copula

Definition:

A verb that joins the subject of a sentence to a subject complement. See also: linking verb.

Etymology:

From the Latin, "link"

Examples and Observations:

• "We use a special kind of verb to join an adjective or noun complement to a subject. These verbs can be called 'copulas' or 'copular verbs.' Common copular verbs are: be, seem, appear, look, sound, smell, taste, feel, become, get.
  • The weather is horrible.
  • That car looks fast.
  • The stew smells good.
  • I do feel a fool.
  • She became a racehorse trainer.
  • It's getting late.
  
  "After copular verbs we use adjectives, not adverbs. Compare:
  • He spoke intelligently. (Intelligently is an adverb. It tells you about how the person spoke.)
  • He looks intelligent. (Intelligent is an adjective in a predicative position. It tells you about the person himself--rather like saying 'He is intelligent.' Look is a copular verb.)
  
  "Note that some of these verbs are also used with other meanings as ordinary non-copular verbs. They are then used with adverbs, not adjectives.
  Compare:
  • The problem appeared impossible. (NOT . . . impossibly.)
  • Isabel suddenly appeared in the doorway. (NOT . . . sudden . . . )
  Other verbs used in two ways like this are look, taste, and feel."
  (Michael Swan, Practical English Usage. Oxford Univ. Press, 1995)



• "A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."
  (Phyllis Diller)



• "If it looks good, you'll see it. If it sounds good, you'll hear it. If it's marketed right, you'll buy it. But if it's real, you'll feel it."
  (Kid Rock)



• "When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion."
  (Abraham Lincoln)

Pronunciation: KOP-u-la

Also Known As: linking verb, copular verb