains faithful, even though it has been two years since he
left.

EXERCISES :

Do the exercise below by writing the linking verb or ordinary verb on the
line provided!.

1. .She looks fine. _____

2. She looked into the street.______

3. He is the best soccer player in the world.______

4. She was great in her new performance.________

5. He seems confused. ________

 ANSWERS :

1. Linking Verb

2. Ordinary Verb

3. Linking Verb

4. Linking Verb

5. Linking Verb