GRAMMAR REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL

A2
This publication has made use of the English Grammar Profile. This resource is
based on extensive research using the Cambridge Learner Corpus and is part of
the English Profile programme, which aims to provide evidence about language
use that helps to produce better language teaching materials.
See http://www.englishprofile.org/ for more information.

Compiled electronically by Efthimios Mavrogeorgiadis.

http://www.toe.gr/
ADJECTIVES

COMBINING
FORM: COMBINING TWO ADJECTIVES WITH 'BUT'
Can use 'but' to join a limited range of common adjectives, after 'be'.

Corrected Learner Examples

The weather was cloudy but fine.
It was cheap but beautiful.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

The weather was cloudy but fine.
It was cheap but beautiful.

COMPARATIVES
FORM: + -ER
Can form comparative adjectives from adjectives of one syllable by adding '-er'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I played computer games with my older brother.
The shirt was cheaper than the trousers.
It is easy to use and it is smaller than the old one.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

And I played some games with my family after this, I played computer games with my older
brother.
The shirt was cheaper than the trousers, it cost 32€ and the trousers 67€.
It is easy to use and it is smaller than the old one.

Comments
Results at A2 are heavily dominated by Romance L1s.

FORM: + -IER
Can form comparative adjectives with adjectives of two syllables ending in '-y' by changing the
'y' to an 'I' and adding '-er'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I like it because it's small and easier to use than other phones.
The students were happier and there were lots of stories for their parents.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I like because it's small and easier to use than other phones.
The students were happier and they were lots of stories for their parents.

FORM: BEFORE NOUNS

Can use comparative adjectives attributively, before nouns.

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 Corrected Learner Examples
I just watched a cricket match with my younger brother and my father.
I bought the shoes and the t-shirt for my older brother's party.
I want to take this course because I want to know more about computers, so that I can get a
better job.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I just watched a cricket match with my younger brother and my father.
I bought the shoes and the t-shirt for my older brother's party.

Comments
Predicative use (with verbs) tends to be lower level than attributive (with nouns) –
unsurprisingly.

FORM: COMPLEMENT OF 'BE'

Can use comparative adjectives as a complement of 'be'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Sam, It would be better if you came after 4.30 p.m.
You can come by bus, it's easier.
You need to wear shorts and a t-shirt so you are more comfortable.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Sam,It would be better if you come after 4.30 p.m. Remember to bring your guitar and the
camera.
You can come by bus, it's easier.
You need wear shorts and a t-shirts so you are more comfortable.

FORM: DOUBLE CONSONANT + '-ER'

Can form comparative adjectives with adjectives of one syllable with a short vowel, by
doubling the final consonant and adding '-er'

Corrected Learner Examples

The rooms are all very beautiful, but I prefer my room because is bigger.
I bought lots of T-shirts because the weather is getting hotter.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

The rooms are all very beautif but I prefer my room because is bigger.
I bought lots of T-shirt because the weather is getting hotter and hotter.

FORM: ENDING IN '-E' + '-R'

Can form comparative adjectives with adjectives of one syllable ending in 'e', by adding '-r'.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about an alternative plan] I think it will be nicer.
You can come by boat, but I prefer to come by aeroplane because it is safer.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I think it will be nicer.
You can come by the boat but I prefere to come by airoplane because is safer.

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 FORM: IRREGULAR
Can form irregular comparative adjectives.

Corrected Learner Examples

What colour do you think is better?
For further information, contact Joey Hung.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

What colour do you think is better?
For further information, contact Joey Hung.

Comments
There is only a small number irregular comparative adjectives. 'Further' at this level is only
used with 'information' or 'details' and may have been learnt as a fixed expression.

FORM: WITH 'MORE'

Can form a range of comparative adjective phrases using 'more' + longer adjectives (usually
three or more syllables).

Corrected Learner Examples

I think you must be more careful.
It was more expensive than the other clothes.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I think you must be more careful.
It was more expensive than the other clothes.

FORM: WITH 'THAN'

Can use a comparative adjective with 'than' to compare two nouns or noun phrases.►
comparative clauses

Corrected Learner Examples

It's smaller than my old phone and I like it because it has bluetooth and it isn't very expensive.
The weather in Thailand was hotter than Vietnam, but I was alright!
My new mobile is more interesting than my old mobile.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It's smaller than my old phone and I like it because it has bluetooth and it isn't very expensive.
The weather in Thailand was hotter than Vietnam but I were alright!
My new mobile is more interesting than the old mobile.

MODIFYING
FORM: WITH 'TOO'
Can use 'too' with common gradable adjectives.

Corrected Learner Examples

They aren't too expensive. They cost like £30.
I bought a jacket because the other one that I had was too small.

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
They aren't too expensive, They cost like £30.
I bought a jacket because the other one that I had was too small and a t-shirt to use in the
summer.

FORM: WITH 'TOO' + PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE

Can use 'too' + adjective + prepositional phrase

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought them because I noticed that most of my clothes were too small for me.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I bought them because I noticed that most of my clothes were too small for me.

FORM: WITH DEGREE ADVERBS

Can use adverbs of degree ('really', 'so', 'quite') with an increasing range of common gradable
adjectives.

Corrected Learner Examples

It was sunny and really hot every day!
I'm so happy because we can have a party for my birthday together!
They are quite expensive.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It was sunny and really hot every day!
I'm so happy because we can have a party for my birthday together!
They are quite expensive.

FORM: WITH PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE

Can form adjective phrases with a very limited range of adjectives + a prepositional phrase.

Corrected Learner Examples

I think swimming is good for my body.
The house was full of people, my family and friends.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I think swimming is good for my body.
The house was full of people my family and friends.

POSITION
FORM/USE: LIMITING ADJECTIVES
Can use a limited range of adjectives ('main', 'only') that limit the noun that they go before.

Corrected Learner Examples

…the main reason is that I am practising the language.
But the only thing that I didn't like was the weather.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

However the main reason is that I am practicing the language.
But the only thing that I didn't like was the weather, it was extremely cold in that season.

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 FORM: PREDICATIVE, WITH 'BE'
Can use an increasing range of adjectives predicatively, after 'be'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Yes, I am free Monday morning.
I love her because she is friendly.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Yes, I am free Monday morning and I want go to pool, for swimming.
I love her because she is friendly.

FORM: PREDICATIVE, WITH LINKING VERBS

Can use a limited range of adjectives predicatively, after linking verbs 'look' and 'feel'.

Corrected Learner Examples

It is black and it looks perfect.
I bought them because I feel comfortable when I am wearing these clothes.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It is black and it looks perfect.
I bought them because I feel comfortable when I am wearing these clothes.

SUPERLATIVES
FORM/USE: COMPLEX NOUN PHRASES
Can form a limited range of complex noun phrases with a superlative adjective + prepositional
phrase, to talk about something unique.► noun phrases ► clauses: comparison

Corrected Learner Examples

It is the biggest zoo in the world.
They were the happiest days of my life.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It's the biggest zoo in the world.
There were the happiest days of my life.

Comments
Note the different uses of superlative + in and superlative + of. We don't describe the
difference here because it is about error, what learners can't do rather than can do. See EGT
entry 77n.

FORM/USE: WITH 'IN' + NOUN

Can use prepositional phrases with 'in' + singular name of a place after a superlative adjective.

Corrected Learner Examples

It's the biggest room in the house.
I bought them because they are the cheapest clothes in the shop.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It's the biggest room in the house.
I bought them because they are the cheapest clothes in the shop.

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FORM/USE: WITH 'OF' + NOUN
Can use a limited range of prepositional phrases with 'of' after a superlative adjective, to refer
to one thing within a set or part of a set.

