We use would be to make suggestions when we want to express our opinion or preference about something. For example:
It would be nice to go to the beach today.
It would be great if you could help me with this project.
WOULD + linking verb + adjective (suggestions | imagined situations) Read More »
B2 MODALITY: She is unlikely to get a job.
BE + adjective + TO-infinitive Read More »
*There is an interactive word tree exercise for this B2 grammar here. B2 English Grammar Profile point 152 in MODALITY overlaps many other modality points. So here we will cover those not already covered elsewhere. It is defined as: the full range of expressions with ‘be’ + infinitive (‘be likely to’, ‘be due to’, ‘be
BE + bound | likely | meant | obliged + TO Read More »
In the English Grammar Profile, B2 point 137 in MODALITY is defined as: negative forms of ‘can’t’ and ‘cannot’ to guess, predict and deduce. This point is an extremely difficult point to locate because it heavily relies on usage. The use of ‘can’t’ is A1 by default, but not ‘cannot’ which has not been given
‘It cannot be true’ (modality) Read More »
able to do something (used as a modal verb)
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
A2 OXFORD
BE + able | allowed + to-INFINITIVE Read More »
In this post, we explore modality with two adjectives followed by infinitives. Here is an imperative example of telling someone with emphasis not to forget or fail to do something: Be sure to check the weather before you go to the airport. listen And here is an extremely advanced modification of an assertion, a bit like a negative superlative comparison: There’s nothing more certain to ruin a beautiful relationship than marriage.
BE + sure | certain + to INFINITIVE Read More »
Here’s a student example of an adjective followed by a ‘that’ clause. However, I am sure that the most useful English for you is American English. PELIC Korean male level 4 writing In the sentence above, the phrase “I am sure that” is an example of epistemic modality. Epistemic modality is a type of linguistic modality that deals with a
adjective + (that) clause Read More »
Collins lists the ‘about to‘ structure under adjectives, pointing out that there is no future tense in English. There are many ways we refer to the future in English. The structure means ‘very soon‘. There are 3 almost identical B2 points in the category of FUTURE in the English Grammar Profile that could all be
BE + about + to-INFINITIVE Read More »
B2 COMPARATIVE ADJECTIVE + ‘THAN’ + NON-FINITE CLAUSE
‘than’ + an increasing range of non-finite clauses (to-infinitive, reduced clause) forming the second part of a comparison after a comparative adjective.
(ENGLISH GRAMMAR PROFILE)
comparative non-finite clause Read More »
Let’s explain what a ‘superlative clause’ is with this example: It’s the best car that you can buy. the best is the superlative adjective. that you can buy is the relative clause We can rewrite this as two sentences: It is the best car. You can buy it. Here the object it is replaced with the
superlative + THAT clause ‘the best you can’ Read More »
To get started, let’s look at some spoken student examples that show a wide range of linking verbs with very literal meanings: It‘s like a fairy tale because it doesn’t seem real. TLC female Mexico B1 To remain healthy, we have to exercise. TLC female India B1 The verbs ‘remain’ and ‘seem’ link the adjective complements: ‘real’ and ‘healthy’ in a more detailed way than
a wide range of linking verbs used in other complex ways Read More »
B2 modify and intensify comparative ADJECTIVES with ‘a lot’.
used predicatively after a verb, usually ‘be’
English Grammar Profile
verb + A LOT + comparative adjective | adverb Read More »
Superlatives and infinitives for upper-intermediate students.
superlative adjective + noun + to infinitive Read More »
Upper-Intermediate students can post modify ADJECTIVEs with to-infinitive
adjective + ENOUGH + TO-infinitive Read More »
Some time adjectives to learn before a noun for intermediate students.
attributive only time adjectives Read More »
How to extend comparatives for intermediate students
much + comparative adjective + noun Read More »
B2 premodifer ‘by far’ to make a superlative adjective stronger
Point 62 in the category of adjectives in the English Grammar Profile.
BY FAR + superlative adjective Read More »
In the English Grammar Profile, B2 point 61 in the category of ADJECTIVES is defined as: adjective phrases with ‘rather a’ + adjective, often in formal contexts A search in iWeb for rather a _JJ 1 RATHER A LONG 392 Further collocates 4 to the left and right: 1 TIME (NNT1 ) 187 2 WAY
rather a + adjective Read More »
Long-term and short-term memory might be a good topic to teach with compound adjectives.
Most frequent hyphenated compound adjectives Read More »
What are examples of adjective phrases modifying nouns?
adjectives pre- and post- modifying noun phrases Read More »
