English grammar lessons
Grammar
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English grammar exercises with answers
Practise English grammar with clear examples, exercises with answers and short speaking tasks. Choose A1–A2, B1–B2 or C1–C2 lessons for independent study or work with a tutor. Each lesson includes an understanding check with answer explanations. If you are starting out, follow the foundation lessons in order.
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A1–A2 foundations
B1–B2 independent English
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A1–A2 foundations
148 lessonsBuild reliable sentences for everyday communication.
The Verb Be 1: Am, Is and AreThe bags are green.
The Verb Be 2: Questions and Short AnswersAre you ready?
Basic Sentence StructureMaya reads a book.
Subject and Object Pronouns: I or Me?I help Ben.
Anna and I; Anna and MeAnna and I cook on Fridays.
This Is Anna; It’s MeHello, this is Priya.
Two Actions, One Person: Work and StudyShe can sing and dance.
This, That, These and ThoseThis is my book.
There Is and There AreThere’s a lamp on the desk.
There Is and There Are 2: Before, Now and NextThere was a café here.
Have Got and Has GotI’ve got a blue bag.
Have 2: Possessions, Meals and Everyday ActivitiesI have a bicycle.
Like, Love and Hate + -ingI like reading.
Go Swimming, Go Shopping: Go + -ingLet’s go shopping.
Something to Eat, Somewhere to SitI’d like something to eat.
Ready to Leave, Happy to HelpI’m happy to help.
I Am, You Are, He IsI am a student.
Have and Have GotI have a bicycle.
There Is / There AreThere is a desk.
This, That, These, ThoseThis book is in my hand.
Nice to Meet YouAre you new here?
Meet My FamilyThis is my sister.
Find the ApartmentThere is a desk in A.
Whose Things Are These?Whose pen is this?
Singular and Plural Nouns: A Bag or Two Bags?It’s a bag.
A Dog…The Dog: Articles in Mini-StoriesThere’s a dog outside.
Articles: A, An, The or No Article?I found a book about birds.
Some and Any: Checking What We HaveWe’ve got some apples.
Countable and Uncountable NounsWe have a few eggs and a little milk.
A Cup of Tea, Two Bottles of WaterI’d like a cup of tea.
These Jeans Are…A Pair of Jeans Is…These jeans are new.
One and Ones: Choosing Without RepeatingI like the blue one.
Possessive ’s: Anna’s Bag and My Parents’ CarThis is Anna’s bag.
My or Mine?This is my bag.
First, Second, Last and NextOur first guest is here.
One More, Two More, No MorePlease bring two more cups.
About Ten, At Least Five, Up to TwentyChoose up to three colours.
More, Less and FewerThis recipe needs less oil.
Some and AnyWe have some apples.
At the CaféHave you got any sandwiches?
Much, Many, a Lot, Few, LittleWe have a few eggs.
What’s in the Kitchen?There are a few eggs.
All Tenses: A1–A2I usually walk, but today I’m taking the bus.
Present Simple TenseOn Mondays, Maya works at home.
Present ContinuousLeo is reading.
Present Simple vs Present ContinuousMaya works in a hospital.
The Verb Be 3: Was and WereI was at home yesterday.
Past SimpleSam called a taxi.
Irregular Verbs ListYesterday, I went to the park.
Past Simple 2: Conversations About YesterdayWhat did you do yesterday?
Past Continuous Basics: At Eight O’Clock Last NightAt eight, I was cooking.
Past simple vs past continuousOmar dropped his ticket.
Present Perfect Basics 1: Ever and NeverShe’s visited London.
Present Perfect Basics 2: Just, Already and YetI’ve just sent the message.
Be Going To: Plans and IntentionsI’m going to study tonight.
Will and Won’t: Decisions, Offers and PromisesI’ll answer the phone.
Present Continuous 2: Making ArrangementsI’m meeting Eva tomorrow.
Might and Might Not: Plans That Are Not CertainI might go out tonight.
Still and Not…Any More: What Has Changed?I still work here.
Ago, In and LaterWe’ll meet at six and eat an hour later.
Present Simple: I Work, You LiveI live near the station.
Present Simple: He Works, She GoesI work at home.
Present Continuous: Happening NowI’m reading a message.
A Normal MorningI get up at seven.