Corrected Learner Examples

My teacher said that it was the best project of all.
I learned to surf, this was the best part of the trip.
Hi, Ally. You will miss the best party of the year!

Uncorrected Learner Examples

My teacher said that it was the best project of all.
I enjoyed the trip because I like beach, I learn surfing this was the best part of the trip because
was funny and hard and the people are very nice and very friendly.
Hi, Ally You lose the best party of the year!

Comments
This is distinct from 'in' + noun which refers to place whereas of + noun refers to one of a set.

FORM: ELLIPSIS, WITH 'THE'

Can use 'the' with a limited range of superlative adjectives without a following noun, when the
noun is understood.

Corrected Learner Examples

My relatives gave me presents but the computer game was the best.
But Mark's present was the most beautiful!

Uncorrected Learner Examples

My releatives gave me presents but computer game was the best.
But Mark's preasent was the most beautiful!

FORM: WITH '-EST'

Can form superlative adjectives with adjectives of one syllable with a short vowel, by doubling
the final consonant and adding '–est'.

Corrected Learner Examples

… it's the biggest and oldest museum in Libya.
It's the biggest room in the house.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Dear Wendy, I am waiting for you in any time, you can go to the museum because it's the
biggest and oldest museum in Libya.
It's the biggest room in the house.

Comments
The only correct examples of this at A2 are with 'biggest'.

Can form superlative adjectives by adding the suffix '-est', to adjectives of one syllable.
Corrected Learner Examples
… it's the biggest and oldest museum in Libya.
It was the cheapest in this shop!

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
Dear Wendy, I am waiting for you in any time, you can go to the museum because it's the
biggest and oldest museum in Libya.
It was the cheapest in this shop!

Can form superlative adjectives using the '-est' suffix, with adjectives of one syllable, and with
two-syllable adjectives ending in -y.
Corrected Learner Examples
The easiest way to get my house is by Underground.
… you are the funniest person that I have ever seen!

Uncorrected Learner Examples

The easiest way to get my house is by the Underground.
Everybody was there, but I miss you, because you are the funniest person that I have ever
seen!

FORM: WITH '-ST'

Can form superlative adjectives using the suffix '-st' to adjectives ending in '–e'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I always watch the latest music videos from there.
I like it because it's the largest.
But the nicest thing at my party was my presents.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I always watch the latest music video from there.
I like it because it's largest.
But the nicest thing in my party was my presents.

FORM: WITH 'MY' OR 'YOUR'

Can form a noun phrase with 'my' or 'your' + superlative adjective + noun, with a limited range
of nouns and contexts. ► noun phrases

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought these clothes for my youngest brother ....
[talking about painting a room] Please wear your oldest clothes.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I bought these clothers for my youngest brother because on next Sunday is his birthday.
I would like to start at 4:00 p.m. Please wear your oldest clothes.

FORM: WITH 'THE MOST'

Can form superlative adjective phrases using 'the most', with longer adjectives of two or more
syllables.

Corrected Learner Examples

We love football competitions because here in Uruguay football is the most popular sport.
It is the most famous place in Edinburgh and it is interesting too.
The problem was that it was the most expensive mobile in the shop.

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
We love footballs competitions because here in Uruguay the football is the most popular sport.
It is the most famous place in Edinburgh and it is interesting too.
The problem was that it was the most expensive mobile of the shop.

FORM: WITH 'THE'

Can form a noun phrase with 'the' + superlative adjective + noun. ► noun phrases

Corrected Learner Examples

It has the latest technology.
The best place is La Baule, which is Europe's biggest beach.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It have the latest technology.
The best place is La Baule, which is European's bigges beach.

ADVERBS

ADVERB PHRASES - FORM

FORM: ADVERB + ADVERB
Can modify a limited range of adverbs of time, degree, and manner with other adverbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

I love it so much.
I don't eat it very often, usually on Saturday.
I really need it right now because I'm waiting for a call from a department store.
[talking about running shoes] I usually run twice a week and I like them because they weigh
only 120 grams, and I can run very fast.
I hope to fix the problem very quickly.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I love it so much.
[about a favourite meal] I don't eat it very often, usually on Saturday.
I really need it right now because I'm waiting for a call from a department store.
[talking about running shoes] I usually run twice a week and I like them because they weight
only 120 gr and I can run very fast.
I hope to fixiy the problem very quickly.

ADVERBS AND ADVERB PHRASES: TYPES AND MEANINGS

FORM: DEGREE, MODIFYING ADJECTIVES
Can use a range of degree adverbs to modify common gradable adjectives.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm so happy because you can come!
[referring to a lost book] It's really important for me, because I need to do some homework.
But it is too expensive.

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
I'm so happy because you can come!
[referring to a lost book] It's really important for me, because I need to do some homework.
But it is too expensive.

FORM: MANNER, MODIFYING VERBS

Can use a limited range of manner adverbs to modify verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

I really liked it because all the candidates were professional and swam very fast.
I learned to use my phone very quickly and easily.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I really liked it because all the candidates were profesional and swam very fast.
I learned to use my phone very quickly and easily.

FORM: TIME AND SEQUENCING, MODIFYING CLAUSES

Can use time and sequencing adverbs to modify clauses and sentences.

Corrected Learner Examples

Yesterday I went shopping and bought some clothes.
First we had dinner in my house and after we went to the pub.
I just heard about your accident.
I often eat it at weekends.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Yesterday I went shopping and bought some clothes.
First we had dinner in my house and after we went to the pub.
I just heard about your accident.
I often eat it at weekends.

ADVERBS AS MODIFIERS
USE: CERTAINTY
Can use a limited range of adverbs ('maybe', 'perhaps') to indicate degrees of certainty.

Corrected Learner Examples

Or maybe we can walk to there, because it's not far from my house.
Perhaps I left it in your living room.

USE: DEGREE WITH VERBS

Can use a limited range of adverbs and adverb phrases ('so much', 'a lot') with verbs to
indicate degree or intensity. ► determiners

Corrected Learner Examples

I am looking forward to seeing you so much!
We listened to music and we danced a lot too.

USE: DEGREE, WITH ADJECTIVES

Can use a limited range of degree adverbs ('so', 'quite', 'too') to modify adjectives.

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 Corrected Learner Examples
I went to Vinpearland. It's so beautiful.
It was quite expensive, it cost £100.
The weather was too hot.

USE: FOCUS
Can use a limited range of adverbs ('only', 'just') to focus on or point to something.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about a class] It's only two hours.
It was only €70. It is pink. it looks very nice.
It was just £15.

USE: FREQUENCY
Can use an increasing range of adverbs ('usually', 'often', 'never', 'weekly') to talk about
frequency.

Corrected Learner Examples

People usually try to eat their breakfast between 7 and 9 am.
I have to pay weekly or monthly?
I often go to the Shanghai Museum.
You never remember anything!

Comments
Often and never appear at A1 in the EVP. While A1 students might recognise these words there
is not enough evidence of successful grammatical use until A2.

USE: LINKING
Can use a limited range of adverbs ('also', 'so', 'however') to show a relationship between two
clauses or sentences.

Corrected Learner Examples

I also bought some t-shirts.
[talking about paint] I don't like green, so I decided to use blue, could you help me to paint my
room?
Yesterday I bought some clothes: trousers and skirts … However, the clothes were cheap.

USE: MANNER
Can use a limited range of manner adverbs and adverb phrases to modify how something
happens.

Corrected Learner Examples

… both the players played well.
You must go straight, then turn left.
Some of them can swim very fast.
[talking about a bike] It's very colourfull, and it goes very quickly.

