English Grammar: Linking Verbs (Copula)

Summary

In this educational video, Adam from EngVid.com delves into the concept of copula or linking verbs, which are essential for English learners to master. He explains that copula verbs, including 'be', 'seem', 'appear', and sensory verbs like 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', and 'feel', link the subject to its complement without implying action. Adam clarifies that these verbs should be followed by adjectives or nouns, not adverbs, and highlights the difference between stating facts with 'be' and expressing possibilities with other copula verbs. He also discusses the unique use of 'get' and 'become' to indicate change, providing examples to illustrate their correct usage.

Takeaways

• 📘 Copula or linking verbs are essential for linking the subject of a sentence with its complement, showing a relationship rather than action.
• 🔑 The primary copula verb is 'be', which comes in various forms such as 'am', 'is', 'are', 'was', 'were'.
• 👉 Other common copula verbs include 'seem', 'appear', and can be combined with 'to be' to form phrases like 'appear to be' or 'seem to be'.
• 👀 Sense verbs like 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', and 'feel' are also used as copula verbs to describe sensory experiences but are not action verbs in this context.
• ⚠️ Be cautious with verbs like 'sound' and 'look' as they can function as both action and copula verbs, depending on the context.
• 🔗 Copula verbs join the subject to a subject complement, which can be an adjective or a noun, and should not be mistaken for an object.
• 🚫 Copula verbs are not followed by adverbs but by adjectives or noun complements, indicating a state or condition.
• ✍️ 'Be' verbs state facts, while 'seem', 'appear', and similar verbs suggest possibilities or impressions rather than certainties.
• 🔄 The verbs 'get' and 'become' as copula verbs imply a change in state or condition, unlike 'be' which states a fact.
• 📈 'Become' and 'get' can take various forms (e.g., past, present, continuous) and always indicate a process of change or transformation.
• 📚 Understanding the correct use of copula verbs is crucial for clear and effective communication in English, particularly in writing.

Q & A

What are copula or linking verbs?

Copula or linking verbs are verbs that link or show a relationship between the subject of a sentence and its complement, often indicating a state of being or a characteristic.

What is the most common copula verb and its different forms?

The most common copula verb is 'be', which has different forms such as am, is, are, was, and were, depending on the tense and subject.

What are some other common copula verbs besides 'be'?

Other common copula verbs include 'seem', 'appear', 'look', 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', 'feel', 'become', and 'get'.

How do copula verbs differ from action verbs?

Copula verbs do not indicate action; instead, they link the subject with a state or condition. Action verbs, on the other hand, describe activities or movements.

Can 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', and 'feel' be used as action verbs?

Yes, 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', and 'feel' can also be used as action verbs, but in the context of copula verbs, they are used to describe sensory experiences without indicating action.

What is a subject complement?

A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject, providing more information about it.

Why are copula verbs not followed by adverbs?

Copula verbs are not followed by adverbs because they link the subject to a state or condition, which is typically expressed by adjectives or noun complements, not by adverbs that modify actions.

What is the difference between 'be' and 'seem' as copula verbs?

'Be' states a fact, while 'seem' suggests a possibility or impression. For example, 'He is tall' is a fact, whereas 'He seems tall' implies that it might be the case, but it's not certain.

How do 'become' and 'get' differ from other copula verbs when used as linking verbs?

'Become' and 'get', when used as copula verbs, suggest a change or transformation in state or condition, unlike other copula verbs that simply state or describe a state.

Can copula verbs be used in passive voice constructions?

Yes, copula verbs can be used in passive voice constructions, allowing for the description of states or conditions in a passive form, such as 'The house appears to have been damaged in the storm'.

Why is it incorrect to say 'She seems married' without 'to be'?

'She seems married' without 'to be' is incorrect because 'seems' in this context should be followed by an adjective describing a state or condition, and 'married' in this case is a state that requires 'to be' to form a proper copula construction.

How do you differentiate between 'become' and 'be' in terms of their usage?

'Become' indicates a process of change or transformation over time, while 'be' states a current fact or condition. For example, 'She has become a manager' shows a change in her career, whereas 'She is a manager' states her current role.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Copula Verbs

In the first paragraph, Adam introduces the concept of copula or linking verbs, emphasizing their role in grammar. He explains that these verbs, including 'be' in its various forms, 'seem', 'appear', and sensory verbs like 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', and 'feel', link the subject of a sentence to its complement without indicating action. Adam clarifies that copula verbs are not followed by adverbs but by adjectives or nouns, and they do not fit into the traditional subject-verb-object structure. He illustrates this with examples like 'He is tall' and 'He is a teacher', where 'tall' and 'teacher' are subject complements, not objects.

