Copular (Linking) Verbs
Copular verbs (also known as linking verbs) connect the subject to a subject complement (an adjective or noun that describes the subject). They do not express physical action.
Categories of Copular Verbs
- State of Being: Be, seem, appear, look, sound, smell, taste, feel.
- Change of State: Become, get, grow, turn, fall, go.
- Remaining in a State: Remain, keep, stay.
The Grammar Rule
Because they are copular, they must be followed by an adjective, NOT an adverb.
Correct: I feel bad. (Adjective describing 'I') Incorrect: I feel badly. (Adverb implying your sense of touch is broken)
Correct: The food smells delicious. Incorrect: The food smells deliciously.