Errore numero Sedici – ancora sulle concordanze – Vicino

The word “vicino” also needs to agree in gender and number, but only in some circumstances. For instance:

How far is the station?
Quanto dista la stazione?

This question could have two different answers:

• È vicina
  

In this sentence the word VICINA agrees in gender and number with the feminine word Stazione. In this type of answer vicina therefore directly relates to the noun stazione (it is an adjective that qualifies the word Stazione)

• È vicino
  

In this reply no agreement is necessary as the word Vicino refers to the overall concept of Vicinity/Being nearby and is not intended to qualify the word Stazione (vicino in this case is used as an adverb, not an adjective)