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Copula

The verb be as used in sentences ((63))-((65)) is often referred to as the COPULA. It can be followed by a noun, adjective, or prepositional phrase.
(62)0(62
(63)
Carl is a jerk .  (63)0(63
(64)
Carl is upset .  (64)0(64
(65)
Carl is in a foul mood . 

Although the copula may look like a main verb at first glance, its syntactic behavior follows the auxiliary verbs rather than main verbs. In particular,

Unlike all the other auxiliaries, however, copula be is not followed by a verbal category (by definition) and therefore must be the rightmost verb. In this respect, it is like a main verb. The semantic behavior of the copula is also unlike main verbs. In particular, any semantic restrictions or roles placed on the subject come from the complement phrase (NP, AP, PP) rather than from the verb, as illustrated in sentences ((71)) and ((72)). Because the complement phrases predicate over the subject, these types of sentences are often called PREDICATIVE sentences.
(70)0(70
(71)
The bartender was garrulous .  (71)0(71
(72)
?The cliff was garrulous . 


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Next: Raising Verbs Up: Usages of the copula, Previous: Usages of the copula,
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