05:02

🔍 Deep Dive into Copula Verb Usage

The second paragraph delves deeper into the nuances of copula verbs. Adam discusses the subtle differences between 'be' and other copula verbs like 'seem', 'appear', and 'look', noting that while 'be' states a fact, the others suggest a possibility. He also addresses the use of 'like' with sensory verbs to indicate resemblance. Adam further explains the passive voice construction with copula verbs and the importance of not using adverbs with them. He provides examples to illustrate the correct usage and to highlight the verbs' role in indicating states rather than actions.

10:03

🚀 Understanding 'Become' and 'Get' as Copula Verbs

In the third paragraph, Adam focuses on the unique aspects of 'become' and 'get' when used as copula verbs, which often signify change. He contrasts these with other copula verbs that describe states. Adam explains that 'get' and 'become' can take different verb forms and are used to express a transition from one state to another, as in 'She got married' or 'He is becoming rich'. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the change these verbs imply, distinguishing their use from that of the verb 'be'. Adam also invites viewers to engage with additional resources on the website for more practice and understanding.

Keywords

💡Copula Verbs

Copula verbs, also known as linking verbs, are essential for connecting the subject of a sentence with its complement, which may be an adjective, noun, or other element that describes or renames the subject. In the video, Adam clarifies that copula verbs do not denote any action but serve to link, as in 'He is tall' where 'is' is the copula verb linking 'he' with the adjective 'tall'.

💡Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are synonymous with copula verbs and are used to create a link between the subject of a sentence and additional information about that subject. The video emphasizes that these verbs are not action verbs, which is a key point in understanding their function, as illustrated by examples such as 'She seems to be nice', which links 'she' with the state of 'being nice'.

💡Be Verb

The 'be' verb is the most common copula verb and comes in various forms such as 'am', 'is', 'are', 'was', and 'were'. It is used to state facts or conditions about the subject. For example, in the script, 'He is tall' uses 'is' to state a fact about the subject 'he', making it clear that the height is a characteristic of the person.

💡Seem

'Seem' is a copula verb that suggests a possibility or appearance rather than a fact. It is used to express an opinion or impression. In the video, Adam uses 'seems' in the context of 'She seems nice', indicating that it's the speaker's impression of her, not a definitive statement.

💡Appear

'Appear' is another copula verb that, like 'seem', indicates a possibility or how something appears to be. It is used to describe an impression or outward characteristics. The script includes 'appear to be' in the phrase 'She appears to be nice', which, similar to 'seems', does not confirm the niceness as a fact but suggests it as a perception.

💡Sense Verbs

Sense verbs, including 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', and 'feel', are used to describe sensory experiences and can function as copula verbs. They describe how things affect the senses, as shown in the script with examples like 'The song sounds nice', which uses 'sounds' to link the subject 'song' with the sensory experience 'nice'.

💡Stative Verbs

Stative verbs describe states or conditions rather than actions and are often associated with copula verbs. They do not typically take the '-ing' form. In the video, Adam mentions that sense verbs are also stative verbs, which helps to explain why they do not indicate ongoing action but rather a state or condition.

💡Get

'Get' is a versatile verb that can be used as a copula verb to indicate a change or transition to a new state, as opposed to the static nature of other copula verbs. The script uses 'get' in examples like 'She got married', which suggests a change in her marital status over time, rather than an ongoing action.

💡Become

'Become' is a copula verb that specifically denotes a change or transformation from one state to another. It is used to show development or progression. In the video, Adam explains that 'become' indicates a change, as in 'She will become a married woman', which implies a transition from being single to being married.

💡Subject Complement

A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a copula verb and provides more information about the subject. It can be an adjective, noun, or any other element that describes or renames the subject. The video script illustrates this with 'tall' in 'He is tall', where 'tall' complements 'he' by describing his height.

💡Adjective

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. In the context of copula verbs, adjectives often serve as subject complements. The script demonstrates this with examples such as 'He is tall', where 'tall' is an adjective that describes the subject 'he'.

💡Noun Complement

A noun complement is a noun that follows a copula verb to rename or identify the subject. It provides additional information about the subject in a similar way to an adjective. In the script, 'a teacher' in 'He is a teacher' serves as a noun complement, identifying the subject's profession.

Highlights

Introduction to copula or linking verbs, which are essential for understanding English grammar.

Explanation of the term 'copula' and its synonym 'linking verbs', often unfamiliar to many learners.

The 'be' verb as the most common copula verb, with its various forms like am, is, are, was, and were.

Introduction of other common copula verbs such as 'seem' and 'appear', which can be combined with 'to be'.

The use of copula verbs to create passive structures in English sentences.

Discussion on sense verbs like 'sound', 'taste', 'smell', and 'feel', which can also function as copula verbs.

Clarification that copula verbs do not denote action but rather link the subject to its complement.

The 'be' verb acting as an equal sign, showing the relationship between the subject and subject complement.

Examples of subject complements being nouns, not objects, as in the sentence 'He is a teacher'.