What Does She Do Every Day?She repairs bicycles.
What’s Happening in the Picture?Jo is reading.
Past Simple: Regular VerbsI walked home yesterday.
Past Simple: Irregular VerbsI went to the market.
Past Continuous: At a Past MomentI was cooking at eight.
Present Simple or Present Continuous?I usually work at home.
Going To: PlansI’m going to visit my aunt.
Will: Decisions and PredictionsI’ll answer the phone.
A Small MistakeJo planned a surprise lunch.
What Happened Last Night?I took the bus.
At Eight O’Clock YesterdayMara was cooking at eight.
Usually… but Today…Maya usually takes the train.
A Weekend AwayWe’re going to stay near the lake.
What Do You Think Will Happen?I think many people will come.
What Time? What Colour? What Size?What time is the lesson?
What or Which? Asking About a ChoiceWhat food do you like?
How Much Is It? How Much Are They?How much is this notebook?
How Old, How Tall, How Long, How Far?How long is the table?
Short Answers Workshop: Am, Do or Can?Are you ready? Yes, I am.
Questions and NegativesDoes Maya work at home?
How Long Does It Take?It takes twenty minutes to walk there.
What’s It Like, What Does It Look Like, How Is It?What does the studio look like?
Me Too; Not Me; What About You?“I’m new here.” “Me too.”
Do You…? / I Don’t…Do you live here?
Twenty QuestionsDo you live near here?
Was/Were or Did?Were you tired?
The Weekend InterviewWhere were you on Saturday?
A Red Bag or The Bag Is Red?It’s a red bag.
With and Without: Simple Descriptions and ChoicesI’d like tea with milk.
I Really Like It; I Like It Very MuchI really like the bread.
I Think It’s Good: A Simple OpinionI think the park is nice.
It Looks Good and Sounds InterestingThe room looks bright.
What a Surprise! How Beautiful!What beautiful flowers!
Adjectives and Adverbs: Careful or Carefully?She’s a careful driver.
-ed and -ing Adjectives: Interested or Interesting?I’m interested in the story.
Adverbs of IntensityThe room is fairly cold.
Adjective order: everyday descriptionsa useful blue notebook
Adverb position: habits and frequencyI usually walk to class.
Get, Become and StayThe path is getting dark.
The Same As, Different From, Similar ToThis lamp is similar to that one.
Good at, Interested in, Afraid ofI’m interested in photography.
Comparatives and SuperlativesThe train is more expensive than the bus, but it is faster.
A Five-Minute Walk: Numbers Before NounsIt’s a five-minute walk.
Made of and Used for: Describe an Everyday ObjectThe table is made of wood.
It’s Monday; It’s Cold: Time and WeatherIt’s cloudy this morning.
Comparatives: Choosing Between TwoThis bag is cheaper than that one.
Superlatives: Top of the GroupThis is the smallest room.
Which City Is Better?Norvale is quieter than Bellford.
Top of the ListC is the largest room.
Imperatives: Instructions with Do and Don’tOpen your book.
You Turn Left, Then You: Live InstructionsYou press the green button.
No Parking; Staff OnlyNo bags on seats.
Can and Can’t: Talking About AbilitiesShe can cook.
Could and Couldn’t: Things I Could Do BeforeMy grandmother could speak three languages.
Able To or Allowed To?I’m able to repair the bike.
Would Like 1: Simple Requests and OffersI’d like a sandwich, please.
Would Like 2: Want, Need and Would Like + ToI’d like to book a room.
Do You Like It or Would You Like It?Do you like tea?
Can and Could 2: Permission and Polite RequestsCan I sit here?
Should and Shouldn’t: Everyday AdviceYou should practise a little every day.
Must, have to & don’t have to“You mustn’t touch the equipment before the demonstration.”
Let’s and Let’s Not: Making a Simple PlanLet’s walk to the park.
Shall We? How About…? Making SuggestionsShall we sit outside?
Can / Can’tI can swim.
The AuditionI can sing.
Prepositions of Time: At, On and InI study at night.
Before Lunch, After Work, From Nine to FiveI water the plants after work.
Prepositions of PlaceThe clock is above the door.
Here, There, Home and AwayYour parcel is there on the table.
To and From: Simple JourneysI walk to the station.
