Pattern 1: Copular 1 (COP1)
Pattern 1: Copular 1 (COP1)
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Clause Pattern:
COP1 = Subj. + Copular (linking) Verb. + SP (SC)
If a 'be' verb is followed by an adjectival or nominal unit functioning as the subject predicate (complement), then this is a COP1 verb.
Tree Diagrams of sentences with copular 1 verbs as the main verb:
Common Copular Verbs:
Common Copular Verbs:
[be verb]: be, am, is, are, was, were, been
[state of being verbs]: appear, seem, remain, stay, keep, maintain
[sensory verbs:] hear, look, taste, smell, feel, sound
[change verbs]: grow, turn, become, prove
Tips in identifying copular verbs:
If a 'be' verb is the main verb in a VP, then it is a copular or linking verb.
A linking verb connects the subject with its complement that describes or explains it.
The subject predicate/complement of a COP1 verb can be
an ADJP (36a)
an NP (36b)
a clause (36 c)
(36) a. He looks [angry]. [ADJP: SC]
b. He looked like [a zombie]. [NP: SC]
c. He looked {as though he had been up all night}. {clause: SC}
COP 1 is referred to as Type III and IV in our textbook:
Type III in textbook:
Subj. + link verb + AdjP: SC
Type IV in textbook:
Subj. + link verb + NP: SC
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