If we lived nearer school, we wouldn’t have to go on the bus.

[diamondcutter]

If we lived nearer school, we wouldn’t have to go on the bus.
(ENLISH IN MIND 2, Cambridge University Press)

I don’t understand the usage of ‘nearer’ here. Is it a preposition or an adjective or adverb? If it’s a preposition, how can it be in a comparative degree form? If it’s an adjective / adverb, how can it be followed by 'school'?

THANKS

 

[kilroy65]

This is an example from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary: "Go and sit nearer (to) the fire."

In this particular usage, "near" is classified as a preposition. However, the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines it as an adverb or preposition.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I see "nearer" as an adverb and there is an implied preposition (to) after it.