I hope you will always remain so happy

[Anne Frank]

Hi there!
We all know that a linking verb should connect a subject and its complement.
But the example was in the Practical English Usage by swan:
I hope you will always remain so happy
The question is what does the linking verb remain connect, if the subject of the sentence is actually I, not you?

 

[lingobingo]

The subject of the verb remain is you. I is the subject of the verb hope.

The sentence is based on the usual linking verb + adjective combination: “someone is/feels/looks happy”. So we immediately know, from its form and wording, that the person being spoken to is currently very happy.

I hope you will always remain so happy.​

= I hope you will always remain as happy as you obviously are right now.​

 

[Loob]

The question is what does the linking verb remain connect, if the subject of the sentence is actually I, not you?

The subject of the linking verb "remain" is "you".
....
Slowly cross-posted

 

[The Newt]

The subject of the verb remain is you. I is the subject of the verb hope.

[...]

Agreed; there are two separate clauses and an implied "that" connecting them.

 

[Anne Frank]

Agreed; there are two separate clauses and an implied "that" connecting them.

I hope should be considered as a separate clause?

 

[The Newt]

I hope should be considered as a separate clause?

I think we'd regard it as a clause, yes. The two parts of the sentence are "I hope [X]" and "You will always remain so happy." The implied relative connector "that" links them.

 

[lingobingo]

I hope (main clause)
[that] you will always remain so happy (complement in the form of a that-clause or content clause)