CEFR

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is one standard for describing English language ability. It is divided from A1 for beginners to C2 for mastery. English Grammar Pro uses this for all of its grammar posts.

conditional subordinate clauses & range of complex conjunctions

B1, B2, CLAUSES, conditional, CONJUNCTIONS, subordinate

A search on iWeb corpus for 3 part subordinating conjunctions reveals the following frequency: They point to another group of multiple overlapping points on the English Grammar Profile. B2 point 91 in CLAUSES & conditional is defined as: conditional subordinate clauses with a range of conjunctions ‘as long as’, ‘provided’  + present simple or present […]

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a wide range of linking verbs used in other complex ways

ADJECTIVES, B2, hedging, linking, NOUNS, phrases, PRONOUNS, range, subject, true, VERBS

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

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as if | as though (COMPARISON)

B1, B2, CLAUSES, comparatives, conditional, CONJUNCTIONS, finite, GSE, sense

The phrases “as if” and “as though” are used to express that something is like something else, but it is not actually the same. They can be used to compare things that are similar, or to describe something that is imaginary or hypothetical.

In English grammar, there are two different points that describe how to use these phrases:

EGP B2 Point 90: “as if” or “as though” + finite clause to introduce a second clause as a comparison.
EGP B1 Point 70: verbs of the senses + “as if” or “as though” + finite clause.
The main difference between these two points is that the B2 point allows for a wider range of verbs, including non-sensory verbs. The B1 point is specifically for sensory verbs, such as see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.

Here are some examples of how to use “as if” and “as though” in accordance with these grammar points:

B2 example: It’s as if the cat can read my mind.
B1 example: I feel as if I’m being watched.
It’s important to note that the B1 example uses the subjunctive mood in the second clause. This is because the speaker is describing a hypothetical situation.

The text also mentions that the phrase “as if” is more common than “as though.” This is true, especially in informal writing and speech. However, both phrases are considered to be grammatically correct.

Overall, the text provides a good overview of the different ways to use the phrases “as if” and “as though.” It also highlights some of the more subtle nuances of these phrases, such as the difference between the B2 and B1 grammar points.

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adverb comparative phrase ‘more frequently than’

ADVERBS, B2, comparatives, modify, phrases

‘more rapidly‘ is an example of an adverb phrase.  In this example, ‘rapidly‘ is the head of the phrase. B2 point 55 in the English Grammar Profile under the category of adverbs is defined: phrases that modify with an adverb and comparative structure. What is particularly noticeable about this structure is that it attracts higher

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wide range of ‘time’ adverbs

ADVERBS, B2, modify, range, time, vocabulary

Here are examples of using time adverbs: I was instantly attracted to her. listen   You have been replaced permanently. listen   My organization just recently traced a large purchase by this man. listen In the English Grammar Profile, B2 point 54 in the category of adverbs is defined as those that modify to refer to the timing of an event. (This is one of those points that is well found in the

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