系动词也称联系动词,它本身有词义,但不能单独用作谓语,后面必须跟表语,构成系表结构说明主语的状况、性质、特征等情况。系动词主要有:
(1)状态系动词,用来表示主语状态,指be动词。
(2)持续系动词,用来表示主语继续或保持一种状况或态度,这类动词主要有:keep, rest,remain,stay,lie,stand,continue,hold。如:keep silent/remain a mystery(保持沉默/仍然是个谜)。
(3)表像系动词,用来表示“看起来像”这一概念,有seem, appear, look等,如:He looks tired. He seems (to be) very sad.
(4)感官系动词,有feel, smell, sound, taste等,如:feel very soft,smell very sweet。
(5)变化系动词,用来表示主语变成什么样,有become, grow, turn, fall, get, go, come, run等,如:become mad,grow rich。
(6)终止系动词,表示主语已终止动作,有prove, turn out等表达“证实、变成”之意的词,如:The rumor proved false.(这谣言证实有假。)His plan turned out a success.(他的计划终于成功了。)(turn out表终止性结果)