Adjectives ordinarily precede the nouns they modify (tall building). But they can also function as subject complements or object complements, following the nouns they modify.

Subject complements

A subject complement follows a linking verb and completes the meaning of the subject. (See B2-b.) When an adjective functions as a subject complement, it describes the subject.

Problems can arise with verbs such as smell, taste, look, and feel, which sometimes, but not always, function as linking verbs. If the word following one of these verbs describes the subject, use an adjective; if the word following the verb modifies the verb, use an adverb.

The adjective cautious describes the detective; the adverb cautiously modifies the verb looked.

Linking verbs suggest states of being, not actions. Notice, for example, the different meanings of looked in the preceding examples. To look cautious suggests the state of being cautious; to look cautiously is to perform an action in a cautious way.

The verb smell suggests a state of being, not an action. Therefore, it should be followed by an adjective, not an adverb.

The verb looked is a linking verb suggesting a state of being, not an action. The adjective good is appropriate following the linking verb to describe drawings. (See also G4-c.)

Object complements

An object complement follows a direct object and completes its meaning. (See B2-b.) When an adjective functions as an object complement, it describes the direct object.

Object complements occur with verbs such as call, consider, create, find, keep, and make. When a modifier follows the direct object of one of these verbs, use an adjective to describe the direct object; use an adverb to modify the verb.

The first sentence means that the referee considered the plays to be perfect; the second means that the referee did an excellent job of calling the plays.