predicate adjective / predicate nominative

The complement after a linking verb.

After a linking verb, an adjective is a predicate adjective: The hall is cold. A noun is a predicate nominative: Dana is the clerk. Use the adjective form after the linking verb, not an adverb, when you describe the subject.

Examples

Use The coffee tastes bitter.

Use Ruiz is the director.

Avoid The coffee tastes bitterly.