real

5 on the TOEFL Writing Essays?

In this post, we use our grammar profiler to predict the CEFR level of this TOEFL Integrated Writing Sample Essay. We found that the most salient language is the ability to modify adjectives and use abstract nouns.  So let’s look at this advanced text.  The profiler says the text is probably C1, which we can surmise […]

5 on the TOEFL Writing Essays? Read More »

determiner + adjective + ONES

In the English Grammar Profile, B1 point 40 in the category of PRONOUNS/substitution is defined as: determiners + premodifers + ‘ones’ EXPERT EXAMPLE: These are the more common ones around today. TED PELIC STUDENT EXAMPLE: (referring to outdoor activities) I think Bodrum has the best ones. Turkish, Male, Level 3, Writing Class. A search in iWeb for: _A _J ones 1 THE ONLY ONES 45418 A2 limiting

determiner + adjective + ONES Read More »

the reason why

In the English Grammar Profile, B1 point 63 in CLAUSES is defined as: THE REASON WHY: defining relative clauses with ‘why’ after ‘reason’, to give an explanation and for focus. *Note that “the reason that…” is B2.  A search in iWeb for: the * reason why 1 THE MAIN REASON WHY 8371 2 THE ONLY REASON WHY

the reason why Read More »

LINKING VERB + like | similar to + NOUN PHRASE

In the English Grammar Profile, B1 point 55 in the category of CLAUSES/comparatives is defined as: linking verbs + ‘like’ or ‘similar to’. EXPERT EXAMPLE: They taste similar to regular bulb onions, but they‘re milder. tastingtable.com PELIC STUDENT EXAMPLE He looks like a cute turtle. Korean, Male, Level 2 A search in iWeb for: look* like * * * 1 LOOKS LIKE THIS: 14720 2 LOOK LIKE

LINKING VERB + like | similar to + NOUN PHRASE Read More »

-AL adjective suffix

Compared to looking at the -able suffix endings which were very advanced vocabulary.  We mean beyond what most general English classes would need to learn.  The ‘-al’ suffixes are all around the B levels or intermediate.  Therefore this list is a good list of adjectives for students to learn that are around intermediate. We found

-AL adjective suffix Read More »

ANYTHING | SOMETHING + adjective

Let’s look at some examples of the indefinite pronoun ‘something’ + adjective phrase.  This relates to “post positioned adjectives” ‘something’ is an indefinite pronoun.  ‘special’ is an adjective. The adjective post-modifies the pronoun.  The adjective makes the pronoun more specific. Well,  how about something special for lunch tomorrow to cheer you up? I‘ll make something special for you. (Watch example sentences) The meaning of ‘something adjective‘

ANYTHING | SOMETHING + adjective Read More »