B2 English grammar means grammar which B2 students have proven they can do. Therefore, B2 grammar might be of greatest interest to B1 ESL students since they are looking to gain grammar structures they may not have noticed or used yet. The B2 grammar on this page is based mostly on the English Grammar Profile. However, there are points also from Pearson’s global scale of English. We have started by being alphabetical with the categories, but then attempt to group similar grammar combinations. We will not be listing the same grammar point under different categories. For example, ‘adjective with conjunctions’ could be listed under the category of adjectives or conjunctions. For this reason, categories nearer the start of the alphabet: ‘Adjectives’ will seem larger. All our example sentences come from the real world. All examples are linked to more corpora information about the grammar structure and vocabulary that goes with it.
How are adjectives used at the B2 English level?
The B2 English level can use a wider range of compound adjectives.
- The so-called experts put her in long-term care because of her short-term memory.
B2 attributive adjective position
A range of attributive time or degree adjectives can be used.
- She’s a former board member at Tesla.
- Concentrate your mind on the present moment.
- Technology can help future generations.
- The time machine arrived in the latter half of the century.
- Debt becomes a real problem if a company can’t pay it off.
- You make this job an absolute joy.
- Are they useful or a complete waste of time?
In B2 English grammar, adjectives in the attributive position can be pre-modified for emphasis in formal contexts with ‘rather a…’
B2 adjectives with conjunctions
The use of adjectives at B2 or upper-intermediate can be defined in one way as an increasing range of complex noun phrases with more than one adjective combined with ‘but’. This allows this level to add more contrast to what they are describing. An example of this from corpora is:
- He is in a serious but stable condition.
B2 adjectives with verbs
B2 students can use adjective complements after a wide range of linking verbs such as: ‘seem’, ‘taste’, ‘remain’, ‘appear’ etc.
- It seems obvious.
B2 modality
Starting at intermediate, B2 students continue to use adjectives followed by ‘that’ or ‘infinitive’ clauses but with a greater range of adjectives and verbs. There is usually an element of modality expressed in the phrases or the elements can be arranged for focus.
- Then it became evident that it might still be possible.
- It was apparent that Captain Nemo had discovered it.
- The rainfall activity is likely to continue till August 6.
- The session is meant to provide an opportunity to share concerns.
- This is something that’s bound to happen.
- The soldier explained why she was obliged to leave her children.
- You‘re sure to find a hat you like at this shop.
- He‘s certain to be one of the other two left.
‘Enough’ can also post-modify the main adjective before the infinitive in B2 English grammar.
- They were lucky enough to say goodbye.
- Mercury is a planet with a surface hot enough to melt lead.
Adjectives are commonly found after the negative modal verb construction ‘can’t or ‘cannot’ to make guesses, predictions or deductions:
- You can’t be serious.
B2 comparative adjectives with adverbs
Another way adjectives are used by B2 English users is with adverbials such as ‘slightly’, ‘much’, ‘a lot’ before a comparative adjective. That means they can be more subtle in the comparisons they can make. Notice that ‘much better’ is followed by a noun.
- The prices are slightly higher than they were last year.
- Those who start early will have a much better chance of meeting their goals.
- The task is a lot easier than it sounds.
B2 comparative clauses with possessive pronouns.
- In a state as diverse as ours, our students must see themselves in their classrooms and instructional materials.
- I think my level was a lot higher than hers in the first set.
B2 comparative adjectives with non-finite clauses.
Notice the non-finite past participle ‘expected’ and infinitive ‘to rent’.
- The numbers are higher than expected.
- It may now be cheaper to buy than to rent.
B2 superlative adjectives
The following noun can be ellipted when understood from the context.
- There are many disadvantages of smartphones. I think one of the most common is that people spend too much time using them.
A superlative with or without a following noun can be followed by a that-clause often to express uniqueness.
- Shares can be the best investments you can make.
- The smartest people I know are women.
- The worst that can happen is an officer loses his gun.
A wider range of superlatives can be followed by nouns and infinitives.
- Immunization is the cheapest way to save a child’s life.
- The quickest way to get the process started is online.
- The most important thing to remember is his presence.
Superlatives can be intensified with a pre-modifying adverbial phrase.
- By far the most important thing was tutorials.
- It is by far the largest gathering in human history.
Adjective phrases can both premodify and postmodify the same noun.
- Roses like well-drained soil rich in organic matter.