USE: SEQUENCING
Can use a limited range of adverbs and adverb phrases ('first', 'then', 'after that') to order
segments of discourse.

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 Corrected Learner Examples
First we had a dinner in a very expensive restaurant, then we went to a disco.
We can meet at 6 pm at my house, and then we can get to the sports centre by bus.
[talking about a children's party games] First, we played housie and blind man's bluff. After
that a magician showed us a lot of magic tricks.

USE: STANCE
Can use a limited range of adverbs ('actually', 'unfortunately', 'of course', 'I’m sorry') to indicate
an attitude or viewpoint.

Corrected Learner Examples

It's very nice that you're going to help me to paint my bedroom. Actually I want you to decide
what colour that my room should be.
Unfortunately, my team lost.
[talking about a watch] It costs €450 and of course it is black. You know black is my favorite
color.
I'm sorry you can't find it.

USE: TIME
Can use a limited range of adverbs ('yesterday', 'just', 'now', 'already',) to refer to the timing of
an event.

Corrected Learner Examples

Yesterday I went shopping.
I've just seen your mail.
I am working very hard now because I want to earn some money.
[talking about a film] I've already seen it.

Comments
Yesterday is at A1 in the EVP While there is evidence of use of yesterday at A1, there are only
10 hits in the CLC for yesterday at A1 in comparison with 8655 at A2. While students might
recognise it at A1 it may be that exam tasks at A1 are not encouraging use of it.

POSITION
FORM: DEGREE, BEFORE ADJECTIVES
Can use an increasing range of degree adverbs before an adjective.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm so glad you are coming.
They are quite expensive.
The only bad thing is, it was too cold!

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 Comments
General note about adverbs: By A2, the position of adverbs has been grasped but there are still
a lot of persistent word order errors, peaking at B1, for example, .|I bought yesterday a new T-
Shirt. (A2 WAYSTAGE; 2008; Greek; Pass), I enjoyed very much my holiday. (2665686_1; KETfS;
Uruguay; A2 WAYSTAGE; 2009)||Note on spoken data: we anticipate that spoken data would
reveal other adverb patterns which we're not seeing in the written data, e.g. initial-position
negative adverbs + inversion and the development of mid-position ‘comment’ adverbs (I
stupidly left my keys at home)

FORM: DEGREE, END POSITION

Can use degree adverbs in end position.

Corrected Learner Examples

I miss you a lot.
I am looking forward to seeing you so much!

FORM: END POSITION, MANNER

Can use manner adverbs in the usual end position.

Corrected Learner Examples

Please answer me quickly because there are only eleven tickets.
My house is opposite the train station so you can find it easily.

Comments
We suspect that with more spoken data we would see a much greater preponderance of
adverbs (and prepositional phrases) in end position.

FORM: FRONT POSITION

Can use an increasing range of adverbs in front position.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about taking a language course] However I can study only on Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday, because I am working in the restaurant.
Perhaps I left it in your living room.
Just wait right at the door, I will be there.

FORM: MID POSITION

Can use adverbs in mid position between the subject and the main verb and after modal verbs,
auxiliary verbs and 'be'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought it because it is very pretty, but it wasn't expensive, I only spent thirty pounds!
We also eat rice every day.
Yes, I have finally bought a mobile phone.
We can also go to the meeting on Saturday evening.
Nick, I would really like to help with the concert.

FORM: SENTENCE ADVERB, FRONT POSITION

Can use evaluative, viewpoint and sequencing adverbs outside the clause, in front position, as
a cohesive device to link to a previous statement in a preceding clause.

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 Corrected Learner Examples
It's very nice that you're going to help me to paint my bedroom. Actually I want you to decide
what colour that my room should be.
Unfortunately, my team lost.
First, I bought one pair of shoes that cost €50 and then I bought a dress that cost me €75.

Comments
We would expect to see greater use of adverbs as response tokens or short responses in
spoken data.

CLAUSES

COMPARATIVES
FORM: 'BE LIKE' + NOUN OR PRONOUN
Can use 'be' + 'like' + noun or pronoun.

Corrected Learner Examples

I like her because she is like me.
When you get to the station, you'll take "The Funiculaire." It's like a little train.

CONDITIONAL
FORM/USE: PRESENT SIMPLE 'IF' CLAUSE, REAL CONDITIONS
Can use 'if' + present simple with present simple, 'can' or imperative in the main clause to
refer to things that are true now or very likely to happen.

Corrected Learner Examples

If I have spare time I always read a book.
If you need to contact me, here is my number: 07938776341, so just call me.
If you need some help I'm here to organise the meeting or to make the invitations.
You can get to my house if you take the number 35 bus.
If you need more information, call me.

Comments
If' + present simple + 'will' with future reference doesn?t properly emerge until B1. ||In ELT
coursebooks there is a tendency to simplify this ?real conditions? structure to one pattern, 'If'
+ 'Present simple', 'Present simple' ('If you heat water, it boils') usually called ?the zero
conditional?. The reality is that there are many more structures that express real conditions.

FORM: 'IF' + PRESENT SIMPLE

Can form conditional subordinate clause with 'if' + present simple.

Corrected Learner Examples

It is 3 hours long, and if you want to pass it you will have to study very hard, it is very difficult.
If you buy a gift for me, please buy a book, because I love to read.
If you agree, we can go shopping after the film.

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 Comments
At A1, there are instances of 'if' + present, mostly with 'need' and 'want' but they are limited to
a narrow range of L1s and many have errors. Most are suggestions and offers, e.g. 'If you need
my help, you can call me.' There are examples of 'if' + present + 'will' at A2 but they are
mostly limited to Romance L1s and very often not appropriate.||Note on punctuation: many
grammar books stress that when the 'if' clause precedes the main clause, it must use a
comma. We cannot establish a consistent competency for this (and punctuation in general). It
seems too idiosyncratic. L1 can be a skewing factor

FORM: PRESENT SIMPLE 'IF' CLAUSE + IMPERATIVE

Can use 'if' + present simple, with an imperative in the main clause.

Corrected Learner Examples

If you find it, call me.
If you want to come, just tell me.

USE: 'IF' CLAUSE + IMPERATIVE, HEDGING

Can use an 'if-' clause ('if you want', 'like', 'prefer') to soften the directness of imperatives,
offers or suggestions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Bring some films if you want.
Call me if you like.
Please, come here wearing a white T-shirt and a skirt, or shorts if you prefer.
If you want I can help you with the music.
If you like, you could bring some drinks.
We can go by bus or if you prefer we can go in my car.

Comments
In these cases, the 'if' clause doesn?t need to be there. It serves to soften the imperative. Note
on punctuation: many grammar books stress that when the 'if' clause precedes the main
clause, it must use a comma. We cannot establish a consistent competency for this (and
punctuation in general). It seems too idiosyncratic. L1 can be a skewing factor.

COORDINATED
FORM/USE: MULTIPLE MAIN CLAUSES, INSTRUCTIONS
Can combine multiple main clauses, with commas and conjunctions expressing order, often to
give instructions or directions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Your house is near to mine so turn down the 5th street and then go straight almost all the
way. When you see the purple street turn there, then go to the left to the Red street, that is my
street, my house is 17.
You start at your house, go straight ahead, then turn right.

Comments
This is common in informal spoken language in NS data.

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DECLARATIVE
FORM: NEGATIVE DECLARATIVE WITH 'HAVE'
Can form a simple negative declarative clause with auxiliary 'have' + 'not' or 'n't' and 'have' +
'not' or 'n't (got)'

Corrected Learner Examples

I haven't eaten Italian food for a long time.
… now I haven't got any money.
I bought them because I hadn't got any clothes for summer.

