Linking Verbs (Copula Verb)

Which of the following sentences does not use a copula verb?

• He looks pretty tough.

• He looks like he could be a good leader.

• He looks at her like he's in love.

• He looks sad.

Answer explanation

"Looks at" implies using his eyes. The other sentences describe his appearance or give a judgment about him.

Copula verbs are followed by a direct object.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

They are followed by a complement.

Jennifer seems angry.
Jennifer is angry.
These sentences essentially mean the same thing.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

'Seems' presents an opinion. 'Is' presents a fact.

The verb 'taste' can be an action verb or a copula verb.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

He tastes his food with a spoon: action. The food tastes salty: copula.

5. Which of the following sentences implies that she is now the CEO?

• She was the CEO last year.

• She became the CEO last year

Answer explanation

'She was the CEO last year' could suggest she still is the CEO, though to be sure we would need more information. More likely she is not because then the sentence would not be in the past. 'She became the CEO' suggests that she still is.

Which of the following sentences is incorrect?

• Steve smells burnt toast.

• Larry appears often.

• Steve became exhausted.

• Larry seems meanly.

Answer explanation

Copula verbs cannot be modified by an adverb. "Smells" and "appears" are active verbs in these sentences.

Which sentence is correct?

• She is getting better at her job.

• She is becoming better at her job.

• both sentences

• neither sentence

8. This steak _______ delicious.

• smells

• tastes

• looks

• (all of these)

• (none of these)

Which of the following sentences does not use a copula verb?

• The student was hurt by the teacher's comments.

• Jane felt angry after hearing the news.

• Danny felt something sharp in his seat.

• The room smelled awful.

Answer explanation

to feel something sharp is a physical feeling

Which of the following sentences does not use a copula verb?

• The student was hurt by the teacher's comments.

• Jane felt angry after hearing the news.

• Danny felt something sharp in his seat.

• The room smelled awful.

Answer explanation

to feel something sharp is a physical feeling