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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.
The second conditional expresses unreal, imaginary or unlikely present and future situations.
If + past simple, would + base verbHaving + 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 clauseWriters 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/commentReported speech retells what someone said, often with tense backshift when the reporting verb is in the past.
said (that) + clausetold + object + 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 verbSome verbs take to + infinitive, while modal verbs and certain structures take a bare infinitive.
want to gocan golet/make + object + base verbFormal conditionals can omit if and invert had, were or should with the subject.
Had I known, ...Were I you, ...Should you need help, ...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 + clauseEnglish 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 doDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,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...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 calledCoordinators link equal units; subordinators make one clause dependent on another.
clause, and/but/so clausebecause/although/when + 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, ...Wish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleA 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 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...An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseHave/get + object + past participle means that someone arranges for another person to perform a service or action.
have + object + past participleget + object + past participleThe 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 passiveWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + base verbEnglish 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 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 worksObjects receive the action, while complements describe or identify the subject or object.
S + V + OS + linking V + subject complementS + V + O + object complementAfter 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 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 + clauseIn 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...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 perfectFormal 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-infinitiveReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbPresent participles often describe an active or ongoing relation; past participles often describe a completed or passive relation.
verb-ingpast participle (V3)A gerund is an -ing form functioning as a noun, for example as subject or object.
verb-ing as subject/objectpreposition + verb-ingWords 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 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.Different reporting verbs take different complements: infinitive, gerund, object + infinitive, or that-clause.
agree to dodeny doingadvise object to dosuggest that + clause / suggest doingIn 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 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 → thereThe zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + base verbEnglish 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/timeEnglish clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + 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 clauseItems joined in a list or comparison should normally have matching grammatical form.
to read, to write, and to speakreading, writing, and speakingThe 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 doneCollective 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...Complex 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 + clauseWould 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 + pastSome 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 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 clauseObjects 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/timeEnglish clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + ComplementCards 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 + clauseAn independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent 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...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 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 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 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 + clauseThe zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + 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 participleThe 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 passiveFormal 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 doneCards 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 + clauseReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbDifferent 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.
Some 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 doA gerund is an -ing form functioning as a noun, for example as subject or object.
verb-ing as subject/objectpreposition + verb-ingCards 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 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, ...Present participles often describe an active or ongoing relation; past participles often describe a completed or passive relation.
verb-ingpast participle (V3)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.
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 + 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,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 worksCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Wish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + 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 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 + pastCards 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, ...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...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...Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
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/commentAfter 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 speakingSide-by-side study cards for grammar distinctions learners commonly mix up.
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 verbWith 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 doDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,Wish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleFormal 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...An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + 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 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.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/timeThe 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 doneSome 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.
Elementary Grammar A2
In this article, Elementary Grammar A2 learners study can and could.
You will learn how can and could express ability, possibility, permission, and polite requests.
The key question is: Does the sentence talk about ability now, ability in the past, possibility, or politeness?
The main rule to remember is: Use modal verb plus the base verb without to, except for semi-modals such as ought to and have to.
You will study can and could in statements, negatives, and questions.
By the end, you should be able to choose can or could with the correct meaning.
Modal verbs add meaning to another verb. They express ability, possibility, permission, advice, obligation, deduction, willingness, and politeness.
Can and Could Explained looks specifically at can and could. At this level, the goal is to connect basic grammar with longer speaking and writing tasks.
As you read, keep one question in mind: Does the sentence talk about ability now, ability in the past, possibility, or politeness? This question will help you connect the rule to meaning instead of memorizing the form alone.
You will see can and could in statements, negatives, and questions, then practice the topic through corrections, short tasks, and a final review.
This section breaks can and could into practical rules. Read each rule, study the examples, and notice how the form supports the meaning.
Use can, could, may, and might to talk about ability, possibility, and uncertainty.
Use should, must, have to, and ought to for advice, rules, and necessity.
Use must, might, could, and can't to guess from evidence.
The examples below focus on can and could. Read the sentence, then read the note so you can see why the grammar choice works.
| Use | Example | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Core pattern | She can swim. | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
| Natural use | It might rain. | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
| Meaning check | Could you help me? | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
| Daily English | You should rest. | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
| Careful writing | Drivers must stop. | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
| Question form | We have to leave now. | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
| Formal style | He must be tired. | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
| Review sentence | She might be at home. | This example connects to can and could and shows can and could in statements, negatives, and questions. |
Can and could 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: Does the sentence talk about ability now, ability in the past, possibility, or politeness? If your sentence answers that question, the grammar is doing real work.
These mistakes show what can go wrong with can and could. Compare the wrong sentence, the correction, and the reason before you write your own examples.
| Common Mistake | Correction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| She can to swim. | She can swim. | Use the base verb after most modal verbs. |
| He musts leave. | He must leave. | Do not add s to modal verbs. |
| You should to rest. | You should rest. | Most modals are followed directly by the base verb. |
Use these exercises after reading the article. They are designed around can and could, so each task should help you use the topic in a specific way.
Write a short paragraph of five to seven sentences that includes can and could. After writing, highlight the grammar pattern and explain how it answers this question: Does the sentence talk about ability now, ability in the past, possibility, or politeness?
Answer these questions to check whether you can recognize and use can and could 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: Does the sentence talk about ability now, ability in the past, possibility, or politeness?
If the answer feels automatic, try using can and could in a new sentence about your own life, work, studies, or opinions.
Next step: Write two ability sentences, two permission questions, and two polite requests.
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recover from an illness, difficulty, shock, or setback
The doctors believe he will pull through.
publish, release, or make something available
The company will put out a new guide next week.
Sense: publish or release.
invent an idea, explanation, story, or plan
We need to make up a better solution.
Sense: invent a story or explanation.
relax and avoid becoming actively involved for a time
You can sit back while I handle the details.
switch from one system, method, or product to another
The office will change over to the new software next month.
throw something away because it is unwanted or no longer useful
Do not throw away those receipts yet.
compensate for a loss, mistake, or disadvantage
We will make up for the lost time tomorrow.
register your arrival at a hotel, airport, event, or service
We should check in at least two hours before the flight.
take strong action to stop illegal or unacceptable activity
Authorities will crack down on illegal parking.
listen secretly or deliberately to a conversation not meant for you
Someone was listening in on our conversation.
find information or an object by searching, often something hidden or forgotten
The reporter managed to dig up new evidence.
neutralize the effect of something by having an opposite effect
The two changes may cancel each other out.
remove clothing from your body
Please pull off your coat and sit down.
Sense: remove an item of clothing.
reduce the amount, use, cost, or frequency of something
We need to cut down on unnecessary spending.
continue with life, work, or another activity after a change
It is time to move on and focus on the future.
make something fall by hitting it or demolish a structure
They plan to knock down the old wall.
solve a problem or find a satisfactory answer
We can sort out this problem together.
decrease in amount, level, speed, or intensity
The noise should go down after midnight.
reduce the amount, use, cost, or frequency of something
We need to cut back on unnecessary spending.
do something wrong without being caught or punished
He should not get away with cheating.