Practice grammar by subject, challenge the full grammar bank, progress level by level, or take a placement test to estimate your current English level.
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A balanced randomized quiz across the available grammar subjects.
Start at A0. Pass each level to unlock the next one. Failed levels can be retaken.
Starts at zero/basic English and samples progressively through C2. At the end you receive an estimated level.
The major English grammar structures not covered by the other learning modules, with rich examples, comparisons and randomized practice.
Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
A gerund is an -ing form functioning as a noun, for example as subject or object.
verb-ing as subject/objectpreposition + verb-ingThe zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + base verbIn formal literary style, so + adjective or such + be can be fronted and followed by inversion for strong emphasis.
So + adjective + auxiliary + subject + that...Such + be + noun phrase + that...After certain verbs and adjectives, especially in formal American English, a that-clause may use the base verb for all subjects.
recommend that + subject + base verbit is essential that + subject + base verbEnglish often avoids repetition by omitting recoverable words or replacing them with forms such as one, do, so and neither.
I can swim and she can too.the red oneI think so.Have/get + object + past participle means that someone arranges for another person to perform a service or action.
have + object + past participleget + object + past participleThe second conditional expresses unreal, imaginary or unlikely present and future situations.
If + past simple, would + base verbItems joined in a list or comparison should normally have matching grammatical form.
to read, to write, and to speakreading, writing, and speakingParticiple clauses compress information when the understood subject is the same as the subject of the main clause.
Walking home, ...Built in 1900, ...Having finished, ...English clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + ComplementEnglish relies strongly on word order. Frequency adverbs usually go before a lexical verb but after be.
Subject + adverb + lexical verbSubject + be + adverbVerb + object + manner/place/timeReported speech retells what someone said, often with tense backshift when the reporting verb is in the past.
said (that) + clausetold + object + clauseDifferent reporting verbs take different complements: infinitive, gerund, object + infinitive, or that-clause.
agree to dodeny doingadvise object to dosuggest that + clause / suggest doingSome verbs take to + infinitive, while modal verbs and certain structures take a bare infinitive.
want to gocan golet/make + object + base verbConditional meaning can be expressed with alternatives to if. Unless means if not; provided that and as long as express a necessary condition.
unless + affirmative clauseprovided/providing that + clauseas long as + clauseCoordinators link equal units; subordinators make one clause dependent on another.
clause, and/but/so clausebecause/although/when + clauseWhose expresses possession; where relates to places; when relates to times, though preposition + which is also possible in formal style.
person whose + nounplace where + clausetime when + clauseEnglish can emphasize a statement with do/does/did or focus information with it-clefts and what-clefts.
I do agree.It was X that...What I need is...In the present simple, third-person singular subjects normally take a verb ending in -s; plural subjects use the base form.
He/She/It + verb-sI/You/We/They + base verbAs if/as though can introduce comparisons that are real or unreal. A past form can signal an unreal present comparison, and past perfect can signal an unreal past comparison.
as if/as though + presentas if/as though + pastas if/as though + past perfectEnglish verbs select different complement types: gerund, to-infinitive, bare infinitive, object + infinitive, or that-clause. These patterns must often be learned with the verb.
avoid doingdecide to dolet someone dowant someone to doinsist that + clauseReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbObjects receive the action, while complements describe or identify the subject or object.
S + V + OS + linking V + subject complementS + V + O + object complementA noun clause functions like a noun; an adverb clause adds information about time, reason, condition, contrast or purpose.
I know + that-clausewhat/why/how + clausesubordinator + adverb clauseFormal conditionals can omit if and invert had, were or should with the subject.
Had I known, ...Were I you, ...Should you need help, ...Would rather can express preference; with a different subject it often takes a past form. It’s time can also take a past form for desired action now.
would rather + base verbwould rather + subject + pastit is time + subject + pastPresent participles often describe an active or ongoing relation; past participles often describe a completed or passive relation.
verb-ingpast participle (V3)Formal emphasis can place a negative or restrictive adverbial first and invert the auxiliary and subject.
Never have I...Rarely do they...Not only did she...Having + past participle shows that one action was completed before the action in the main clause. The passive form is having been + past participle.
Having + past participle, main clauseHaving been + past participle, main clauseA relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it is the object of a defining relative clause, but not when it is the subject.
the book (that) I boughtthe man who calledComplex sentences can express purpose, result and concession with structures such as so that, so/such...that, although and even though.
so that + clauseso + adjective + thatsuch + noun phrase + thatalthough/even though + clauseA complete sentence needs an independent clause. Two independent clauses need correct coordination or punctuation such as a period, semicolon, or comma plus coordinator.
independent clause. Independent clause.independent clause; independent clauseindependent clause, and/but/so independent clauseFormal English often reports general beliefs or claims with impersonal passive structures or subject + passive reporting verb + infinitive.
