Here is an example of B2 focus with a singular noun phrase at the front of a sentence: The problem is that she wants a bottle of red wine. listen It is easy to find information about singular noun phrases + that clauses on the internet: We use a noun + that-clause to express opinions and feelings, often about certainty and possibility. We […]
plural noun phrase + ARE + THAT clause Read More »
English Grammar Profile A2 point 32 in the category of CLAUSES is defined as:
non-finite subordinate clause with ‘to’, to introduce purpose
TO infinitive (purpose) Read More »
“Let’s + verb” in English is used to suggest a joint action, introduce a topic, propose hypothetical situations, acknowledge a fact, remind or emphasize a point, and transition to a new topic.
In the English Grammar Profile, A2 point 32 in the category of ADJECTIVES/modifying:
adverbs of degree (‘really’, ‘so’, ‘quite’) with an increasing range of common gradable adjectives.
*what an increasing range is exactly is quite amiguous.
really | so | quite + ADJECTIVE Read More »
One could argue that there is a big difference between B1 and C2 English Grammar or vocabulary. Yet, in the English Grammar Profile, B1 point 62 in the category of CLAUSES/phrases/exclamations is defined as: ‘How’ + adjective. Similarly, if the above structure is followed by a clause it is still B1. However, in the English Vocabulary Profile, a
How + ADJECTIVE (is that) ! Read More »
This post explores the usage of adjectives in the English language, particularly when used predicatively after ‘be’. It delves into the nuances of using ‘weren’t’, a construction that appears to be more complex than A1 level. The post also presents a comprehensive list of common adjectives used in this manner, such as ‘sure’, ‘available’, ‘free’, ‘full’, ‘simple’, ‘perfect’, ‘complete’, ‘true’, ‘clear’, ‘amazing’, ‘interested’, ‘useful’, ‘correct’, ‘surprised’, ‘careful’, and ‘afraid’. These adjectives are ranked by frequency of usage in the iWeb corpus. The post provides numerous examples and context for each adjective, making it a valuable resource for English language learners at all levels.
BE + adjective (increasing range) Read More »
B1 FOCUS
‘IT’ + ‘BE’ ADJECTIVE + ‘THAT’ CLAUSE for focus.
English Grammar Profile
IT’S + adjective + THAT clause (focus) Read More »
Modifying an adjective for hedging with a degree adverb involves using an adverb to soften or weaken the strength or certainty of an adjective. This technique is often used in communication to express caution, uncertainty, or to avoid making absolute statements. By adding a degree adverb, we can create a more nuanced or less definitive
degree adverbs modifying adjectives ‘almost certain’ Read More »
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the most common “BE + NOT” forms in English, essential for expressing negation. The forms are listed in order of their frequency in the iWeb corpus. The top three forms are “is not”, “are not”, and “isn’t”, used in various contexts to deny or contradict assertions, form negative statements, and express doubt or uncertainty. Other forms like “’s not”, “was not”, “wasn’t”, “I’m not”, “aren’t”, and “were not” are also discussed with examples illustrating their usage.
