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Functional shift is a process in which a word shifts from one grammatical function to another. For example,
1. a noun can be used as a verb: to access a computer file
2. a verb as a noun: having a laugh
3. a noun as an adjective: a prestige apartment complex
4. an interjection as a verb: Audiences were wowed by his new musical.
5. an adverb as a noun: the ins and outs, or as a verb: upping the limit.
Functional shift is sometimes controversial, but it has been a well-established phenomenon in English since the 16th century. Shakespeare used it enthusiastically: "Be he ne'er so vile, this day shall gentle his condition" (Henry V).
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