What words are both adjective and noun and verb?

Answer 1

Some words that function as a noun, a verb, and an adjective are:

• core
  • noun: The core of the problem is a lack of discipline.
  • verb: First, core the apples then slice them to about a quarter inch.
  • adjective: A core group of employees put the project together.
• major
  • noun: A lieutenant or a major can authorize that purchase.
  • verb: I plan to major in mathematics.
  • adjective: A major problem is obtaining the funds.
• short
  • noun: We found a short in the ignition system.
  • verb: You must take care not to short the customers.
  • adjective: He has published a book of short plays.
• yellow
  • noun: Yellow is one of my favorite colors.
  • verb: This material will yellow from laundry products.
  • adjective: She grows beautiful yellow tulips.

The most common words that function as a verb, a noun, and an adjective is the present participle of a verb, which is also a gerund (verbal noun) and an adjective. Examples:

• Dancing is my favorite activity. We go dancing on Saturday nights. I have many pairs of dancing shoes.
• Gourmet cooking is mom's hobby. She is cooking a fancy dinner. She once took professional cooking lessons.