Common Errors in English: Near or Nearly

Nearly is an adverb, which means almost; near is a flexible little word which can be an adjective, verb, adverb or preposition.

I have nearly finished this essay. (adverb)

Is the park near the school? (adverb)

As we neared the restaurant, we could hear the loud music and voices. (verb)

We have a house on the near side of the lake. (adjective)