Analysing a sentence taken from a lesson [closed]
Children and adults alike are fond of folktales. What is the part of speech of 'alike' ? What does it modify?
Solution 1:
[Children] [and adults alike] are fond of folktales.
"Alike" is an adverb here in a set comparison construction, where it functions as an adjunct (modifier) in the structure of the second coordinate, as bracketed.
The modifier serves to reinforce the relation expressed by the coordinator.