Comments
At A2 there are mainly present tense forms of have with contracted 'n't'; it's enough to show
that they have mastered the form.

FORM: NEGATIVE DECLARATIVE, MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS

Can form a simple negative declarative clause with modal verb + 'not' or 'n't'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I know you couldn't come to my party so I want to tell you about my presents and party.
I can't wait to see you and tell you the rest.
You won't have to bring anything.
When I worked in the sushi bar, I could not eat lunch and dinner at the normal time.
Sometimes I ate lunch at 3pm and dinner was at 11pm.
Once you have started, you will not want to stop.

Comments
This shows when learners have a general understanding of how to form a negative statement
with a modal. See individual modal verb profiles for details about each individual modal verb
form and use.

IMPERATIVES
FORM/USE: 'LET'S', SUGGESTION
Can use 'let's' + base form of a main verb, for first person plural imperatives to make a
suggestion.

Corrected Learner Examples

The concert will be in Canecão. Let's go!!!
Let's go to the town centre, it is an interesting place.
Let's meet at half past four.

FORM/USE: NEGATIVE
Can form a negative imperative with the auxiliary verb 'do' + 'n't' + base form of a main verb,
to give advice, instructions or orders.

Corrected Learner Examples

Don't tell Lucy, please.
Don't bring your children please.
Don't worry, I'll be there.

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 Comments
No results for short form 'don't' as an imperative answer.

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can form an affirmative imperative with the base form of a main verb.

Corrected Learner Examples

Goodbye. Write soon.
Bring your swim-suit for the swimming pool.
Call me if you need anything.

USE: CLOSINGS
Can use the imperative to give instructions, often at the end of a letter or when saying
goodbye to someone.

Corrected Learner Examples

Email or phone me.
Write to me soon. Take care.
Come soon.

USE: EMPHASISING AN INSTRUCTION

Can use negative imperative after an instruction, for emphasis.

Corrected Learner Examples

Our house is next to the school and my home is opposite the post office. Don't forget.
We'll meet at my house at 3 o'clock. Don't be late!

USE: INSTRUCTIONS
Can use the imperative to give instructions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Take a taxi to the Petrol station then call me.
The easiest way to get to my house is by Underground. Take line 14 and then change to line 8.
Walk a little bit more and then you arrive.
Wear an apron over your clothes.
Bring some money with you.
Take a yellow bus near Green Park at 5.45 pm. Remember to bring your camera!

INTERROGATIVES
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE 'WH-' INTERROGATIVE
Can form 'wh-' interrogative clauses with a 'wh-' word as object.

Corrected Learner Examples

When are you coming here?
What have you bought?
And what must I bring?
When can we meet?
Where did you go?
How do you feel?

18
 Comments
Examples with 'When' and 'What' are the most frequent. Examples with 'Why are' + negative
('why don't …, why didn't') examples.

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE INTERROGATIVE

Can form interrogative clauses ('yes/no' forms) of main lexical verbs with auxiliary 'do'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Do you remember Julie?
Did you buy a new mobile phone?

Comments
No correct examples at A2 with pronouns other than 'you' for 'yes/no' questions. Probably due
to lack of spoken data.

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE INTERROGATIVE, WITH AUXILIARY 'BE/HAVE'

Can form interrogative clauses ('yes/no' forms) with auxiliary 'be' and 'have'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Are you going to the new art class?
Have you got a new dress for the party?

Comments
No correct examples at A2 with pronouns other than 'you' for 'yes/no' questions. Probably due
to lack of spoken data.

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE INTERROGATIVE, WITH MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS

Can form interrogative clauses ('yes/no' forms) with modal auxiliary verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

Would you like to come with me?
Will you go with me?
Can I come tomorrow to collect it?
Shall we meet at 7.30 pm?

FORM: NEGATIVE 'WH-' INTERROGATIVE

Can form negative 'wh-' interrogative clauses.

Corrected Learner Examples

Why don't we watch a film?
Why didn't you come with me?
Why don't you ask Jennifer to go with you?
Why couldn't you come? It was fun.

Comments
No examples of other 'wh'-words in the CLC, which may be due to the lack of spoken data.

FORM: NEGATIVE INTERROGATIVE

Can form negative interrogative clauses.

19
 Corrected Learner Examples
Isn't it great?
Don't you like pizza?
[Talking about a car] I bought one. Didn't I tell you?

PHRASES/EXCLAMATIONS
FORM: 'WHAT A PITY' + ('THAT') CLAUSE
Can use 'What a pity' + ('that') clause.

Corrected Learner Examples

What a pity that you didn't come.
What a pity you lost the information about the new art class.

FORM: 'WHAT A …!'

Can use 'What a' + noun phrase and 'What a' + noun phrase + clause.

Corrected Learner Examples

What a brilliant idea.
What a nice present I have!
What a great afternoon I had yesterday!

RELATIVE
FORM: DEFINING, OBJECT, WITH 'THAT'
Can use a defining relative clause with 'that' as the object.

Corrected Learner Examples

The team that I like is called 'The Monkeys', but Paty prefers 'The Walls'.
I bought some clothes that I will need for my trip to Greece.
Please, wear clothes that you can get dirty; use old clothes, okay?

FORM: DEFINING, OBJECT, WITH 'WHICH'

Can use a defining relative clause with 'which' as the object.

Corrected Learner Examples

I came to your house yesterday with the computer game which I borrowed from Mayank.
The coffee-cup which my good friend gave me is pretty.
Sorry, I can't do anything to help because I will try again to pass an exam which I failed last
year.
The colour which I prefer is pink, so we will use pink.

FORM: DEFINING, SUBJECT, WITH 'WHICH'

Can use a defining relative clause with 'which' as the subject.

Corrected Learner Examples

At the end of the game, the KASAS sang to Hagas a piece of music which makes me cry.
Suzanna watched with me and she cried alot.
You should wear clothes which can get dirty.
I bought a t-shirt which has a picture of a car on it and I bought a shirt for my brother.

20
FORM: DEFINING, SUBJECT, WITH 'WHO'
Can use a defining relative clause with 'who' as the subject.

Corrected Learner Examples

It's about a girl who went to the war when she was 22 years old.
I'd like a pen-friend who really likes music and reading.
I can tell you that I agree with people who think that Stonehenge is magic place.

FORM: DEFINING, WITHOUT PRONOUN

Can use a defining relative clause, without a relative pronoun.

Corrected Learner Examples

My friends said the clothes I wore were very old, and they didn't like them.
All my friends gave me a present but the one I liked best was John's.
Here I have the information you want.
[talking about video calls] You can see the person you are calling LIVE!!!

FORM: NON-DEFINING, OBJECT, WITH 'WHICH'

Can use a non-defining relative clause with 'which' as the object.

Corrected Learner Examples

The best of all was a marble statue which my aunt gave me.
Thanks for your letter which I received a few days ago.

Comments
NB, though learners at A2 are forming non-defining relative clauses, errors with commas
persist into B levels.

FORM: NON-DEFINING, SUBJECT, WITH 'WHICH'

Can use a non-defining relative clause with 'which' as the subject,.

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought it in Peter's Mobile shop, which is near to my home.
I've been to Cardiff which is the capital city of Wales.
I visited a museum and an exhibition which were really excellent.
I bought two shirts, which cost £20 and four sweatshirts, which were a little expensive.
The mobile phone is green, which is my favourite colour.

Comments
There's very infrequent use of commas with non-defining relative clauses at A2. Even though
relative clauses are usually taught from B1 onwards, there are over 500 instances of relative
clause with 'which' alone at A2.

