PELIC

(PELIC) refers to The University of Pittsburgh English Language Institute Corpus.

If a post refers to any language from this corpus, we tag it PELIC.

sense verb + OBJECT + VERB-ing

B2, emphasis, object, pattern, sense, VERBS

B2 point 54 in VERBS/patterns is defined as: some verbs connected with the senses + direct object + an ‘-ing’ form, to give emphasis to an ongoing activity. *I don’t believe B2 complexity should hinge on ‘activity’.  It should also include a state.  For example: I don’t see myself being with anyone else but you, Sarah. listen An iWeb search for: sense verbs […]

sense verb + OBJECT + VERB-ing Read More »

VERB + ADVERB + PREPOSITION ‘go directly to’

ADVERBS, B2, PREPOSITIONS, VERBS

B2 English Grammar Profile point 51 in the category of VERBS/prepositional is defined as: adverb between the verb and the preposition For example: George says the piston’s going to go right through the block any minute now. listen   Alex, maybe if everything goes well with the paintings, Victor and I will tour and we could visit you in New York. listen An iWeb search for _VV *ly_R _II 1 GO DIRECTLY TO 17903 We‘re gonna go directly to the airport and get a plane. listen 2 BASED SOLELY ON 13229 We can’t work based solely on rumour, can we?

VERB + ADVERB + PREPOSITION ‘go directly to’ Read More »

dare not

auxiliary, B2, MODALITY, semi, VERBS

This is another overlapping B2 grammar point found in a few different places in the English Grammar Profile. Point 47 in VERBS is defined as semi-modal auxiliary verbs, ‘dare’ and ‘need’. The two examples are both in the negative. And the comments in the EGP are very interesting for this point: LOW FREQUENCY ITEM. There

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all | one | some + OF + these | those | this | that

B1, demonstrative, DETERMINERS, modify, PRONOUNS, quantity

In the English Grammar Profile, B1 point 52 in the category of PRONOUNS / demonstratives is defined as: quantifying determiners + ‘of’ with demonstrative pronouns An iWeb search for: _DD of _DD 1 SOME OF THESE 258542  STUDENT example: The hospitality in Saudi Arabia is very different between provinces.  Some of these have traditional hospitality, but others have modern hospitality. PELIC Arabic male level 3

all | one | some + OF + these | those | this | that Read More »

BE + adjective (increasing range)

A2, ADJECTIVES, predicate, range

This post explores the usage of adjectives in the English language, particularly when used predicatively after ‘be’. It delves into the nuances of using ‘weren’t’, a construction that appears to be more complex than A1 level. The post also presents a comprehensive list of common adjectives used in this manner, such as ‘sure’, ‘available’, ‘free’, ‘full’, ‘simple’, ‘perfect’, ‘complete’, ‘true’, ‘clear’, ‘amazing’, ‘interested’, ‘useful’, ‘correct’, ‘surprised’, ‘careful’, and ‘afraid’. These adjectives are ranked by frequency of usage in the iWeb corpus. The post provides numerous examples and context for each adjective, making it a valuable resource for English language learners at all levels.

BE + adjective (increasing range) Read More »

NOUN + ‘s (possession)

A2, DETERMINERS, NOUNS, phrases, possessive

The English Grammar Profile claims there are over 1000 points in their database.  This post is another example of why it is not true.  One of the greatest problems with listing points is finding which category to list them in without merely duplicating the same points.  Both the following points are one point at the same CEFR level of A2.

Point 14 in the category of NOUNS/phrases is defined:

possessive determiner ‘s with a singular noun.

Point 14 in the category of DETERMINERS/possessives is defined as:

‘S after singular or proper nouns to indicate possession.

NOUN + ‘s (possession) Read More »

THESE (pronoun)

B1, demonstrative, PRONOUNS

In the English Grammar Profile, B1 point 56 in the category of PRONOUNS/demonstratives is defined as: ‘these’ to refer to something with immediate relevance which has already been mentioned. For example: He writes messages on the back of these. listen Here’s an iWeb search for: * * * these . 1 A COMBINATION OF THESE. 839 2 A FEW

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suggest | recommend | insist + present simple

C1, FUTURE, obligation, PRESENT, speech act, suggestion

C1 English Grammar Profile point 62 in the category of FUTURE is defined as: present simple after speech act verbs expressing suggestions and obligation. For example: l cannot recommend that you go heliskiing. listen   But remember where we left off because I insist you finish later. listen This is not easily located formally in corpora but we can start with a search in iWeb for the speech act verbs

suggest | recommend | insist + present simple Read More »

SHOULD ( advice | suggestions | ideal or desired situations | likelihood )

A2, advice, affirmative, B1, desire, ideal, likelihood, MODALITY, NEGATIVE, range, recommend, should, suggestion, VERBS

The text discusses the use of the modal verb “should” in English, focusing on its usage at different levels of language proficiency (A2 and B1) and in various contexts. It explains that “should” is used to give advice, make suggestions, and talk about ideal situations. The text also provides examples of common phrases using “should”, such as “maybe you should try” and “I think you should leave.”

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ONE (pronoun)

A2, complements, modify, PRONOUNS, substitution

In the English Grammar Profile, A2 point 16 in the category of PRONOUNS/substitution: ‘the one’ and ‘the’ + pre-modifier + ‘one’ with a complement, to refer to something specific. Point 35 in PRONOUNS/substitution is defined as: substitute for singular countable nouns which have already been mentioned or are obvious from the context. *There are a

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ANOTHER

addition, article, B1, DETERMINERS, object, PRONOUNS, quantity, subject

‘Another‘ is listed at A2 in the English Vocabulary Profile as a determiner or pronoun, with the meanings: one more person or thing, or an additional amount a different person or thing of the same type In the English Grammar Profile at B1, there are many points covering the use of ‘another’.  Considering that they

ANOTHER Read More »

like | want (verb patterns)

A1, gerund, infinitive, object, pattern, VERBS

Like and want are transitive verbs that can take objects. For example, “I like football” and “I want money.”

After like, we can use either the to-infinitive or the -ing form. For example, “I like to use the internet” and “I like using the internet” are both correct.

After want, we can only use the to-infinitive. For example, “I want to use the internet” is correct, but “I want using the internet” is wrong.

The choice between the to-infinitive and the -ing form after like can convey subtle differences in meaning. Using the to-infinitive emphasizes the preference or habit, while using the -ing form emphasizes the action itself and the experience or enjoyment derived from it.

In the English Grammar Profile, A1 point 2 in the category of VERBS/patterns is defined as ‘like’ followed either by a ‘to’-infinitive or an ‘-ing’ form, with no change in meaning.

A1 point 6 in VERBS/patterns is defined as ‘limited range of verbs followed by a ‘to’- infinitive.

The most common verbs followed by a to-infinitive after like are: use, work, play, see, go, get, make, take, watch, read.

Here are some examples of sentences using like and want in A1 English:

I like to use the internet.
I want to go to the movies.
I like playing football.
I want to learn English.

like | want (verb patterns) Read More »