Functional shift is change in one word class (or part of speech) into another without change in its form. This post contains two exercises, with answers, on functional shift.
Exercise 1
For each word, write sentences to show functional shift mentioned in [square brackets]. Here is a sample question answered for you:
Q. Google [noun-verb shift]
A. The tech-savvy student found the information using Google. [Noun]
My diligent colleague will google the information for tomorrow’s meeting. [Verb]
1. Email [noun-verb shift]
2. Host [noun-verb shift]
3. Gold [noun-adjective shift]
4. Fun [noun-adjective shift]
5. Clean [adjective-verb shift]
6. Empty [adjective-verb shift]
7. Late [adjective-adverb shift]
8. Hard [adjective-adverb shift]
9. Stone [noun-verb shift]
10. Fast [noun-verb-adjective-adverb]
1. The busy manager received an important email from her boss. [Noun]
The marketing team will email you the project details later today. [Verb]
2. The gracious host of the annual charity event was very welcoming. [Noun]
The well-known actor will host the awards ceremony next week. [Verb]
3. The vintage ring is made of pure gold. [Noun]
She has a beautiful gold watch that she wears every day. [Adjective]
4. The kids had a lot of fun at the amusement park on Saturday. [Noun]
It was a fun day full of laughter and games. [Adjective]
5. The kitchen is clean after the meticulous chef finished cooking. [Adjective]
We need to clean the kitchen before our guests arrive. [Verb]
6. The spacious room is empty, waiting for new furniture. [Adjective]
Please empty the trash can when you leave the office. [Verb]
7. Despite late arrival, they managed to finish the project ahead of the deadline. [Adjective]
She completed the presentation late in the evening. [Adverb]
8. The exam was hard, challenging even the best students. [Adjective]
She worked hard all night to finish the project before the deadline. [Adverb]
9. She picked up a smooth stone from the riverbed. [Noun]
They decided to stone the walls of the garden for a rustic look. [Verb]
10. The religious fast lasted for a whole day. [Noun]
Many people fast during the holy month of Ramadan. [Verb]
He is a fast runner and often wins races. [Adjective]
The car drove fast down the highway. [Adverb]
Exercise 2
Can you identify the shift in each set of sentences? Here is a sample question answered for you:
Q. We had an early breakfast at the quaint little café.
The eager travelers arrived early to catch the first flight.
A. Adjective-adverb shift
1. He fought for his right to free speech.
The sailor worked to right the capsized boat.
She made the right decision by accepting the job offer.
He arrived right on time for the meeting.
2. After a long day at work, the exhausted worker went to his cozy home.
After the meeting, she went home to rest.
3. The bright light from the chandelier was very bright.
The hiker packed light for the weekend trip to the mountains.
4. The table has a round top, perfect for the dining room.
She looked round for her missing keys.
The first round of the competition was the easiest.
They will round the final turn and head for the finish line.
1. Noun-verb-adjective-adverb shift
2. Noun-adverb shift
3. Noun-adverb shift
4. Adjective-adverb-noun-verb shift
