What is a verb of attribution?

A verb of attribution is a type of verb that assigns a quality, characteristic, or identity to a noun or pronoun. They are often called "linking verbs" or "copular verbs" because they link the subject of the sentence to a noun, adjective, or other descriptive phrase that renames or describes it.

Here are some examples of verbs of attribution:

* Be (is, are, was, were, been, being)

* Become

* Appear

* Seem

* Feel

* Look

* Sound

* Smell

* Taste

* Remain

* Grow

* Turn

Examples in sentences:

* She is a talented musician. (is links the subject "She" to the noun phrase "a talented musician")

* The sky became dark and stormy. (became links the subject "The sky" to the adjective phrase "dark and stormy")

* He appears to be happy. (appears links the subject "He" to the adjective phrase "to be happy")

* The music sounds beautiful. (sounds links the subject "The music" to the adjective "beautiful")

Key points about verbs of attribution:

* They connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which provides more information about the subject.

* Subject complements can be nouns, adjectives, or even entire phrases.

* They are often used in sentences that express a state of being or a change in state.

Understanding verbs of attribution is crucial for understanding the structure and meaning of sentences.