FORM: NON-DEFINING, SUBJECT, WITH 'WHO'

Can use a non-defining relative clause with 'who' as the subject.

Corrected Learner Examples

I watched it with my brother who was also interested in sports.
It's given by Jenny who is one of my best friends.
I want my mobile before this afternoon because my parents who are in Japan will call me.

21
 Comments
There's very infrequent use of commas with non-defining relative clauses at A2. Even though
relative clauses are usually taught from B1 onwards, there are over 400 instances of relative
clause with 'who' alone at A2.

SUBORDINATED
FORM/USE: 'IF' CLAUSES, CONDITIONS
Can use a finite subordinate clause with 'if', before or after a main clause, to introduce
conditions. ► clauses: conditionals

Corrected Learner Examples

I would be very happy if you visit me in Dublin.
I will come see you on Friday if it’s ok with you.
If you want to come, just tell me.

Comments
Mostly 'if' + 'you' at A2.

FORM/USE: PURPOSE
Can use a non-finite subordinate clause with 'to', to introduce purpose.

Corrected Learner Examples

To get to my house you'll have to take the 5th avenue and go 6 streets to the left and at the
bottom you'll see another street, go 3 streets to the right and there you'll find my house.
To reach my house, you just have to go to the book shop and turn left.
To contact me you can call me on my mobile phone.

Comments
Note there are many examples at A2 relating to directions, due to the frequency of this type of
task at A2.

FORM/USE: TIME
Can use a finite subordinate clause with time conjunctions, before or after a main clause.

Corrected Learner Examples

I feel comfortable when I am wearing these clothes.
When I bought my computer, the price was 1000 pounds.
When you are outside my home, phone me.
Mike and I were watching it while we were eating pizza.

CONJUNCTIONS

SUBORDINATING
FORM: SIMPLE
Can use a limited range of simple subordinating conjunctions '(if, when, so, while)' to
introduce a subordinate clause.

22
 Corrected Learner Examples
But if you don't take your car, you can rent a bike in the park too.
If I need a camera, I will use my mobile phone.
My father bought it for me when he saw my grades at school.
When you buy a pair of shoes, the second pair is free.
My father said that I should use green, but I don't like green, so I decided to use blue.
All of us were dancing while my father sang my favourite song.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

But if you don't take your car, you can rent a bike in the park too.
If I need a camera, I will use my mobile phone.
My father bought it for me when he saw my grades at school.
When you buy a pair of shoes the second pair is without money so they all cost £25.
My father sad that I should use green, but I don't like green, so I decided to use blue, could
you help me to paint my room?
All of us were dancing while my father sang my best song: Ali, Ahmed, Nora and other frinds
were there.

DETERMINERS

ARTICLES
FORM/USE: 'THE' + ADJECTIVES, SPECIFYING
Can use 'the' + adjectives in a noun phrase, to specify.

Corrected Learner Examples

My house is opposite the new café.
For the first class you need to bring color pens and papers.
I think it's on the red sofa.

Comments
There are a lot of incorrect examples at A2 with 'the next', as in 'I’ll see you the next Monday.'

FORM: 'THE' + SUPERLATIVES

Can form a noun phrase with 'the' + superlative adjectives + noun.

Corrected Learner Examples

It has the latest technology.
The best place is La Baule, which is Europe's biggest beach.
It was the most expensive mobile phone in the shop.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It [have] has the latest technology.
The best place is La Baule, which is European's biggest beach.
It was the most expensive mobile phone in the shop.

23
DEMONSTRATIVES
FORM: 'THAT'
Can use 'that' with singular nouns. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

I also want to see that film.
I know we have that course in our college.

FORM: 'THESE'
Can use 'these' with plural nouns. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought these clothes because they weren't expensive.
I bought these things because they were perfect.
I bought them because I love these colours.

FORM: 'THIS' WITH UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

Can use 'this' with uncountable nouns. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

I found this information in: www.artschool.com,
My mother told me that this food is healthy food and good for me.

FORM: 'THOSE'
Can use 'those' with plural nouns. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

The cost of those clothes was £300.
I love to play those instruments.

USE: 'THAT', ALREADY MENTIONED

Can use 'that' to refer to something which has already been mentioned. ► noun phrases ►
pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

Yesterday, I went shopping to Collesione for clothes. I bought a skirt and a T-shirt, because
we have a party this week. They were very cheap. They cost £10. You should go that shop.
I want do another course, like Maths. I want to study that course because I will do some exams
in June and I need some help with Maths.
The colour is blue and I like that colour because it's my favourite.

USE: 'THAT', POINTING

Can use 'that' to talk about or point to things which are further away in time and space from
the speaker or writer

Corrected Learner Examples

Placeholder row, lack of spoken data

USE: 'THESE' POINTING||

Can use 'these' to refer to places and things from the speaker's or writer's point of view.

24
 Corrected Learner Examples
Placeholder row, lack of spoken data

USE: 'THESE', ALREADY MENTIONED

Can use 'these' to refer to things with immediate relevance or which have already been
mentioned. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

… you can visit the Old Museum, the Green Park, the old bridge and old church. These places
are very old.
I bought a swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts and sunglasses. I'll need these things because it's
summer time.
The first jeans I wanted were cheaper, but too small. These jeans are better and they're pretty
good for me.

USE: 'THIS' POINTING|

Can use 'this' in an increasing range of contexts to refer to places and things from the
speaker's or writer's point of view. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

I am writing this letter to tell you about my favourite birthday present, which was a laptop.
You can contact me by calling me on this number 07939187752.
Would you like to buy this book?

USE: 'THIS', ALREADY MENTIONED

Can use 'this' to refer to something with immediate relevance which has already been
mentioned. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

Could you send someone who can check where the problem is and try to do something about
this problem.
Many people gave me presents. My mother gave me a dress. I like it best because it is
beautiful. The colour of this dress is beautiful.
[talking about a house for rent] It is in Colindale, in the North of England. The rent is about
£1000. If you are interested this house, please call me on my mobile phone.

USE: 'THOSE', ALREADY MENTIONED

Can use 'those' to refer to things which have already been mentioned. ► noun phrases ►
pronouns: demonstrative

Corrected Learner Examples

I went shopping for clothes yesterday. I bought some jumpers and trousers. I bought those
clothes because I'm going to Japan next Friday and there the weather is cold.
It is black and pink, I like those colours very much.

USE: POINTING
Can use 'this' in an increasing range of contexts to refer to places and things from the
speaker's or writer's point of view. ► noun phrases ► pronouns: demonstrative

25
 Corrected Learner Examples
I am writing this letter to tell you about my favourite birthday present which was a laptop.
You can contact me by calling me this number 07939187752.
Would you like to buy this book?

Comments
The lack of spoken data means that there are no examples of situational deictic
demonstratives with these, those or that where speakers are pointing / referring to things and
people within their context. e.g Who's that man? Are these shoes yours? Look at those dogs

USE: THOSE POINTING

Can use 'those' to talk about or point to things which the speaker or writer perceives to be
further away in time and space.

Corrected Learner Examples

Placeholder row, lack of spoken data

POSSESSIVES
FORM: SINGULAR NOUN +''S'
Can use ''s' after singular or proper nouns to indicate possession.

Corrected Learner Examples

It's very important for me because it's my sister's jacket.
I'll wear them at Linda's party.

FORM: WITH QUANTIFYING DETERMINERS + 'OF'

Can use quantifying determiners + possessive determiners + 'of' + noun. ► noun phrases

Corrected Learner Examples

All of my friends were there.
I bought some T-shirts and jeans, because some of my clothes are too small for me.
Bring some of your DVDs.
But after that I saw that I spent all of my money!
I spent a long time receiving presents, all of my family were here.

