Question

Identify whether the underlined word is an adjective or an adverb:
Darren is a very fast runner.
A. Adverb
B. Adjective
C. Adverb and adjective
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: An adverb is a word used to describe the nature of an action(verb).
An adjective is a word used to describe the nature of a person, place, thing or an animal (nouns).

Complete step by step answer:
The given sentence describes that Darren is a runner and he is a fast one. The word ‘runner’ is a noun. Let’s look at the given options –
Option A – The given option describes Darren, who is a runner (noun) to be a fast one. The underlined word describes a noun, which makes it an adjective, not an adverb. Hence this is not the right option.
Option B - The given option describes that Darren, who is a runner (noun) is a fast one. The underlined word describes a noun, which makes it an adjective; hence this is the right option.
Option C – A word can either be an adverb or an adjective, it can never be both in the same sentence or context; hence this is not the right option.
Option D – As we have already concluded that Option B is the right option. This is not a valid option.

Thus, the correct option is (B)

Note:
While trying to look for the right answer, be mindful of gerunds which may make an adverb into an adjective. Being able to judge if the word is a gerund or a noun is important.