An Attributive Verb is a verb that contains both copula and predicate attribute. (Sentences 1, 4, 5, 9, and 12, Exercise 59).

Exercise 60

Select the verbs in the following sentences and classify each as copulative or attributive.

The classification of the verb may be determined by answering the following questions:

What is asserted of the subject of thought?

What, then, is the predicate attribute?

What is the verb?

Is it combined with the predicate attribute?

Answering these questions with reference to Sentences 1 and 2, we have the following recitations:

(1) A condition is asserted of Mary. The word unhappy is the predicate attribute. The word was is the verb. It does not contain the predicate attribute, and therefore is a copulative verb.

(2) The act of coming is asserted of the children; therefore the word came is the predicate attribute. The word came is also the verb; therefore it is an attributive verb.

1. Mary was unhappy.

2. Back came the happy children.

3. She ate an apple.

4. The sun will soon set.

5. She seems frivolous.

6. I looked at the picture.

7. The child looked contented.

8. You have forgotten the book.

9. You have an intelligent dog.

10. The sun may shine before noon.

11. I wrote to the merchant about the matter.

12. The dewdrops glitter in the sunshine.

13. The children nearest the stove became too warm.

14. In the distance appeared a horseman.

15. The horse appeared restive.

16. Were the children playing quietly?

17. The child rests quietly.

18. Take the rake to the barn.

19. She got the book in the library.

20. She often gets excited.

21. The leaves of the maple turn red in autumn.

22. The woman sewing by the window is an invalid.

23. I hear the children talking.

24. My opinions about the matter are already known.

25. There are many opinions about the matter.

26. I shall enjoy the ride.

27. The private soon became captain.

28. Here are the girls.

29. She turned toward the child.

30. I smell lilacs.

31. The air smells smoky.

Exercise 61

Show that the following words may be used as copulative or as attributive verbs: is, tastes, grow, got, smell, turn.