QUANTITY
FORM: 'MANY' WITH PLURAL NOUNS, NEGATIVE
Can use 'many' with plural nouns in negative contexts.

Corrected Learner Examples

There are n't many tickets.
I bought them because I have n't got many winter clothes.

FORM: 'MUCH' WITH UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS, NEGATIVE

Can use 'much' with uncountable nouns in negative contexts.

Corrected Learner Examples

But we didn't have much money, so we didn't buy many things.
I want to sell the television because I haven't got much time to watch it.

26
FORM: 'SO MANY' WITH PLURAL NOUNS
Can use 'so many' and 'too many' with plural nouns.

Corrected Learner Examples

We played so many games, like dog and bone, four corners, and many more.
We visited so many places, mostly monuments. The weather was perfect.
I know, I bought too many things but I liked all of them.

FORM: DETERMINER + 'OF' + DETERMINER

Can use a range of quantifying determiners + 'of' + determiner ('all of', 'some of', 'both of',
'many of', 'any of', number + 'of', 'each of'). ► pronouns: quantity

Corrected Learner Examples

I spent all of my money!
Some of my friends gave me books.
The competition was very tough because both of the teams were good.
Many of my relatives and friends had come.
I enjoyed the party. I had invited five of my friends and my family.
Without a library card you can't take any of the books with you.

FORM: WITH PLURAL AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

Can use a range of quantifying determiners ('some', 'any', 'no', 'more', 'a lot of') with both
plural nouns and uncountable nouns.

Corrected Learner Examples

I think we should bring some water to drink.
I bought them because I don't have any clothes for the summer and I need them!
The weather was great. There were no clouds.
I want to see that film but I have no time today because I have more work at home.
If you want more details, you can call this number.
We will meet at my house at 10.15, so we will have more time in the club.
We danced, played games and had lots of fun.

Comments
Note that these determiners can be used with both plural and uncountable nouns, but not
singular nouns; Note also that although some and a lot of are being used at A1 it is only with
plural nouns; It is at A2 that they start to be used with with uncountable nouns as well as
plural nouns. See note at A1.

FORM: WITH PLURAL NOUNS

Can use an increasing range of quantifying determiners with plural nouns ('all', 'both', 'a few').

Corrected Learner Examples

This notice is for all students: we are going to have a concert at school.
It was exciting as both teams played well, but India won the match.
I'm just writing to say hello, and to tell you a few things.

Comments
Note that these determiners can only be used with plural nouns.

27
 FORM: WITH SINGULAR NOUNS
Can use an increasing range of quantifying determiners with singular nouns ('each', 'an', 'one'
and numbers).

Corrected Learner Examples

The new art class starts next Monday and each class is about 1 hour long.
Yesterday I bought three t-shirts: one blue t-shirt, one pink t-shirt and one yellow t-shirt.
We have an extra ticket and are wanting you to come.

Comments
Note that these determiners can be used with singular nouns only. Note that the use of 'an' as
an indefinite article with non-specific reference appears at A1 (see Determiners Articles). At A2
we see an being used here with a numeric reference.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

DISCOURSE MARKERS IN WRITING

FORM/USE: 'AS YOU KNOW', ORGANISING, MARKING SHARED KNOWLEDGE
Can use 'as you know' as a discourse marker of shared knowledge.

Corrected Learner Examples

I can't come to your wedding because, as you know, I live in England and on Thursday 18th
July I'm going to take the FCE exam.
As you know, my parents are leaving home tomorrow night to go to Spain.

FORM/USE: 'SO', SUMMARISING, INFORMAL

Can use 'so' as a discourse marker to summarise, usually in informal contexts.

Corrected Learner Examples

So, what do you think?
[talking about not being able to make it to a party] I have got an appointment with my dentist.
So, I'm really sorry about that and I'm getting so sad.
I'll be free at 15.00. So, I'll be at your house at 15.30.

Comments
Occurrences of 'so', as a topic changer, are much more common in spoken language, e.g. 'So,
anyone interested in going for lunch?'

FOCUS

FOCUS
FORM/USE: PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES, FRONTING
Can use prepositional phrases in the front position for focus.

28
 Corrected Learner Examples
In the morning, I go to the beach.
In my country, the most popular food is Paella, which is a kind of rice with seafood, really
tasty.
From your house, take the first turning on your left after the roundabout.

FUTURE

FUTURE CONTINUOUS
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE WITH 'WILL'
Can use the affirmative form with 'will'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'll be waiting for you.
We will be starting at 12 o'clock this afternoon.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I'll be waiting for you.
We will be starting at 12 o'clock this afternoon.

Comments
Although it is surprising to see this structure at A2, there is a lot of clustering around certain
collocations (e.g. 'will be waiting'), and therefore there is enough evidence of its successful use
in simple contexts concerning time and place to merit its inclusion at A2.

USE: FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS

Can use the future continuous with 'will' to talk about an event or action in progress at a
specified time in the future.

Corrected Learner Examples

Tomorrow please come at 4.30 pm because I'll be working before.
Tomorrow I'll be studying in the morning, so you can come at 2.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Tomorrow please come at 4.30 pm because I'll be working before.
Tomorrow I'll be studying on the morning, so you can come at 2:00 or when you finish
lunching, I think you should bring some CDs of your colection.

FUTURE SIMPLE (WITH WILL AND SHALL)

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE 'SHALL'
Can use the affirmative form 'shall' with 'I' and 'we'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I shall come with you.
We shall take a bus to the sports centre.
We shall go together next year!

29
 FORM: NEGATIVE 'WILL'
Can use the negative forms 'will not' and 'won't'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Without them I will not be able to play football.
Can you come at 7 o'clock? I won't be at home before.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question forms of 'will' and 'shall'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Will you come?
And what shall I bring to the party?

USE: OFFERS WITH 'SHALL'

Can use 'shall I' to make offers.

Corrected Learner Examples

Shall I wait for you?
Shall I buy you one?

USE: PLANS AND INTENTIONS WITH 'WILL'

Can use 'will' to ask about plans and intentions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Will you have a mobile phone?
Will you come by train?

USE: REQUESTS WITH 'WILL'

Can use 'will' to make requests.

Corrected Learner Examples

Will you come tomorrow at 6.35 pm to my house?
[talking about a parcel] Will you send it for me?

USE: SUGGESTIONS WITH 'SHALL'

Can use 'shall we' to make suggestions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Shall we go to my friend's house to get it?
Shall we go there together?

USE: WILLINGNESS WITH 'WILL'

Can use 'will' to express willingness.

Corrected Learner Examples

My mother will drive us there.
… and my elder sister will help us too.

FUTURE WITH BE GOING TO

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

30
 Corrected Learner Examples
[about some new jeans] I 'm going to wear them on holiday.
It is going to start at half past four.
[about the weather] It's going to be hot.
We are going to take a taxi to get to the sports centre.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I'm going to wear them on holiday.
It is going to start at half past four.
It's going to be hot.
We are going to take a taxi to get to the sports centre.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question form.

Corrected Learner Examples

What are you going to wear?
What colour paint are we going to use?
Are you going to come tomorrow evening?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

What are you going to wear?
What colour paint are we going to use?
Are you going to come tomorrow evening?

USE: INTENTIONS
Can use the affirmative and question forms of 'be going to' talk about plans and intentions.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm going to use pink paint.
My mum is going to take us by car.
What time are you going to come? And what are you going to bring?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I'm going to use pink paint.
My mum is going to take us by car.
What time are you going to come? and what are you going to bring?

USE: PREDICTIONS WITH 'BE'

Can use 'be going to' with 'be' to make predictions.

