主語 + 系動詞 + 表語
1） 系動詞一般為be 動詞。
注意：look, feel, sound, smell, taste, get, become, come, go, turn, grow, keep, seem, stand等詞可以作“半系動詞”用,按行為動詞方式變化,起系動詞的作用。
試驗比較：
—— He felt the pockets thoroughly but did not find a single penny.（他摸遍了口袋但沒有找到一分錢。—— feel為行為動詞）
—— You look pale. Do you feel unwell? （你臉色蒼白,感到不舒服?—— look / feel為系動詞）
一般來說,動詞后面跟的是個形容詞或名詞,該動詞為系動詞, 如：The plan sounds perfect. / The flower smells nice. / The dish tastes delicious. / It is getting dark.
實例：
“Don't worry. Let me take your pulse first.” “Oh, it ______ normal.” （脈搏正常）
A. is felt
B. is feeling
C. feels
D. felt
解題思路：normal為形容詞,前面應為系動詞；系動詞沒有被動語態,故A不對； look, feel, sound, taste, smell, seem等半系動詞一般不用進行時,B也不對；D時態錯了,故正確答案為C.
2）there be是英語中非常重要的一個句型： there是引導詞,不解釋 "那里"； 這是個倒裝句, 主語在be動詞的后面, be動詞的單復數由后面的主語決定。
注意中國學生容易搞錯的問題：
There isn't enough furniture in the room.（房間里家具不夠）
錯：There hasn't enough furniture in the room.
There is no doubt that smallpox has been wiped out in China.（毫無疑問,中國已消滅天花。）
錯：It is no doubt that smallpox has been wiped out in China.
There is ample evidence that AIDS is spreading quickly in Asia. （充分證據表明,愛滋病正在亞洲迅速蔓延。—— 同位語從句）
錯：It is evidence that AIDS is spreading quickly in Asia. （可以： It is evident that AIDS is spreading quickly in Asia. - 主語從句）