Emphasis on the importance of not mistaking copula verbs for action verbs, as they do not take objects.

The grammatical rule that copula verbs are followed by adjectives or noun complements, not adverbs.

The distinction between 'be' verbs stating facts and 'seem', 'appear', and 'look' indicating possibilities.

The use of 'seem to be' and 'appear to be' in describing someone's situation rather than their physical appearance.

Explanation of stative verbs and their relation to copula verbs, with a reference to another teacher's lesson on the topic.

The unique use of 'get' and 'become' as copular verbs that suggest change, unlike other copula verbs.

Examples illustrating the difference between 'get' and 'become' in indicating a change in state or situation.

The importance of recognizing 'get' and 'become' as verbs that can take different forms and suggest ongoing change.

Advice on practicing the use of copula verbs through quizzes and seeking further explanations in the comments section.

Encouragement for viewers to like, subscribe, and enable notifications for future English learning videos.

Transcripts

Hi everybody, welcome to www.engvid.com, I'm Adam.

In today's video, I have a grammar lesson for you, and specifically we're going to look

at copula or linking verbs.

Copula - linking verbs, same thing, different names.

Most people don't really know or have never heard of this word - copula.

Sometimes it's an adjective, it's called copular verbs, but the more common one is the linking verbs.

And I'll show you in a moment what is actually being linked.

So, the most common copula verb is the "be" verb, and in its different forms, different

tenses, I should say.

Am, is, are, was, were, etc.

The most common other copula verbs are seem and appear, and you can combine them with

"to be".

And I'll show you examples, but appear to be, seem to be, and you can also use this

to make a passive structure, which I'll show you as well.

And look, and then you have your sense verbs.

Sound, taste, smell, and feel.

These are also state verbs, and they can also be action verbs, but we're going to look at

them as copula verbs.

And you'll notice that all of these copula verbs are not action verbs.

There is no action happening.

So, be careful with these four, because you can use them as action verbs as well.

Like, if you say something, I say "Yeah, that sounds right".

Or, I can sound the alarm, I can "ding ding ding ding ding ding", etc.

So, action - active or not.

And then become and get.

And I split these up for a reason, and I'll show you that reason in a moment.

So, first thing to remember - there is no action involved with copula verbs.

What they are doing is they are linking, they are joining or showing some sort of relationship

between the subject of a sentence and the subject complement.

So, as an example, "He is tall".

So, if you think about this sentence, a lot of people will think "Subject, verb, object".

But "tall" is not an object to the verb "is".

Tall is the subject complement to the subject "he".

Essentially, what this means is he, tall, same person.

Same thing we're focusing on.

The "be" verb acts like an equal sign, showing that these two things are the same thing.

I'm describing or talking about the same thing.

And it doesn't have to be an adjective, it can also be a noun.

A noun can also be a subject complement, not an object.

"He is a teacher."

"He - a teacher", same person.

Same thing, if you want to think about it that way.

And that's where the link is.

So, you're linking subject complements to subject, right?

So, very important not to think of it as an object.

And the same applies to the other verbs.

"Seem" does not take an object.

"Appear to be" does not take an object.

All of these do not take an object.

Another thing that's very important to remember is that these - all of these verbs, because

they're not in a subject, verb, object structure, will be followed by an adjective but never

by an adverb.

Okay?

And I'll give you an example of this as well.

Let's look at "seems".

Another very important point to remember - we treat, except for "be" verb, of course - we

treat all of these copular verbs like action verbs, meaning in a third person singular,

we're still going to add the "s", okay?

So, it's very important to remember that it looks like an action verb, but there's no

action happening.

Now, what's the difference, the main difference, between a "be" verb and seem, appear, and

look?

These three also act like an equal sign, except a "be" verb is stating a fact.

He is tall means that's the fact, tall.

"She seems nice" means that it's a possibility that she's nice.

She looks nice, she appears to be nice, she seems nice.

All of these mean the same thing that I think she's nice, but I might be wrong.

She is nice - it's a fact.

I'm not wrong, it's a fact.

There's not wrong or right, there's is or isn't, as it were.

So, she seems nice.

Adjective describing "she".

"She seems to be married."

So, I'm still using an adjective, but now I'm using "to be", because "She seems married"

doesn't make much sense.

I'm describing her situation.

Here, I'm describing her.

Here, I'm describing her situation.

So, I need to put that into more of a context of existence or being something.

And again, "She seems to be an executive".

I can't say, "She seems an executive".

I'm talking about her situation again.

Here, it's her marriage situation.

Here, it's her career.

Now, again, very important.

She seems to be an executive.

Maybe she's dressed in a suit, like a business suit.

She has a bag.

She looks very professional.

Whether it's true or not, I don't know.

That's why she seems to be, she appears to be.

She looks like an executive, and you actually add "like" here as well.