Corrected Learner Examples

I think this Saturday is going to be a nice day.
It's going to be fantastic.
It is going to be great fun.
You should wear comfortable clothes because you are going to be hot.

31
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
I think this Saturday is going to be a nice day.
It's going to be fantastic.
It is going to be a great fun.
You should wear comfortable clothes because you are going to be hot.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE USE

FORM: WITH 'WHEN'
Can use the present simple with 'when' to refer to the future.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'll tell you more when I meet you.
Can you, please, call me when you find it?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I'll tell you more when I meet you.
Can you, please, call me when you find it?

USE: 'HOPE'
Can use the present simple with 'I hope' to talk about hopes and wishes for the future.

Corrected Learner Examples

I hope you enjoy your holiday too.
I hope you come to visit me soon.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I hope you enjoy your holiday too.
I hope you come to visit me soon.

USE: FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS

Can use the present continuous with a limited range of verbs to talk about future
arrangements.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm working this Saturday and Sunday morning.
We are having the meal at 7pm.
They are going back on 20th July.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I'm working this Saturday and Sunday morning but you can come on Sunday evening at 5:00.
We are having the meal at 7.00 pm.

USE: QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE

Can use the present continuous with a limited range of verbs to ask about future plans.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about a Rolling Stones concert] Are you coming?
[talking about a party] It starts at 6. When are you coming?
[asking about holidays] Where are you going?

32
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
Are you coming?
It starts at 18:00. When are you coming?
Where are you going?

USE: TIMETABLES AND PLANS

Can use the present simple to talk about timetabled events in the future.

Corrected Learner Examples

[Talking about a film] It begins on 8 o'clock in the evening.
The class is on Monday. It starts at 6:00 pm and finishes at 7:00 pm.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It begins on 8 o'clock in the evening.
The class is on Monday. It starts at 6:00 pm and finishes at 7:00 pm.

MODALITY

ADJECTIVES
FORM: 'BE' + 'SURE' + CLAUSE
Can use 'I' + 'be' + 'sure' + clause.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm sure I can beat you at chess.
I am not sure what I want to do but I am sure we will find something to do.
I’m sure that you will love it.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I'm sure I can beat you in chess.
I am not sure what i want to do but I am sure we will find something to do.
I’m sure that you will love it.

Comments
There are only examples with 'I am sure' at A2 and elsewhere. 'We are sure' emerges at B2. 'We
are certain' come in at C1. First person use is to be expected as one usually makes assertions
in the first person, unless reporting.

ADVERBS
FORM/USE: MID POSITION, HEDGING OR EMPHASIS
Can use adverbs in mid position or after main verb 'be', to modify an assertion, either through
hedging or emphasis. ► adverbs: position

Corrected Learner Examples

It is probably in the sitting room on the table.
You should probably wear a T-shirt and shorts, with sneakers.
[talking about painting] It's definitely going to get messy.

33
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
It is probably in the sitting room on the table.
You should probably wear a T-shirt and shorts, with sneakers.
[Talking about painting] It's definitely going to get messy.

Comments
Although there is an example here at A2 of modal verb + modal adverb ('You should probably
wear a T-shirt'), the evidence is only with 'should probably' at this level. There is strong
evidence at B1 for other modal verbs + modal adverbs.

FORM: CLAUSE POSITION

Can use adverbs of certainty and possibility ('maybe', 'perhaps'), before a clause or ellipted
clause. ► adverbs: position

Corrected Learner Examples

I think I left my phone there, maybe in your kitchen.
Maybe we could visit that park you told me about or play at your house.
I want to buy new trousers and, perhaps, a T-shirt.
There you can dance, eat, drink and meet new friends (or perhaps a girlfriend).
Perhaps it's in the kitchen under the table.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I think I left my phone there, maybe in your kitchen.
Maybe I can help you somthing, maybe you need help for example.
Maybe we could visit that park you told me about or play at your house.
I want to buy new trousers and, perhaps, a T-shirt.
There you can dance, eat, drink and meet new friends (or perhaps a girlfriend).
Perhaps it's in the kitchen under the table.
Perhaps you should bring another clothes.

CAN
USE: PERMISSION
Can use 'can' to give and refuse permission or talk about what is forbidden.

Corrected Learner Examples

You can wear anything you want.
You can’t bring your mobile phone.
You cannot wear jeans or flip-flops.

COULD
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

You could come by bus, and we could meet at the bus station.
We could go to the museum near Cibeles.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative form.

34
 Corrected Learner Examples
[talking about a party] Too bad you couldn't come.
I couldn't close the window.
?he was ill, so he could not go to the game.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question form.

Corrected Learner Examples

Could you help me?
Could we meet on Friday afternoon?

USE: ABILITY
Can use the negative form of 'could' to talk about inability.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about the key to an office] I couldn't work without it.
I couldn't buy the T-shirt because it was too expensive, but the other things were very nice
and quite cheap, so I bought them.

USE: REQUESTS
Can use 'could' to make requests.

Corrected Learner Examples

Could you help me to paint my bedroom?
I left my umbrella in your house yesterday. ? Could you bring it to school tomorrow, please?

USE: SUGGESTIONS
Can use 'could' with a limited range of verbs to make suggestions.

Corrected Learner Examples

We could have dinner after that, if you want.
If you want to visit an interesting place near Paris, you could go to Versailles.
We could take the bus, or we could ask my parents to take us there.

EXPRESSIONS WITH BE
FORM/USE: 'WILL BE ABLE TO'
Can use 'will' + 'be able to' + infinitive to talk about possibility and ability.

Corrected Learner Examples

Will you be able to come this time?
[talking about contact lenses] Without them I will not be able to play football.
If you need a musical instrument, I can bring my guitar but unfortunately I won't be able to
play it because I have never learned it.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Will you be able to come this time?
[talking about contact lenses] Whithout them I will not be able to play football.
If you need a musical instrument, I can bring my guitar but unfortunately I won't be able to
play it because I have never learn it.

35
 Comments
There are also four instances of 'would be able to' at A2, compared to over 70 instances of 'will
be able to'.

HAVE (GOT) TO
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative forms.

Corrected Learner Examples

This weekend I have to go to a party.
We’ll meet at four o'clock because my mom has to go to the Shopping Centre then.
You have got to bring a cap for the sun.
For the art lessons we've got to bring a rubber, two pencils and some colour pencils.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative forms.

Corrected Learner Examples

You don't have to bring many things with you.
About the transport, you do not have to worry as my daddy can drop us at the sports centre.
We haven't got to bring anything with us.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question forms.

Corrected Learner Examples

What do you have to wear?
What do we have to bring?
Do you have to wear a skirt?
Have you got to bring a pencil?

Comments
LOW FREQUENCY ITEM. There are very few instances of the question form at any level, possibly
due to task effect or absence of spoken data.

USE: OBLIGATION
Can use 'have (got) to' to talk about obligations.

Corrected Learner Examples

The concert starts at midnight but we have to go before then because we have got to buy our
tickets.
You have to bring your swimming costume.

MAY
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about clothes] So I may need them.
I think it may be dirty.

36
 USE: POSSIBILITY
Can use 'may' to talk about weak possibility referring to the present and the future.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about an important document] It may be in our room inside my bag.
… bring some money with you. We may need it.
[talking about buying clothes for the summer] And the weather may be hot.

MIGHT
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

The weather might be hot and sunny.
I think it might be in your bedroom.

USE: POSSIBILITY
Can use 'might' to talk about weak possibility.

Corrected Learner Examples

My dad isn’t working that day, he might take us.
[talking about something that is missing] It might be on the computer table.