By Bus, On Foot, In My CarWe travel by train on Saturdays.
Come, Go, Bring and TakeI’ll take the parcel to the post office.
For You or For Work?This key is for you.
Listen To, Look At, Wait ForI listen to music.
Spend, Cost and TakeI spend twenty minutes reading.
And, But, Or and BecauseI like tea and coffee.
Also and Too: Adding One More IdeaI also play the guitar.
Too, As Well and Either: Adding Positive and Negative InformationI enjoyed the film too.
First, Then, After That, Finally: Tell a Short StoryFirst, I checked the address.
Before and After: Connecting Past EventsI ordered tea after the café opened.
Infinitives of Purpose: Why Are You Doing It?I go to the library to study.
Zero Conditional: Rules and Regular ResultsIf the bus is full, I walk.
First Conditional: Real Future PossibilitiesIf it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay inside.
Everyone Except: Simple ExceptionsI like all these colours except the grey one.
B1–B2 independent English
172 lessonsDevelop flexible grammar for narration, experience and more natural communication.
All Tenses: B1–B2We’ve made a start. By Friday, we’ll have finished.
Present Perfect: From Past to NowI’ve finished the first chapter.
Present perfect vs past simpleI’ve been to Edinburgh.
The First Time and The Best I’ve Ever…It’s the best cake I’ve ever tasted.
Present perfect simple vs continuousNadia has written six invitations.
Present perfect simple & continuous: for and sinceI’ve had this laptop for three years.
For and Since 2: Progress and ChangeWe’ve been preparing the exhibition.
Still, Yet and Already: Beyond the Present PerfectThe printer is still working.
Past Perfect: The Earlier PastJo had already left when I arrived.
Past Perfect Continuous: The Activity Behind a Past ResultHer shoes were muddy: she had been gardening.
Four Past Tenses: Build a Clear StoryThe train had left.
State Verbs: Meaning and ExceptionsI think the plan is useful.
Used to, be used to & get used toI am used to taking the underground.
Past Habits 2: Used To, Would and Past SimpleOur aunt would make pancakes on Sundays.
There Is and There Are 3: There Has Been a ChangeThere has been some progress.
Present Perfect or Past Simple?I’ve visited a studio twice.
For, Since and How Long?I’ve lived here for five years.
I’ve Been Doing…I’ve been practising for an hour.
Used To: Before, Not NowI used to cycle to school.
Have You Ever…?Have you ever performed on stage?
How Long Have You…?How long have you lived here?
A Very Long DayI’ve been moving boxes all morning.
Life Was Different ThenI used to share a room.
Present Perfect Simple or Continuous?I’ve written four invitations.
Past Perfect or Past Simple?The talk had started when Jo arrived.
I’ve Done It / I’ve Been Doing ItI’ve repaired two chairs.
The Mystery TimelineThe case was empty when Rosa checked it.
Future FormsI’m going to visit Jo.
Future Forms 2: Due To, About To and Likely ToThe film is about to begin.
Future Continuous 2: Asking About Expected PlansWill you be bringing a tripod?
Future perfect vs future continuousAt three, we will be hanging the photographs.
Future Perfect Continuous: Looking Back from a Future PointBy Friday, I’ll have been writing reports for a week.
Future Time Clauses: When, Until and As Soon AsCheck your bag before you leave.
Future Time Clauses 2: Once You’ve Finished…Once you’ve checked the list, send it to me.
Future Continuous and Future PerfectAt ten, we’ll be painting.
This Time Next Year…At ten, we’ll be welcoming visitors.
Past ability and achievementI was able to repair the wheel.
Obligation 2: Past Rules and PermissionsI didn’t have to stay, but I stayed to help.
Had better vs shouldYou should try the café.
Be supposed toVisitors are supposed to leave bags at reception.
Modal Verbs of DeductionIt might have rained.
Modal Perfects: Should Have, Could Have and Needn’t HaveYou needn’t have bought a new cable.
Can, May and Might: General or Particular Possibility?Reflections can obscure a window display.
Would rather and would preferI’d rather bring the tickets tomorrow.
Would Rather 2: Preferences About the PastI’d rather have stayed at home.
It’s Time and It’s High Time: Saying Something Should HappenIt’s high time we fixed this door.
Must, Have To and Don’t Have ToYou must wear safety glasses.
