noun
copula
KAH-pyuh-luh/ˈkɑːpjələ/
A verb that links a subject to its complement.
In the sentence 'Sky is blue,' the word 'is' serves as a copula.
Etymology
Latin copula named a bond or tie, including a physical rope or band. In grammar, that binding image describes a verb such as “be” linking a subject to its complement.
In context
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.
More examples
- In “The sky turns pink,” “turns” acts as a copula.
- A copula can link a subject to a noun or an adjective.
- The students underline the copulas in “I am ready, and she is tired.”
Forms
copula · copulas · copulae
copular adjective — Relating to verbs linking subjects and complements.
Similar words
- linking verb
- The everyday term for the same grammatical function.