use

MAKE + noun phrase + OF

This structure is generally B2 grammar because it often comes with a wide range of general reference nouns without a determiner.  However, more detail can be found in the English Vocabulary Profile regarding meaning and level: make fun of sb/sth = B2 to make a joke about someone or something in an unkind way make

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lexical verb + THE USE OF

Here are examples of verbs that suggest ability (or lack of) + the noun phrase ‘the use of’: So how have we enabled the use of goats as a reliable form of currency? TED In that service, he actually lost the use of his legs, he‘s paralyzed and he uses marijuana for pain management. TED In the English Vocabulary Profile: the use of sth = C2 permission to use something, or the ability to use something We are interested in finding which verbs might suggest

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BE + of NOUN PHRASE

Why say “is of interest” instead of “is interesting“? ‘is of + noun‘ is more formal and in academic writing, we use the noun form of a word more often.  More importantly, ‘of+noun’ functions as a noun in this position.  Therefore, it can often collocate correctly with modifiers.  For example:  “greatest interest” is much more

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If possible

Using “if-” clauses with “possible” is a way to soften language and show respect for the listener’s autonomy. It acknowledges that the listener has the choice to fulfill the request or not, without feeling pressured. This construction is commonly used in various social situations to maintain politeness and avoid sounding too demanding or forceful.

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used to (questions)

In the English Grammar Profile, C1 point 201 in MODALITY is defined as ‘used to’ QUESTIONS For example:   The New York Times What problem did you use to have but now have licked? 19 Nov 2020 The following list does not specify whether or not it is basic past simple with the more common infinitive of purpose.  It must

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like | want (verb patterns)

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.

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can’t | cannot

Modality is the grammatical expression of the speaker’s attitude or opinion about the possibility, necessity, or certainty of an action or state. Can’t is a modal verb that shows the negation of the verb can. It means that the subject is unable to do something, such as perform an action or demonstrate an ability. It can also be used to express deduction, which is a logical inference based on evidence or reasoning. For example:

She can’t swim. (ability)
He can’t be at home. It’s too early. (deduction)

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would like

“Would like” is a polite expression used to indicate a desire or wish, often in making requests, invitations, or offers. The structure typically follows “subject + would like + (noun phrase OR infinitive verb)”. For instance, “I’d like to see you again” or “Would you like a drink?”. The negative form, “wouldn’t like”, can imply a hypothetical situation, such as “If I told you, you wouldn’t like it.” This phrase is commonly used in various contexts, including wanting to see, know, thank, be, have, say, use, get, add, share, make, take, ask, try, hear, think, point out, give, start and go among others.

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may adverb

B2 point 150 in the category of MODALITY is defined as: ‘may’ with an increasing range of adverbs (most commonly ‘even’, ‘only’, ‘already’, ‘never’, ‘just’, ‘sometimes’) in the normal mid-position after the modal verb. B1 point 70:  ‘may’ with a limited range of adverbs (most commonly ‘also’) in the normal mid-position after the modal verb

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really ought to

In the English Grammar Profile, C1 point 180 in the category of MODALITY is defined as: ‘ought to’ with ‘really’ to add emphasis. A search on iWeb for clusters with lexical verbs: 1 REALLY OUGHT TO KNOW 254 2 REALLY OUGHT TO GET 136 3 REALLY OUGHT TO GO 76 4 REALLY OUGHT TO CONSIDER

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