copula

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In one episode the shirtless tribal leader Khal Drogo delivered a monologue for two and a half minutes in Dothraki, with its subject-verb-object structure and no copula, or linking verb.

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2011

When this takes place, and any question arises as to the construction, they must be exhibited in their fully expanded form, i.e., the second subject, the second predicate, and the second copula must be supplied.

From A Handbook of the English Language by Latham, R. G. (Robert Gordon)

The copula is the sign denoting that there is an affirmation or denial, and thereby enabling the hearer or reader to distinguish a proposition from any other kind of discourse.

From A System Of Logic, Ratiocinative And Inductive by Mill, John Stuart

The proposition is composed of two terms and the copula, one term constituting the subject of the proposition and the other the predicate.

From Ontario Normal School Manuals: Science of Education by Ontario. Ministry of Education

We may, indeed, say, ½a friendship has long existed between them,¸ instead of saying, ½there has long been a friendship between them;¸ but in this case, exist is not a mere copula.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah