323. Adjectives and Adverbs That are the Same

Some words can be both an adjective and an adverb. Look at these two sentences with the words late.
Last night, we went to the late show. This sentence uses the word late as an adjective modifying show.
We arrived late at the party. This sentence uses the word late as an adverb modifying the verb arrived.

Here are more words that get used as both an adjective and an adverb: early, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, inside, outside, fast, hard, left, right, straight

We turn from the left lane. Left is an adjective modifying the noun lane.
We turn left at the next corner. Left is an adverb modifying the verb turn.

We rode a fast train into the city. Fast is an adjective modifying the noun train.
I have to run fast to win the race. Fast is an adverb modifying the verb run.

Betty enjoys an inside activity on a rainy day. Inside is an adjective modifying the noun activity.
I went inside when it started to rain. Inside is an adverb modifying the verb went.

Certain words can be both adjectives and adverbs. The word is an adjective when it modifies a noun. The same word is an adverb when it modifies a verb.

  • It’s your turn. Find the word in this sentence that is a modifier. Then decide if it is acting as an adjective or an adverb. Jeff drew a straight line with his ruler. Did you find the word? Did you decide that it’s an adjective modifying a noun? Good for you!