In some dictionary, there is an example:
[color=red]The harvest season nears.
How to explain the use of “nears”?
As far as I know, “near” can’t be used as Verb.
Then?
Clara
gets nearer
approaches
is coming
is upon us
is due
Other examples:
Now that the wedding nears , Odilo is altogether gentler. He has stopped having tantrums. No longer is his chimpanzee required to do the housework naked, and on all fours.
Time’s arrow. Amis, Martin. London: Jonathan Cape, 1991,
and a convoy of small British craft nears the occupied French port of St Nazaire. Jack Russell’s painting depicts the moment German searchlights alerted the shore batteries just too late to stop HMS Cambletown, packed with high explosive,
Central News
The hair, though white now, is still swept back, and, as he nears 83, the bottom lip protrudes as crossly and the eyes bulge as they have always done. I gave him his four sugars.
[Daily Telegraph, elect. edn. of 19920408]. Arts material
Molly,
Thanks for your reply.
I know it means “is coming” in the sentence. Indeed, it is the same with those examples given by you.
I, just, don’t understand its function in the sentence. Seems it works as a predicate, but it is not a Verb, you know.
Clara
Hi Clara,
Yes, it is an intransitive verb.
Alan
Alan,
Thanks. Ah, I see now. Hehe
It really can be Verb. Just not that common.
So I just have impression of “adj.”“adv.”“prep.”
Clara