It is said that + clauseSubject + is said/believed/thought + to-infinitiveWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + base verbCollective nouns and expressions of amount can take singular or plural agreement depending on meaning and variety of English.
A team is... / The team are...Ten dollars is...The passive keeps the tense in the auxiliary be while the main verb stays in the past participle form.
is done / was done / has been done / will be done / is being doneIn formal style, a preposition may come before whom or which. In less formal English the preposition often stays at the end of the relative clause.
the person to whom I spokethe company for which she worksIn existential there structures, the verb commonly agrees with the following notional subject in formal standard English. In relative clauses, agreement depends on the antecedent represented by the relative pronoun.
There is + singularThere are + pluralone of the people who are...Defining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,Third conditionals imagine a different past; mixed conditionals connect an unreal past with a present result or vice versa.
If + past perfect, would have + past participleIf + past perfect, would + base verbAn independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseWords such as each, every, either and neither are normally singular when they are the grammatical head of the subject.
Each/Every + singular noun + singular verbEither/Neither + singular verbWriters and speakers can move an element to the front to establish a topic, contrast or emphasis, especially in literary and conversational styles.
Fronted adverbial + clauseObject/topic + clause/commentWish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleCommands are commonly reported with tell/ask + object + infinitive; time and place words may change according to viewpoint.
told/asked + object + to-infinitivenow → then; today → that day; here → thereWith some verbs, gerund and infinitive are both possible but the meaning changes, such as remember, stop and try.
remember doing / remember to dostop doing / stop to dotry doing / try to doSome relative clauses can be reduced to participle phrases when the meaning remains clear.
people who live here → people living hereproducts that were made locally → products made locallyThe passive focuses on the receiver of an action. It is formed with be plus a past participle.
be + past participleObject of active sentence → subject of passiveCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
English clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + ComplementEnglish relies strongly on word order. Frequency adverbs usually go before a lexical verb but after be.
Subject + adverb + lexical verbSubject + be + adverbVerb + object + manner/place/timeObjects receive the action, while complements describe or identify the subject or object.
S + V + OS + linking V + subject complementS + V + O + object complementA complete sentence needs an independent clause. Two independent clauses need correct coordination or punctuation such as a period, semicolon, or comma plus coordinator.
independent clause. Independent clause.independent clause; independent clauseindependent clause, and/but/so independent clauseCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Coordinators link equal units; subordinators make one clause dependent on another.
clause, and/but/so clausebecause/although/when + clauseA noun clause functions like a noun; an adverb clause adds information about time, reason, condition, contrast or purpose.
I know + that-clausewhat/why/how + clausesubordinator + adverb clauseComplex sentences can express purpose, result and concession with structures such as so that, so/such...that, although and even though.
so that + clauseso + adjective + thatsuch + noun phrase + thatalthough/even though + clauseAn independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
In the present simple, third-person singular subjects normally take a verb ending in -s; plural subjects use the base form.
He/She/It + verb-sI/You/We/They + base verbCollective nouns and expressions of amount can take singular or plural agreement depending on meaning and variety of English.
A team is... / The team are...Ten dollars is...In existential there structures, the verb commonly agrees with the following notional subject in formal standard English. In relative clauses, agreement depends on the antecedent represented by the relative pronoun.
There is + singularThere are + pluralone of the people who are...Words such as each, every, either and neither are normally singular when they are the grammatical head of the subject.
Each/Every + singular noun + singular verbEither/Neither + singular verbCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
The zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + base verbThe second conditional expresses unreal, imaginary or unlikely present and future situations.
If + past simple, would + base verbConditional meaning can be expressed with alternatives to if. Unless means if not; provided that and as long as express a necessary condition.
unless + affirmative clauseprovided/providing that + clauseas long as + clauseThird conditionals imagine a different past; mixed conditionals connect an unreal past with a present result or vice versa.
If + past perfect, would have + past participleIf + past perfect, would + base verbCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Have/get + object + past participle means that someone arranges for another person to perform a service or action.
have + object + past participleget + object + past participleFormal English often reports general beliefs or claims with impersonal passive structures or subject + passive reporting verb + infinitive.