The Rules of the HouseYou have to lock the door.
Must Have, Might Have, Can’t HaveThey must have left.
Should Have / Shouldn’t HaveI should have checked the address.
What Happened Here?Someone must have spilled water.
Bad DecisionsI should have checked the date.
First vs second conditionalIf the weather is dry, I’ll visit my cousin.
Second Conditional: Choices and AdviceIf the room were larger, we could invite more people.
Third Conditional: Regrets and Alternative PastsIf I had left earlier, I would have seen it.
Conditions Beyond If: Unless, As Long As and Provided ThatWe can use the room provided that we leave it tidy.
If You Should Need; If We Were ToIf we were to lose the file, the backup would be essential.
Wish & if onlyI wish I had attended the final session.
Hope to, Hope That and Wish I CouldWe hope the weather will improve.
In Case or If? Preparing for a Possible ProblemTake an umbrella in case it rains.
If I Go…: Real Future ConditionsIf it rains, we’ll stay inside.
If I Went…: Imaginary SituationsIf I had a car, I’d visit more often.
What Will You Do If…?If the entrance is closed, use the side door.
What Would You Do?If I had a free room, I’d make a studio.
If I Had Known…: Third ConditionalIf I had seen the message, I would have joined.
Wish and If OnlyI wish the room were quieter.
One Different DecisionIf Nico had checked, he would have known the departure time.
Things I Wish Were DifferentI wish the room were quieter.
Someone, Anyone, No One or Everyone?Someone has left a bag by the door.
Someone Else, Who Else and Someone Else’sThis is someone else’s coat.
Myself, By Myself or Each Other?I built this desk myself.
My Own, Your Own, On My OwnI assembled the shelf on my own.
A Friend of Mine or A Photo of Me?This is a photo of me.
Both, either and neitherBoth rooms are available.
All and wholeWe packed all the boxes.
Each and everyI checked each plant.
No, not and noneThere are no tickets left.
Most People or Most of the People?Some of my books are still in boxes.
Another, Other, Others and the OtherCould I have another pen?
Articles 2: Places, Institutions and Geographical NamesI’m waiting outside the school.
A Coffee Cup or A Cup of Coffee?This coffee cup is empty.
Possessives: Shared Ownership and Time ExpressionsAnna and Ben’s flat is small.
Any Seat, or Not Just Any Seat?Take any seat in this row.
Fractions, Percentages and ProportionsHalf of the water is left.
Adjective order: detailed descriptionsA red Italian leather bag.
Compound Adjectives: Well Written, Time Saving, Easy to UseAn easy-to-use camera.
Adverb position: how, where and whenWe practised quietly in the kitchen last night.
Hard or Hardly? Late or Lately?She works hard.
Almost and Nearly: Close, but Not CompleteThe bottle is almost empty.
So and Such: Describing Strong ReactionsIt was such an excellent meal.
Too and Enough: Say What Needs to ChangeThis bag is too heavy for me to carry.
Comparisons 2: Changing Situations and Measured DifferencesThis shelf is twice as long as that one.
Looks Like, Sounds Like and Seems: Describing ImpressionsThe room looks like a library.
As If and As Though: Impressions and RealityIt looks as if the shop is closed.
Gerunds and InfinitivesTry restarting the laptop.
Gerunds and Infinitives 2: Mean, Go On and NeedThe windows need cleaning.
Reading Helps: Activities as SubjectsSorting the returned books takes ten minutes.
Verb + Object: Ask Me To, Let Me, Make MeHe helped me move the table.
Give Me the Key: Verbs with Two ObjectsShe gave me the key.
Give and Receive; Lend and BorrowRosa lent her charger to me.
What to Do, Where to Go and How to StartCan you show me how to use this machine?
Before, After and Without + -ingWash your hands before cooking.
By + -ing: Explain How You Do ItI organise my day by making a list.
Stop Someone From Doing SomethingThe locked door prevented me from entering.
See Someone Do or Doing? Verbs of PerceptionI saw her painting the door.
Important for Me, Kind of You: For and Of with InfinitivesIt was kind of you to help.
Without Anyone Noticing: A Different Subject Before -ingI left without anyone noticing.
Worth Doing and No Point in DoingThis short article is worth reading.
