Upper-Intermediate Grammar (B2 · 29 lessons)
Upper-Intermediate grammar covers precise grammar and wider vocabulary for work, study and detailed writing. Open any lesson below for the explanation, examples and practice points.
Inversion with Negative Adverbials
Place auxiliary before subject after never, rarely, no sooner.
Cleft Sentences
It is/was ... that, What... is.. to emphasise.
Subjunctive Mood
Use base form after demands and suggestions.
Advanced Modals: Needn't, Dare, Ought To
Less common modal forms.
Future in the Past
was going to / would to describe past plans.
Participle Clauses (Advanced)
Perfect and passive participles join ideas.
Ellipsis
Omit repeated words.
Substitution: So and Not
Replace clauses.
Fronting
Move elements to the front for focus.
Emphatic Structures
Use emphasis for contrast.
Hypothetical Meaning: Suppose, Imagine, What If
Introduce hypothetical situations.
It's Time and It's High Time
Past form for present urgency.
Would Rather with Past Tense
Preferences about other people.
Advanced Conditionals: Were To, Should, Had
Inverted conditional forms.
Nominalisation
Turn verbs into nouns for formal style.
Distancing with Seem and Appear
Hedge claims.
Complex Noun Phrases
Pre- and post-modification of nouns.
Determiners: Another, Other, Others, The Other
Choose the correct form.
Articles: Advanced Uses
Generic reference and special names.
Postmodifiers and Reduced Relative Clauses
Reduce clauses for brevity.
Grammar of Time: By, Until, During, While
Distinguish similar time words.
Gradable and Non-gradable Adjectives
Use very with gradable; absolutely with extreme.
Intensifiers and Downtoners
Adjust strength of meaning.
Adverb Position
Place adverbs for correct emphasis.
Sentence Adverbs
Comment on the whole sentence.
Discourse Markers
Organise speech and writing.
Parallel Structure
Keep lists grammatically balanced.
Modals in the Past: Should Have, Could Have
Regrets and missed chances.
Mixed Tenses in Narrative
Switch tenses for effect.
Other levels for Grammar: Beginner · Elementary · Intermediate · Advanced