copular verb

copular verb (uselvstendig verb): a term in syntax referring to verbs which are followed by a subject predicative rather than a direct object . Also called 'linking verb'. Copular verbs link together the subject and the subject predicative in a clause. The most common copular verb is be (used as a main verb). Other verbs which mean (approximately) the same also function as copular verbs (e.g. look, seem, appear), as well as become and other verbs with a similar meaning. To check if a verb is a copular verb (followed by a predicative) or a transitive verb (followed by an object) you can try if the verb can be replaced by a form of to be, possibly accompanied by 'I think'. E.g. He seems nervous = he is nervous, I think. A verb phrase can also function as a copular verb, if it indicates some kind of identity of the subject and the subject predicative. E.g. She is called Susan. She has been voted  'woman of the year'.