I had a total Beevis and Butt-head moment yesterday when I read that there is such thing as a “copulative verb.”Eager to find out more about this provocative-sounding verb, I poked around to get to the bottom of it.
It turns out the copulative verbs are not the verbs you might think. Doink is not a copulative verb. Neither is bone, poke, or grind. Copulate isn't even one. Copulative verb is another term for linking verb.
Do you remember linking verbs? They are, among others, such unassuming verbs such as is, are, was, were, and am.
Linking verbs are about connecting words together, not about actions.
For example, in the following example, are connects you and beautiful. (The example should be read in a Barry White-like voice.)
Baby, you are beautiful.
But, when you think about it, that’s really what copulative verbs should be about. Sure, words love a bit of action, but the focus should really be on the bond formed between them.
Let’s just hope they use commas for protection.
12 comments:
I wish you were my english teacher instead of the severe dame I got. I shall never forget what a copulative verb is now.
You are my English teacher. I am a very attentive student.
What happens if they don't use commas for protection?
This is one of my favorite posts yet. "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" is in my head. And see, there's protection along with a copulative verb right in the title.
That's fascinating, but are there any examples not derived from the verb "to be"?
BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, I loved this post! And now I understand why the powers that be tell us to keep these naughty buggers to a minimum in our manuscripts!
gorilla--most of the sensory verbs are ALSO linking verbs, looks, appears, seems, becomes... I had 64 of them memorized at one point.
Love this post. Thanks for always teaching me something new....as evidenced by my posts I am not a english major. ;)
BTW, I totally imagined it being said in a Barry White voice. LOL
The linking thing makes sense now. I get it! But I guess what I really want to know is, do they make commas in different sizes? - G
I can honestly say I did not know that. How funny! (And great example).
I learned something new today! Thanks!
i wish script writers would follow your blog. t.v. would make much more sense.
How do commas protect?
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