She looks like something, right?

Maybe she is, maybe she's not.

Keep in mind, though.

When you say, "He looks like his father", that's a different use of "look".

This is more about the actual physical appearance.

I can - it's a fact.

It's not a possibility.

But "look like" as a copula means possibility, maybe.

Okay?

Now, sound, taste, smell, and feel.

You're going to describe how certain things affect the senses.

So, the song sounds nice.

The food tastes delicious.

Notice the "s".

The flower smells lovely.

The cat's tongue feels rough, when it licks me, etc.

So, I'm describing sense.

Now, keep in mind that these are also stative verbs, and if you're not sure what a stative

verb is, Rebecca, who is another teacher here at www.engvid.com , has made a lesson about that.

You can look for the link somewhere here to learn more about stative verbs.

These are a part of the stative verbs.

Now, become and get, they're a little bit trickier.

So, I'm going to look at them individually and I'll give you some more examples.

Okay, so now we're going to look at a few more examples and notice a few more specific

grammatical points.

"The house appears to have been damaged in the storm."

So, right away, you notice that I have the option of using copula verbs in passive situations

as well.

You just have to adjust according to the time, according to the situation.

Here, I just want to point out a couple of other things.

"She seems intelligent", and "The food tastes delicious".

Notice it's not "intelligently" and not "deliciously".

So, it's very, very important to remember, just because you have a verb that's not a

"be" verb, it doesn't mean that you must have an adverb.

Copula verbs are not followed by adverbs, only adjectives or noun complements.

That's very important to remember.

Another thing to remember is that all of the verbs so far, the "be" verb, the "appear,

seem" and all the sense ones, they don't take an "-ing" form.

Right?

Because they're a bit of a state verb.

There's no action happening.

On the other hand, "get" and "become" can take all the different forms.

And while all of these basically - they're like an equal sign, so the food tastes delicious,

and the food is delicious mean the same thing.

This is just a more specific verb.

And it basically means equal.

Food = delicious.

Same thing.

Become and get are verbs that are copular.

They're still linking verbs, but they suggest a change.

And this is very important, and this is where a lot of people get confused with these two verbs.

Become and get, when they're used in this context, like copular verbs, always suggest change.

And it's very important to remember that.

"She got married", okay.

That doesn't mean - there's no action here.

"Married" here is being used - it's a participle - it's being used as an adjective.

"She got married" or "She was married", both okay.

"She is getting married."

Now here, I can use this as an "-ing", but I'm still explaining the situation.

This is actually referring to the future.

So, now she is single.

She is getting married.

She will become a married woman.

There's no action involved.

She's not getting anything.

It's not a receiving verb, it just - the changing situation verb.

If I wanted to use the action verb, I would just simply say "married".

"She married Bob."

It means she had a wedding and put on a ring, signed some papers, got married.

Same thing with "become".

You can use it in all the different forms, and always notice there's a change.

"She has become too powerful."

There should be a period here, actually.

She has become - it's not a sudden action.

She has become too powerful over time, which is why I'm using the present perfect tense.

And I'm suggesting a change.

I could say, "She is too powerful".

It means it's a fact now.

She was, or she will be too powerful, all talking about specific situation - has become

over the time she has been in this position.

"He is becoming rich."

He's getting more and more money.

It doesn't mean he's rich yet, but he's certainly on his way.

His situation is changing, changing.

"He will become mean."

When he has more money, the more money he has, the more he will become mean.

Like a mean person, because some people become mean when they have money.

Why?

Because "The more money he has, the more arrogant he becomes."

And again, I'm using it as a single with the "s" for the single third person.

But again, change, change.

As money changes, as the money amount changes, his personality changes, right?

So, it's all about change.

And this is more like an actual fact, when I use a present simple, I'm stating it more

like a fact.

The other ones are more a possibility.

Okay?

So, these are the main copula verbs.

There are some others, but these are the ones you need to understand to be able to read

and to write especially.

Because these are the ones that give people the most trouble, I believe, when it comes

to understanding how to use them.

Now, of course, it's a little bit tricky.

"Become", a lot of people confuse the verb "become" with the verb "be".

These are two different verbs.

Make sure you remember that, because how you're going to use them will affect the meaning

of the sentence, right?

Depending on which one you use.

But there, that's a very basic understanding of copula verbs.

If you're not sure and you want a little bit more practice, go to www.engvid.com and take

the quiz.

And of course, ask me questions in the comment section.

I'll be very happy to help you out if you need a little bit more explanation about this.

And that's it.

If you like the video, give me a like.

I hope you liked it.

Don't forget to subscribe to my channel.

There's also a little bell at the top there at the subscribe, you can ring that and you'll

get notifications of future videos.

So you can get more grammar vocab and other English helping tools, hopefully.

Okay?

Until next time, bye bye.