rajnair7
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There is contradictory information from leading English grammar websites regarding whether a subject complement can be an adverb/adverbial phrase. This is for understanding linking verbs.
Cambridge site says subject complement can be an adverb/adverbial phrase/prepositional phrase as well. Very few other sites concur with that statement.
Most of the sites list adjective phrases and noun phrases, and some list prepositional phrases along with the former two.
for example, grammermonster.com, thesaurus.com, britishcouncil.org, etc.
If adverbs are listed, then in "I am upstairs" 'be' is a linking verb.
If the prepositional phrase is listed, then in "Huge Tornado is in Texas now,' 'be" is a linking verb. Otherwise in these cases "Be' has to be taken as a stative verb.
Is there a consensus?
Cambridge site says subject complement can be an adverb/adverbial phrase/prepositional phrase as well. Very few other sites concur with that statement.
’m upstairs. (subject + adverb phrase)
It still smells of paint in here. (subject + prepositional phrase)
Most of the sites list adjective phrases and noun phrases, and some list prepositional phrases along with the former two.
for example, grammermonster.com, thesaurus.com, britishcouncil.org, etc.
If adverbs are listed, then in "I am upstairs" 'be' is a linking verb.
If the prepositional phrase is listed, then in "Huge Tornado is in Texas now,' 'be" is a linking verb. Otherwise in these cases "Be' has to be taken as a stative verb.
Is there a consensus?