It is said that + clauseSubject + is said/believed/thought + to-infinitiveThe passive keeps the tense in the auxiliary be while the main verb stays in the past participle form.
is done / was done / has been done / will be done / is being doneThe passive focuses on the receiver of an action. It is formed with be plus a past participle.
be + past participleObject of active sentence → subject of passiveCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Reported speech retells what someone said, often with tense backshift when the reporting verb is in the past.
said (that) + clausetold + object + clauseDifferent reporting verbs take different complements: infinitive, gerund, object + infinitive, or that-clause.
agree to dodeny doingadvise object to dosuggest that + clause / suggest doingReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbCommands are commonly reported with tell/ask + object + infinitive; time and place words may change according to viewpoint.
told/asked + object + to-infinitivenow → then; today → that day; here → thereCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
A gerund is an -ing form functioning as a noun, for example as subject or object.
verb-ing as subject/objectpreposition + verb-ingSome verbs take to + infinitive, while modal verbs and certain structures take a bare infinitive.
want to gocan golet/make + object + base verbEnglish verbs select different complement types: gerund, to-infinitive, bare infinitive, object + infinitive, or that-clause. These patterns must often be learned with the verb.
avoid doingdecide to dolet someone dowant someone to doinsist that + clauseWith some verbs, gerund and infinitive are both possible but the meaning changes, such as remember, stop and try.
remember doing / remember to dostop doing / stop to dotry doing / try to doCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Participle clauses compress information when the understood subject is the same as the subject of the main clause.
Walking home, ...Built in 1900, ...Having finished, ...Present participles often describe an active or ongoing relation; past participles often describe a completed or passive relation.
verb-ingpast participle (V3)Having + past participle shows that one action was completed before the action in the main clause. The passive form is having been + past participle.
Having + past participle, main clauseHaving been + past participle, main clauseSome relative clauses can be reduced to participle phrases when the meaning remains clear.
people who live here → people living hereproducts that were made locally → products made locallyCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Whose expresses possession; where relates to places; when relates to times, though preposition + which is also possible in formal style.
person whose + nounplace where + clausetime when + clauseA relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it is the object of a defining relative clause, but not when it is the subject.
the book (that) I boughtthe man who calledIn formal style, a preposition may come before whom or which. In less formal English the preposition often stays at the end of the relative clause.
the person to whom I spokethe company for which she worksDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
As if/as though can introduce comparisons that are real or unreal. A past form can signal an unreal present comparison, and past perfect can signal an unreal past comparison.
as if/as though + presentas if/as though + pastas if/as though + past perfectWould rather can express preference; with a different subject it often takes a past form. It’s time can also take a past form for desired action now.
would rather + base verbwould rather + subject + pastit is time + subject + pastWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + base verbWish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
In formal literary style, so + adjective or such + be can be fronted and followed by inversion for strong emphasis.
So + adjective + auxiliary + subject + that...Such + be + noun phrase + that...English can emphasize a statement with do/does/did or focus information with it-clefts and what-clefts.
I do agree.It was X that...What I need is...Formal conditionals can omit if and invert had, were or should with the subject.
Had I known, ...Were I you, ...Should you need help, ...Formal emphasis can place a negative or restrictive adverbial first and invert the auxiliary and subject.
Never have I...Rarely do they...Not only did she...Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
After certain verbs and adjectives, especially in formal American English, a that-clause may use the base verb for all subjects.
recommend that + subject + base verbit is essential that + subject + base verbEnglish often avoids repetition by omitting recoverable words or replacing them with forms such as one, do, so and neither.
I can swim and she can too.the red oneI think so.Items joined in a list or comparison should normally have matching grammatical form.
to read, to write, and to speakreading, writing, and speakingWriters and speakers can move an element to the front to establish a topic, contrast or emphasis, especially in literary and conversational styles.
Fronted adverbial + clauseObject/topic + clause/commentSide-by-side study cards for grammar distinctions learners commonly mix up.
English often avoids repetition by omitting recoverable words or replacing them with forms such as one, do, so and neither.
I can swim and she can too.the red oneI think so.English relies strongly on word order. Frequency adverbs usually go before a lexical verb but after be.
Subject + adverb + lexical verbSubject + be + adverbVerb + object + manner/place/timeReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbFormal emphasis can place a negative or restrictive adverbial first and invert the auxiliary and subject.
Never have I...Rarely do they...Not only did she...The passive keeps the tense in the auxiliary be while the main verb stays in the past participle form.
is done / was done / has been done / will be done / is being doneDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,Third conditionals imagine a different past; mixed conditionals connect an unreal past with a present result or vice versa.
If + past perfect, would have + past participleIf + past perfect, would + base verbAn independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseWords such as each, every, either and neither are normally singular when they are the grammatical head of the subject.
Each/Every + singular noun + singular verbEither/Neither + singular verbWish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleWith some verbs, gerund and infinitive are both possible but the meaning changes, such as remember, stop and try.
remember doing / remember to dostop doing / stop to dotry doing / try to doSome relative clauses can be reduced to participle phrases when the meaning remains clear.
people who live here → people living hereproducts that were made locally → products made locallyExamples come from the editable lesson database and change order each load.