Busy Doing; Having Trouble DoingI’m busy organising the chairs.
Keep -ing and End Up -ingWe ended up eating in the garden.
Expect, Wait for and HopeWe’re waiting for our cousin outside the station.
Chance To or Chance Of?Beginners have a chance to try printing.
Common Phrasal VerbsPlease fill it in.
Phrasal Verbs 2: When the Meaning Changes the PatternThe plane took off at nine.
Prepositions: Time and DeadlinesSend it by five.
Prepositions: Place and MovementGo through the gate into the park.
Dependent and Complex PrepositionsI’m responsible for the booking.
During, While or For?I took notes during the meeting.
Who Are You Waiting For?Who are you waiting for?
Verb + -ing or To?I enjoy cooking.
Things I Love DoingI enjoy taking photographs.
Stop, Remember, Try, Regret: -ing or To?I remember locking it. Remember to lock it tonight.
One Verb, Two MeaningsMara remembered to lock the studio.
Relative ClausesThe book that won is excellent.
Relative Clauses 2: Whole-Sentence Which and PrepositionsThe café had closed, which changed our plans.
Reduced Relative Clauses: The People Waiting OutsideThe woman carrying the blue bag is our tutor.
The Passive VoiceThe hall is being repaired.
The Door Is Closed, or Is Being Closed?The door is being closed now.
Get-Passives: She Got PromotedMy bag got damaged on the journey.
Passive Voice 2: Reporting Now and Looking BackThe building is believed to be empty.
Have and Get Something Done: Arranging ServicesI had the picture framed.
Reported SpeechLea said she was working at home.
Reported Speech 2: Reporting VerbsShe warned Ben not to touch the wet paint.
It Is Made… / It Was Built…The chairs are repaired by hand.
Who, Which, That: and NothingThe woman who called is our tutor.
How Is It Made?The paper is cut into sheets.
The Person I Told You AboutThe woman who organises the walks is Jo.
Reporting Verbs: Patterns and MeaningShe advised me to check it.
Defining or Non-defining?The guide who speaks Italian will help us.
What Exactly Did They Say?Tara offered to bring the chairs.
People With Interesting LivesRosa, who repairs instruments, is our guest speaker.
Subject and Object Questions: Who Called You?Who is Ben helping?
Indirect QuestionsDo you know if the shop is open?
Indirect Questions 2I understand why the deadline has changed.
Question Tags 1: Checking InformationYou are ready, aren’t you?
Question Tags 2: Exceptions, Expectations and ToneLet’s take a break, shall we?
Negative Questions: Don’t You Want to Come?Don’t you want to come?
Do You Mind? Would You Mind?Would you mind moving your bag?
Do You? Did She? Keeping a Conversation GoingI collect old maps. Do you?
So do I and neither do I“I enjoy walking.” “So do I.”
Emphatic Do: I Do UnderstandI did enjoy the talk, but it was too long.
Ellipsis and Substitution 1: I Hope So; I’d Love ToWould you like to join us? I’d love to.
It or There? Choosing the Right SubjectThere’s a desk. It’s new.
People, They and You: Talking GenerallyAt this club, people usually bring a notebook.
Glad That, Sorry That, Sure ThatI’m glad that you found your bag.
Say, Tell, Speak and TalkI talked to my friend about the tickets.
According To or In My Opinion?According to the leaflet, the tour lasts an hour.
Reasons and Results: Because, Because Of and SoThe printer stopped because it ran out of paper.
So That + Can or Could: Helping Someone Do SomethingI moved my chair so that Ana could sit down.
Although, despite & in spite ofEven if it rains later, I will go.
Even If or Even Though? Conditions and FactsWe went out even though it was raining.
Whenever and Every Time: Repeated SituationsWhenever it rains, I take a coat.
Such As, Like and IncludingBring stationery such as pens and paper.
This, That, It and Such: Referring to an Earlier IdeaThe printer needs more paper.
The Former, the Latter and RespectivelyThe terrace and lounge: the former is outdoors.
While and Whereas: Balancing Two FactsThe front room is brighter, whereas the back room is quieter.
As and Since: Time or Reason?As I opened the folder, a note fell out.
Otherwise and Or ElseKeep the key; otherwise, you’ll need to call someone.
