Advanced Grammar (C1–C2 · 25 lessons)
Advanced grammar covers subtle meaning, formal register and near-native accuracy. Open any lesson below for the explanation, examples and practice points.
Advanced Inversion in Conditionals
Formal, literary condition forms.
Mandative Subjunctive in Formal Writing
Formal demands and recommendations.
Complex Sentences and Subordination
Layer clauses for sophisticated writing.
Absolute Constructions
Noun + participle phrases.
Concord Exceptions
Notional agreement and proximity.
Pseudo-Cleft and Wh-Cleft
Highlight information.
Pragmatics: Hedging and Politeness
Soften statements.
Register: Formal vs Informal Grammar
Adapt grammar to context.
Grammar of Academic Writing
Impersonal passives and nominal style.
Stative Verbs in Continuous Forms
Special uses of stative verbs.
Ambiguity and Misplaced Modifiers
Place modifiers next to what they describe.
Dangling Participles
Participle must match the subject.
Split Infinitives and Prescriptive Rules
Know the controversy around style rules.
Whom and Formal Pronoun Case
Object relative/interrogative pronoun.
Elliptical Comparatives
Omit repeated parts in comparisons.
Inversion after So, Neither, Nor
Auxiliary comes before subject.
Verbless Clauses
Reduced clauses in formal style.
Fronted Adverbials for Style
Move adverbials to the front for rhythm.
Conversion and Word Formation
Words shift part of speech.
Collocation and Colligation
Words partner with specific grammar.
Phrasal-Prepositional Verbs
Verb + particle + preposition.
Idiomatic Tenses: Historic Present
Present tense for vivid storytelling.
Delexical Verbs
Verbs with little meaning: have, take, make.
Prosody and Sentence Stress in Grammar
Stress signals meaning.
Cohesion and Reference
Pronouns and linkers connect text.
Other levels for Grammar: Beginner · Elementary · Intermediate · Upper-Intermediate