Practice grammar by subject, challenge the full grammar bank, progress level by level, or take a placement test to estimate your current English level.
Tap any subject card to start immediately. Questions are randomized every attempt.
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-ingAn independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseHaving + 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 clauseAfter 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 verbFormal 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-infinitiveWould 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)A 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 clauseThe second conditional expresses unreal, imaginary or unlikely present and future situations.
If + past simple, would + base verbEnglish clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + ComplementFormal conditionals can omit if and invert had, were or should with the subject.
Had I known, ...Were I you, ...Should you need help, ...Wish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleCoordinators link equal units; subordinators make one clause dependent on another.
clause, and/but/so clausebecause/although/when + clauseThe 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 passiveReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbItems joined in a list or comparison should normally have matching grammatical form.
to read, to write, and to speakreading, writing, and speakingA 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 calledAs 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 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...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.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...With 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 doThe 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 doneThird 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 verbIn 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 verbHave/get + object + past participle means that someone arranges for another person to perform a service or action.
have + object + past participleget + object + past participleObjects receive the action, while complements describe or identify the subject or object.
S + V + OS + linking V + subject complementS + V + O + object complementEnglish 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 + clauseSome verbs take to + infinitive, while modal verbs and certain structures take a bare infinitive.
want to gocan golet/make + object + 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...The zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + base verbWords 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 verbReported speech retells what someone said, often with tense backshift when the reporting verb is in the past.
said (that) + clausetold + object + clauseParticiple clauses compress information when the understood subject is the same as the subject of the main clause.
Walking home, ...Built in 1900, ...Having finished, ...Conditional 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 + clauseIn 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 worksCollective 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...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 + 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 locallyA 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 clauseEnglish 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/timeDifferent reporting verbs take different complements: infinitive, gerund, object + infinitive, or that-clause.
agree to dodeny doingadvise object to dosuggest that + clause / suggest doingWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + base verbComplex 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 + clauseCommands 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 → thereDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,Writers 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/commentFormal 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.
A 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 clauseEnglish clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + ComplementObjects receive the action, while complements describe or identify the subject or object.
S + V + OS + linking V + subject complementS + V + O + object 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/timeCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseCoordinators 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 + clauseCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
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...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 verbWords 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 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...Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
The second conditional expresses unreal, imaginary or unlikely present and future situations.
If + past simple, would + base verbThird 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 verbThe zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + 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 + clauseCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Formal 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 focuses on the receiver of an action. It is formed with be plus a past participle.
be + past participleObject of active sentence → subject of passiveThe 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 doneHave/get + object + past participle means that someone arranges for another person to perform a service or action.
have + object + past participleget + object + past participleCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Reported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbReported 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 doingCommands 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-ingWith 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 doEnglish 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 + clauseSome verbs take to + infinitive, while modal verbs and certain structures take a bare infinitive.
want to gocan golet/make + object + base verbCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
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 clausePresent participles often describe an active or ongoing relation; past participles often describe a completed or passive relation.
verb-ingpast participle (V3)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, ...Some 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.
A 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 worksWhose 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 + clauseDefining 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.
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 + pastWish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleAs 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 perfectWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + base verbCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Formal conditionals can omit if and invert had, were or should with the subject.
Had I known, ...Were I you, ...Should you need help, ...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...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...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 verbItems joined in a list or comparison should normally have matching grammatical form.
to read, to write, and to speakreading, writing, and speakingEnglish 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.Writers 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.
An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseWish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + 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.With 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 doThe 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 doneThird 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 verbWords 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 verbSome 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 locallyEnglish 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/timeDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,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...Examples come from the editable lesson database and change order each load.
Questions and answer choices are randomized for every new attempt.
Mastery Grammar C2
In this article, Mastery Grammar C2 learners study grammar for public speaking.
You will learn how grammar changes according to audience, purpose, and tone.
The key question is: What grammar style fits this reader, listener, and situation?
The main rule to remember is: Match your sentence structure, formality, and word choice to your reader and purpose.
You will study formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices.
By the end, you should be able to adjust grammar and tone for different communication situations.