Questions and answer choices are randomized for every new attempt.
Beginner to Elementary Grammar A1
In this article, Beginner to Elementary Grammar A1 learners study comparative adjectives.
You will learn how to compare two people, places, things, or ideas.
The key question is: Am I comparing one thing with another thing?
The main rule to remember is: Most adjectives come before nouns or after linking verbs such as be, seem, become, feel, and look.
You will study short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms.
By the end, you should be able to make accurate comparisons with than.
Adjectives describe nouns and pronouns. They give information about quality, size, age, color, origin, material, type, opinion, or number.
Comparative Adjectives Explained looks specifically at comparative adjectives. At this level, the goal is to build useful everyday sentences with fewer form mistakes.
As you read, keep one question in mind: Am I comparing one thing with another thing? This question will help you connect the rule to meaning instead of memorizing the form alone.
You will see short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms, then practice the topic through corrections, short tasks, and a final review.
This section breaks comparative adjectives into practical rules. Read each rule, study the examples, and notice how the form supports the meaning.
An adjective often comes directly before the noun it describes.
Adjectives can come after be and other linking verbs.
Use comparative forms to compare two things and superlative forms to compare one thing with a group.
The examples below focus on comparative adjectives. Read the sentence, then read the note so you can see why the grammar choice works.
| Use | Example | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Core pattern | a small room | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
| Natural use | an interesting lesson | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
| Meaning check | three red apples | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
| Daily English | The room is small. | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
| Careful writing | The lesson seems interesting. | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
| Question form | The soup smells good. | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
| Formal style | This book is easier than that one. | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
| Review sentence | Maya is the tallest student. | This example connects to comparative adjectives and shows short adjective -er forms and longer adjective more forms. |
Comparative adjectives becomes more useful when it appears inside connected writing, not only in isolated examples. Try using the topic in a short message, a description, a comparison, or an explanation.
A strong example should answer the article question: Am I comparing one thing with another thing? If your sentence answers that question, the grammar is doing real work.
These mistakes show what can go wrong with comparative adjectives. Compare the wrong sentence, the correction, and the reason before you write your own examples.
| Common Mistake | Correction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| She has a car red. | She has a red car. | Most adjectives come before nouns. |
| This test is more easy. | This test is easier. | Use -er with many short adjectives. |
| He is the more tall student. | He is the tallest student. | Use the superlative form for one member of a group. |
Use these exercises after reading the article. They are designed around comparative adjectives, so each task should help you use the topic in a specific way.
Write a short paragraph of five to seven sentences that includes comparative adjectives. After writing, highlight the grammar pattern and explain how it answers this question: Am I comparing one thing with another thing?
Answer these questions to check whether you can recognize and use comparative adjectives without relying only on memory.
This topic is useful because it helps you make a specific grammar choice instead of relying on translation or habit.
Before you leave this article, check whether you can answer this question clearly: Am I comparing one thing with another thing?
If the answer feels automatic, try using comparative adjectives in a new sentence about your own life, work, studies, or opinions.
Next step: Write five comparisons about places, foods, people, or activities.
Browse, compare, learn usage, and practice with randomized quizzes from one learning card.
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take air into the lungs
Breathe in slowly through your nose.
use all of a supply so that none remains
We may use up the fuel before we arrive.
have a particular amount or type of food or money as support
They had to live on a very small income.
accept or tolerate an unpleasant situation or behavior
I cannot put up with that noise every night.
check, verify, or examine someone or something
Please check up on that information before publishing it.
make a container, place, or quantity completely full
Can you fill up the tank before we leave?
reduce a number of choices or possibilities
We need to narrow down the list to three candidates.
neutralize the effect of something by having an opposite effect
The two changes may cancel each other out.
die; a polite expression
A person may pass away peacefully in old age.
deal with a difficult issue step by step
We can work through the problem together.
destroy or remove a structure by pulling it apart
They will tear down the old building next year.
become popular, understood, or accepted
The new idea may catch on quickly.
remove clothing from your body
Please take off your coat and sit down.
choose, identify, or select someone or something
Can you pick out the best option?
cancel a planned event or activity
They had to call off the game because of the storm.
refuse an offer, request, proposal, or application
She decided to turn down the offer.
Sense: refuse an offer or request.
enter a discussion or activity suddenly and begin participating
Feel free to jump in if you have an idea.
dismiss workers because their jobs are no longer available
The company may lay off some workers.
withdraw from a place, plan, agreement, or competition
The company may pull out of the agreement.
continue doing something
We need to go on until the work is finished.