If Necessary, When Ready, Where PossibleIf in doubt, ask before moving the picture.
Except That, Except When, Except ForThe kitchen was tidy except for a pile of leaflets.
To Be Fair, To Be Honest, To Put It SimplyTo be fair, the map makes the route clearer.
Rather Than, Instead of and InsteadRather than delete the originals, I saved edited copies.
C1–C2 advanced development
146 lessons + testDevelop precision, formal range and confident control of dense academic and professional grammar.
Adverb position: emphasis and meaningMaya borrowed only my camera.
Cleft Sentences 1: Put the Focus Where It BelongsWhat we need is a quiet room.
Cleft Sentences 2: Focus, Assumptions and CorrectionIt was Noor who sent this notice.
Fronting 1: This Part, I UnderstandThe timetable, I understand.
Fronting 2: Spoken Headers and TailsIt’s a lovely room, this one.
Inversion in English GrammarOnly after we interviewed the users did we understand the problem.
Inversion 2: Place, Movement and PresentationBeyond the gate stood a small cabin.
Inversion 3: As Do Many OthersThe first edition contains more examples than does the revised one.
Frankly, Financially, Wisely: What Does the Adverb Comment On?Visually, the room is impressive.
End-Weight: Where Should the Long Part Go?The editor with the blue folder received the chapter.
There Remains a ProblemThere exist two handwritten versions.
There’s the Question of Cost: Known Information with ThereWe need a quiet venue. There’s the library, of course.
Fronting for EmphasisThe missing label I noticed; the changed date I missed.
Cleft and Pseudo-cleft SentencesIt was Lee who moved the appointment.
What I Didn’t Expect Was…What I didn’t expect was the change of venue.
The Thing That Matters Is…What I’m questioning is the timing, not the topic.
Advanced Noun ClausesI know that she chose the blue folder.
Preparatory It: I Find It Difficult to…I find it useful to keep a checklist.
I Take It That; See To It ThatI’ll see to it that everyone receives a script.
Relative Clauses 3: Some of Whom, Several of WhichI invited four tutors, one of whom has replied.
The Only Person to HaveThis was the only lamp to survive the move.
Participle ClausesWalking through the lab, I noticed a leak.
Participle Clauses 2: Absolute and Verbless ConstructionsHer notes beside her, Maya began.
Everyday Scenes with With-ClausesShe could not answer the phone with her hands full.
What With: Explaining a Busy DayWhat with the packing and the cleaning, we had a busy evening.
Advanced Adverbial ClausesTake a charger in case you need it.
Concession Beyond Although: However, Whatever and No MatterWhatever method you choose, keep a copy.
Concessive Fronting: Difficult Though It Was; Try As I MightUseful though the scan was, the final line remained missing.
Parallelism and Coordination in Complex SentencesNoor checked the dates, and Maya confirmed the room.
Coordination 2: When And Does Not Mean Two Separate ActionsI’ll try and finish the captions tonight.
Which Proposal Do You Think They Said We Should Revise?Which proposal do you think they said we should revise?
Reduced and Participle ClausesThe people waiting outside are applicants.
The People Waiting Outside…The people waiting outside need badges.
Advanced Relative Words: Whereby, Wherein, Of WhomWe need a procedure whereby applicants can exchange places.
Prepositions in Relative ClausesThe person to whom I sent the draft replied.
The Issue About Which…The issue we argued about remains unresolved.
Explaining Complex RelationshipsThe team uses a process whereby participants exchange sessions.
All My Other Books: Ordering DeterminersMy other two books are in the bag.
The Rich and The Unknown: Adjectives Without a Following NounThe unemployed need clear information.
The People Responsible: Adjectives After NounsPeople responsible for booking should check the list.
Apposition: Rename It Without a Relative ClauseThe studio, a converted garage, opens today.
Advanced Noun Phrases & NominalisationThe committee decided to expand the training programme.
Noun Phrases 2: The Fact That, the Claim That and the Decision ToMaya’s decision to postpone the meeting gave us more time.
Noun Phrases 3: Dense Information Without Ambiguous AttachmentThe notes reviewed yesterday are in the blue folder.
Articles 3: Generalisations, Abstractions and Shared KnowledgeWe checked the lighting in the studio.
Countability 2: Abstract Meanings and Bounded InstancesThe organisers reached an understanding.