Style and register describe how grammar changes according to audience, purpose, relationship, and situation. Good writers choose grammar that fits the context.
Grammar for Public Speaking looks specifically at grammar for public speaking. At this level, the goal is flexible, natural, and audience-aware grammar control.
As you read, keep one question in mind: What grammar style fits this reader, listener, and situation? This question will help you connect the rule to meaning instead of memorizing the form alone.
You will see formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices, then practice the topic through corrections, short tasks, and a final review.
This section breaks grammar for public speaking into practical rules. Read each rule, study the examples, and notice how the form supports the meaning.
Formal grammar often uses complete sentences, careful connectors, passive structures, and precise noun phrases.
Informal grammar allows contractions, shorter sentences, direct questions, and conversational patterns.
Professional writing should be clear, polite, concise, and specific.
The examples below focus on grammar for public speaking. Read the sentence, then read the note so you can see why the grammar choice works.
| Use | Example | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Core pattern | The proposal will be reviewed next week. | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
| Natural use | We would appreciate your response. | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
| Meaning check | The results indicate a clear trend. | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
| Daily English | I'll send it later. | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
| Careful writing | Can you check this? | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
| Question form | That sounds good to me. | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
| Formal style | Please confirm the meeting time. | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
| Review sentence | The attached file includes the revised plan. | This example connects to grammar for public speaking and shows formal, informal, professional, persuasive, and spoken grammar choices. |
Grammar for public speaking 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: What grammar style fits this reader, listener, and situation? If your sentence answers that question, the grammar is doing real work.
These mistakes show what can go wrong with grammar for public speaking. Compare the wrong sentence, the correction, and the reason before you write your own examples.
| Common Mistake | Correction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| This sentence use the grammar wrong. | This sentence uses the grammar correctly. | Check subject-verb agreement and word form. |
| I not understand the rule. | I do not understand the rule. | Use the correct auxiliary in negative sentences. |
| The meaning is not clear because word order. | The meaning is not clear because of the word order. | Check missing prepositions and connectors. |
Use these exercises after reading the article. They are designed around grammar for public speaking, so each task should help you use the topic in a specific way.
Write a short paragraph of five to seven sentences that includes grammar for public speaking. After writing, highlight the grammar pattern and explain how it answers this question: What grammar style fits this reader, listener, and situation?
Answer these questions to check whether you can recognize and use grammar for public speaking 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: What grammar style fits this reader, listener, and situation?
If the answer feels automatic, try using grammar for public speaking in a new sentence about your own life, work, studies, or opinions.
Next step: Rewrite one message in a casual style, a professional style, and a formal style.
Browse, compare, learn usage, and practice with randomized quizzes from one learning card.
Sort by level, base verb, primary particle, structure, meaning group, or teaching priority.
increase in amount, level, speed, or intensity
Prices may move up again next month.
solve a problem or find a satisfactory answer
We can figure out this problem together.
switch from one system, method, or product to another
The office will change over to the new software next month.
enter or board a bus, train, plane, or other transport
We need to get on the train now.
begin living in a new home or place
They will move in next weekend.
leave a place quietly or earlier than expected
I may duck out of the meeting a little early.
complete the process of leaving a hotel or service
We have to check out by eleven.
Sense: leave a hotel.
give information, an object, or a message to another person
Please pass on this message to the team.
Sense: transmit.
compensate for a loss, mistake, or disadvantage
We will make up for the lost time tomorrow.
make a problem, confusion, or weather condition clear
We should clear up this misunderstanding today.
turn something to the other side or transfer control
Please turn over the page.
Sense: flip to the other side.
give or distribute something to several people
Please hand out these papers to the class.
gain money or advantage from an opportunity or situation
Some businesses try to cash in on new trends.
leave or begin a journey
We plan to head out early tomorrow.
wash dishes after a meal; in British English, also wash your hands and face
I will wash up after dinner.
deal with a difficult issue step by step
We can work through the problem together.
start an activity, process, business, or event
The new project is ready to start up.
choose, identify, or select someone or something
Can you single out the best option?
hide or suppress strong feelings instead of expressing them
Do not bottle up your feelings for too long.
become less hot or make something less hot; also become calmer
Let the engine cool down before you touch it.