much + comparative adjective + noun
How to extend comparatives for intermediate students
much + comparative adjective + noun Read More »
B2
B2 or upper-intermediate students are around an IELTS 6. The language that they can produce nears the border of being able to start a university course in English. Click here to see a full list of all our B2 grammar topics.
BY FAR + superlative adjective
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 »
rather a + adjective
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 »
Most frequent hyphenated compound adjectives
Long-term and short-term memory might be a good topic to teach with compound adjectives.
Most frequent hyphenated compound adjectives Read More »
adjectives pre- and post- modifying noun phrases
What are examples of adjective phrases modifying nouns?
adjectives pre- and post- modifying noun phrases Read More »
superlative adjective without a following noun
Which superlative adjective should we learn at higher levels?
superlative adjective without a following noun Read More »
‘The price is slightly higher’ (slightly + comparative adjective)
Which adverb can I teach with comparative adjectives to B2 students?
‘The price is slightly higher’ (slightly + comparative adjective) Read More »
real | absolute | complete + NOUN (degrees of intensity)
Which adjectives should I teach my intermediate class?
real | absolute | complete + NOUN (degrees of intensity) Read More »
COULD HAVE + past participle
In the English Grammar Profile, C1 point 179 in MODALITY is defined as: ‘could have’ + ‘-ed’ form to express disapproval or criticism. True insights into usage are problematic, to say the least. Who knows what the person using language truly was intending to do with it? Disapproval or criticism vs speculation or regret is
COULD HAVE + past participle Read More »
SHOULD BE + verb ING ‘She should be looking for a job’
Let’s look at an example of ‘should be ing‘ in student writing: In Korea, it is so common that women should be looking for a job after divorce. PELIC Korean female level 4 writing. ‘Should’ can express obligation or expectation. ‘Should’ can be used with a continuous form: Should be + lookING In the English Grammar Profile at B2, there are 3 points covering ‘should + continuous form’. Points
SHOULD BE + verb ING ‘She should be looking for a job’ Read More »
Must questions
This is a place holder for duplicate entries in the EGP. Both entries use the same example sentences too. There is little difference except that the use is added to the second. We have expanded these points on another page. Click here. 147 MODALITY must B2 QUESTION form. 161 MODALITY must B2 USE: to ask
BE + supposed + to INFINITIVE
The B1 / B2 divide seems to have many clashing or repeated points when locating forms. This post introduces another. The B2 points 153 in the category of MODALITY “be supposed to” to talk about expectation or obligation, and point 130 also in MODALITY ” be supposed to’ to talk about hearsay or supposition clashes
BE + supposed + to INFINITIVE Read More »
BE forced to infinitve
The phrase “be forced to infinitive” means to be made to do something that one does not want to do. The phrase can also be used to express the idea of being compelled to do something by external circumstances, even if one is not physically forced to do it.It is a passive voice construction. In
BE forced to infinitve Read More »
May I?
There are four entries in the English Grammar Profile that capture “May I…?” Point 97 are polite questions. They probably are not really asking for permission. 119 is literally asking for permission. Yet, for the purposes of designating a complexity level, this matters little. The interpretation of this structure becomes more difficult once we jump
ought to (semi modal)
“Ought to” is a semi-modal verb similar to “should”. It’s used to express advice, expectation, obligation, or high probability. Unlike modal verbs, it’s followed by a ‘to-infinitive’, making it unique. It doesn’t change form for person, and can be used in various contexts to imply duty or suggest a course of action. For example, “I ought to phone my parents” implies a responsibility to call parents, while “It ought to be easy now” expresses an expectation of ease.
ought to (semi modal) Read More »
used to (semi modal)
Grammar examples from B1 to C2 of this structure.
used to (semi modal) Read More »
very few + plural noun
Here are my top 10 vocabulary items I would teach alongside “very few” to an upper-intermediate class.
very few + plural noun Read More »
future perfect continuous negative
The future perfect continuous negative tense allows us to express the absence of an ongoing action leading up to a specific future point. It highlights the non-occurrence or lack of continuity of the action within the given timeframe.
future perfect continuous negative Read More »
unless
In the English Vocabulary Profile, the pictured item “unless” has one level = B1. However, in the English Grammar Profile: 18 CONJUNCTIONS subordinating B2 wide range of simple subordinating conjunctions (‘once, whereas, unless, except (that) provided (that)’), to introduce a subordinate clause. Getting to work by car is comfortable, and faster unless you are caught