A Good Three Hours; Some Fifty PeopleThe final fitting took a good three hours.
So Difficult a Decision; Too Great a RiskIt was so difficult a decision.
Alleged, Former and Would-Be: Qualification Inside a Noun PhraseThe would-be designer brought a portfolio.
A Certain Person, or Just Someone?A certain translator has already agreed, but I’m not naming her yet.
More of a, Something of a, Not Much of aThe booklet is more of a personal diary than a travel guide.
Reading the Report, or the Reading of the Report?Carefully reading the report revealed two missing dates.
Articles With General and Abstract IdeasCreativity matters in this fictional workshop.
Technology, the Internet and SocietyTechnology should serve people.
Complex Noun-Phrase BuildingThe revised timetable for the evening workshops is ready.
Adjective Position and GradabilityThe concerned parents asked for an explanation.
Packing More Meaning Into Less SpaceThe committee has approved the revised timetable.
Absolutely Impossible or Very Difficult?The puzzle is very difficult, but it may have a solution.
All Tenses: C1–C2I was wondering if you could help.
Present Tenses for Storytelling, Summaries and AttitudeIn the story, the caretaker discovers a letter.
Future in the PastThe train was due to leave, but it was delayed.
Gerunds and Infinitives 3: Perfect and Passive FormsShe dislikes being interrupted.
Adjective Complements: Easy to Please or Eager to Please?This handle is difficult to turn.
Object Complements: Keep It Open, Leave It RunningPlease leave the side door open.
Paint It Blue, Talk Yourself Hoarse: Expressing a ResultThey painted the door blue.
Talk Someone Into, or Out Of, Doing SomethingI talked Eva out of cancelling the trip.
Advanced Causative VerbsI had my bicycle repaired by a local mechanic.
Passive Voice 3: The Matter Was Dealt WithThe child was looked after by a neighbour.
This Fabric Washes Well: Active Form, Affected SubjectThis fabric washes well.
Seem, Appear and Happen To: Building a Careful StatementSara happened to be passing when they arrived.
We Believe Her To BeWe believe the sketch to be an early study.
Have a Think; Take a LookHave a quick look at this shelf.
Make Your Way; Work Your WayNella made her way through the busy hall.
Load the Van with Boxes, or Load Boxes into the Van?The crew loaded blankets into the van.
Under Review, On Hold, In UseThe request remains under review.
Reported Speech 3: Layered Reports and Shifting ViewpointsNoor said that Maya had promised to send the file.
Mixed Quotation: Reporting Some Words ExactlyNila described the opening as “unexpectedly quiet”.
Who Agreed to Act? Promise, Persuade and the Unspoken SubjectAna offered to carry the box.
Could Have Been Being: Editing Stacked Verb PhrasesIt is possible that the catalogue was being updated at noon.
The Policy Changed: Reporting Change Without an AgentThe booking limit changed on Monday.
Simple or Continuous: Advanced MeaningsI think the proposal is workable.
The Future Seen From the PastMina was going to call after lunch, and she did.
Be To, Be Due To, Be About ToThe chair is to announce the result.
Would or Used To?We used to know everyone in the street.
It Is Said That / He Is Thought To…It is said that the sketch belongs to a local collection.
Advanced Reporting PatternsShe insisted that the room was ready.
I’m Thinking / I ThinkI think the mechanism is clever.
A Plan That Never HappenedSofia was going to record an interview.
The AnnouncementThe director is to announce the series on Friday.
The Way We WereWe used to live above a repair shop.
Rumour Has ItThe workshop is said to be reopening.
How the Message ChangedLea recommended starting with the quiet scene.
Need and Dare: Ordinary Verb or Modal?She doesn’t dare to complain.
Be To: Plans, Instructions and Necessary ConditionsYou are to wait here until called.
Past Forms for Present Politeness: I Was Hoping…I was wondering if this seat was free.
Will, Would and Should Beyond Future TimeThe printer won’t connect to the laptop.
When Will and Would Belong After IfIf you will take notes, I can lead the discussion.
The English SubjunctiveWe recommend that every visitor wear a badge.
Hedging Language and StanceThe four-day week may have improved perceived productivity.
Mixed ConditionalsIf I’d charged my phone, it would work now.
But for Your Help: Imagining the Missing SupportBut for this map, I would be lost.
Layered Modal Meaning: Possibility, Obligation and NegationShe needn’t have printed the document.
Conditionals Beyond Timelines: Relevance and Implied MeaningIf you need one, there’s a spare notebook.
If, Only If and If and Only IfThe light is on if and only if the switch is up.
Lest and For Fear That: Formal PrecautionsHe wrote it down lest he should forget.
Strange That She Should Say That: Evaluative ShouldI’m surprised that he should know the answer.
May Well, Might Just, Could EasilyThe spare cable may well solve the problem, but we need to test it.
Needn’t Have vs Didn’t Need ToI needn’t have printed a copy; one was provided.
You Didn’t Have To Do ThatYou didn’t have to bring a cake, but thank you.
Were I To / Had I / Should You…Should you need a copy, contact Jo.
Had I Known…Had I known the duration, I might have accepted.
Advanced Subject–Verb AgreementSome of the coins are in the bags.
Comparisons 3: Linked Changes and Precise LimitsThe summary has no more than six pages.
Comparative Expressions: Not So Much X As YThe explanation was all the more valuable after the changes.
As or Like? Role, Resemblance and MannerWe used the crate as a seat.
Not Without, Anything But, Far FromThe puzzle was far from easy, even with the hints.
Negation and Scope: What Is, and Isn’t, Being DeniedI sent it, but not because it was urgent.
Every Reviewer Read a Report: One Report or Several?All three read the same report.
Reflexives 2: Whose Perspective Does Herself Represent?Beth handed over a photograph of Anna.
Realise, Regret and Discover: What Is Taken for Granted?She realised that the file was missing.
Any, Ever and At All: Beyond Negative SentencesIf you notice any damage, tell me.
Read Reports or Read the Report? How Nouns Shape an EventShe read reports all morning.
Echo and Rhetorical Questions: What Response Is Expected?You paid how much?
Only to Discover…: Infinitives of Unexpected ResultHe opened the box, only to find it empty.
I Trust Anna More Than Beth: Complete the Missing ComparisonLeo helps Maya more than he helps Noor.
Together, Separately, Between ThemThe two volunteers lifted the frame together.
Not Cheap, Inexpensive: Correcting WordingIt isn’t cheap in the sense of badly made; it’s inexpensive and sturdy.
Too Important Not To; Not Too Difficult ToThe box isn’t too heavy for Sam to carry, but it’s still heavy.
If Any, If Ever, If AnythingThere were few, if any, timing problems.
Adverb Position Changes MeaningOnly Jo revised the draft; nobody else did.
Frankly, I Only Just Realised…Frankly, I only just realised the date had changed.
Advanced Discourse MarkersFor a start, the room is easy to reach by bus.
Ellipsis and Substitution 2: Fluent Longer ExchangesMaya has checked the figures, and Noor has too.
Ellipsis and Substitution 3: Recovering the Exact MeaningMaya checked the captions, and Lina the figures.
C2 Grammar in Action: Same Meaning, Different RegisterNoor reported Maya’s promise.
I Believe; As It Happens; As Was AgreedAs it happens, I have a spare copy with me.
I Mean; Or Rather: Repairing a Sentence While SpeakingThe guest, sorry, the guests, were ready to begin.
Let Alone, Much Less, Still LessWe haven’t recorded the introduction, let alone the whole episode.
Free Indirect Style: Whose Voice Is This?Why had she trusted that address?
I Apologise; I Promise: When Saying Is DoingI apologise for keeping your book so long.
Leaving Words Out: EllipsisI can stay late. So can I.
So Do I / Neither Have I / I Think SoI work late on Fridays. So do I.
So, Not and Do So as SubstitutesWill they approve it? I hope so.
Advanced EllipsisJo selected tea, and Lee coffee.
I Think So: I Hope NotWill they approve it? I think so.
You Can If You Want ToYou can leave early if you want to.
A simple study routine
1. UnderstandRead the rule and notice what each example means.
2. You saySpeak briefly, reveal a model and check one point.
3. CheckComplete the lesson quiz and read the explanations.
4. RetryReview missed items, then make a fresh example.
Use grammar confidently in a lesson
Practise these structures in conversation, receive precise correction and build a learning plan around your goals.