MUST
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

You must wear your sports shoes and you must also bring your racket!
I must be back at 10.15.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative forms.

Corrected Learner Examples

… you mustn't forget to buy some strawberry juice for us.
You must not wear a white colour shirt, you can only wear a dark colour shirt.

USE: OBLIGATION AND NECESSITY

Can use 'must' with a limited range of pronouns ('I' and 'you') to talk about obligation and
necessity.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about a mobile phone] It is very important to me because I must call my parents.
I will be at school, so you must arrive at 3 pm. You must take your towel, jeans and t-shirt
with you.
I mustn't be late.
You mustn't forget your swimsuit.

37
SHALL
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

We shall start tomorrow at 2 o'clock.
I shall be free on Sunday at 6 o'clock in the evening.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question form.

Corrected Learner Examples

Shall we meet at half past 4 in front of my house?
What time shall I come? And what shall I bring to the party?

Comments
Note that questions are typical of spoken language than written. There will be much more
evidence of shall in questions in spoken data.

USE: OFFERS
Can use 'shall I' to make offers.

Corrected Learner Examples

Shall I go and buy some cake and crackers?
The tickets cost €25. Shall I buy you one?

USE: SUGGESTIONS
Can use 'shall' with 'we' to make suggestions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Tomorrow evening there is Laura Pausini's concert in Turin. Shall we go?
Shall we go to a Korean restaurant after the film?

SHOULD
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

You should come at 6 o'clock.
Someday we should go there together.
We should buy 2 tickets.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

You shouldn't miss it.
It is a new flat, so there shouldn't be any problems.
I think you should not wear your favourite clothes because they may get dirty.

38
 FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question form.

Corrected Learner Examples

Should I wear special clothes?
It's going to be in São Paulo. Should we go by plane?

USE: ADVICE
Can use 'should' to give advice.

Corrected Learner Examples

It was only €70. It is pink. It looks very nice. My advice, you should buy this.
…on Monday, you will have to stay in this class for six hours so you should bring something to
eat because you will be hungry.
You should take some money, because the ticket costs £4.00.

USE: SUGGESTIONS
Can use 'should' to make suggestions.

Corrected Learner Examples

I think we should meet at 2 pm, and my mother will take us there so don't worry.
I think you should meet me around 4 pm at my house.
You should bring your guitar.

WILL
FORM/USE: AFTER 'IF', FUTURE SITUATIONS
Can use 'will' in the main clause after an 'if-' clause to talk about possible future situations. ►
conditionals

Corrected Learner Examples

If I need a camera, I will use my mobile phone.
And if my mum can, she will fetch you.
If you can help me, I will be very happy.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative forms.

Corrected Learner Examples

Don't worry, you won't need anything apart from some pencils and your art book.
I hope it will not be boring!

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question form.

Corrected Learner Examples

Will you be at home?
I'm happy because I'll see you tomorrow, but what time will you be here?

USE: PLANS AND INTENTIONS

Can use 'will' to ask about plans and intentions.

39
 Corrected Learner Examples
Will you come by bus?
Will you come with any friends?

USE: REQUESTS
Can use 'will' to make requests in a limited range of contexts.

Corrected Learner Examples

Will you come with me?
Will you be able to visit some museums with me?

USE: WILLINGNESS, OFFERS

Can use 'will' to talk about willingness and offers

Corrected Learner Examples

My mother will get us there, and she will bring us to my house after too.

WOULD
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'd love to have a pen-friend in Japan.
[talking about what day to go to the cinema] I would prefer Sunday afternoon.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative forms.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about clothes] You wouldn't believe how much they cost!
I think we would not need much money.

FORM: QUESTIONS WITH 'LIKE'

Can use the question form 'would you like'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Sarah, would you like to play tennis this evening?
I'm going to a concert on Saturday. Would you like to go with me?
I want to watch the film, would you like to come with me?

Comments
We might expect to see this at A1 – but a lack of spoken data and task effect may explain why
there is no evidence at A1.

USE: IMAGINED SITUATIONS

Can use 'would' to talk about imagined situations.

Corrected Learner Examples

I was thinking of painting my bedroom blue. It would look awesome.
It would be fun there.

USE: SUGGESTIONS WITH 'IT WOULD BE'

Can use 'it would be' to make suggestions.

40
 Corrected Learner Examples
[talking about a jazz concert] It would be very good if you came with me.
It would be nice to bring your new computer game and some clothes.
It would be perfect if you arrived at 7.20.

USE: WISHES AND PREFERENCES

Can use 'would' with a wide range of verbs to talk about wishes and preferences.

Corrected Learner Examples

I would prefer to go on Sunday, because on Sunday I have no school.
[talking about going to see a film] I'd prefer to see it tomorrow.
Bring your new CD! I'd love to hear it!

NEGATION

NEGATION
FORM: 'DO', IMPERATIVES
Can form negative imperatives of main verbs with 'don?t' + main verb. ► Clauses: imperatives

Corrected Learner Examples

Don't forget your electric guitar.
Don't be late.

FORM: AUXILIARY VERB 'DO', PAST

Can form negative statements of main verbs in the past simple with 'didn?t' + main verb. ►
past simple

Corrected Learner Examples

It was very sad that you didn't come to my birthday party but it's ok.
I didn't spend a lot of money: only £143.

FORM: AUXILIARY VERBS 'BE', 'HAVE', PRESENT

Can form negative statements of main verbs in the present continuous and present perfect
with 'be' and 'have' + 'not/n't'. ► present continuous ► present perfect

Corrected Learner Examples

The gas is not working.
The window is broken and is not closing.
Now, I haven't got any money, but I am really happy!
I haven't tidied my room since I bought this mobile.
We have not got hot water so the water is very cold.

Comments
The majority of instances of 'be + not' are in the uncontracted form. The majority of the 'have
+ not' instances are in the contracted form 'haven?t' (and most with 'I')

FORM: DETERMINERS 'ANY', 'MUCH', 'MANY'

Can use determiners 'any', 'much' and 'many' with nouns in negative contexts. ► Determiners:
quantity

41
 Corrected Learner Examples
I bought them because I didn't have any shirts or hats.
I have only spent £25 because I haven't much money.
I'm in Bilbao, and here I haven't got many things to do.

FORM: DETERMINERS 'NO'

Can use determiner 'no' with nouns. ► Determiners: quantity

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought these clothes because I need them for my new job, but now I have no money because
they cost £250.
I had no clothes to wear at John's party, so I went shopping yesterday.

FORM: MODAL VERBS

Can use negative forms of modal verbs. ► modal verbs

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm sorry I can't come to your wedding because I am very sick.
Sorry but I won't be in town on Wednesday 17th.
You shouldn't wear formal clothes.

FORM: PRONOUNS
Can use a limited range of determiners as pronouns and indefinite pronouns in negative
contexts. ► Pronouns: quantity

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought a shirt, because I haven't got any.
As regards close friends, I don't have many.
Come at 5.00 pm. Don't bring anything.

Comments
At A2 'nothing' is frequently used in error instead of 'anything'.

NOUNS

NOUN PHRASES
FORM: DETERMINER + NOUN
Can form simple noun phrases by pre-modifying nouns with an increasing range of
determiners.

Corrected Learner Examples

There are so many shops, you can play games, eat food like Chinese food.
I had so much fun!
I spent too much money, five hundred euros, but I don’t mind because they are beautiful!
I visited a lot of museums and I went shopping.
All of our classmates were there and some of my cousins too.

42
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
There are so many shops, you can play games, eat food, like Chinese food.
I had so much fun!
I spent too much money, five hundred euros, but I never mind because they are beautiful!
I visited a lot of museums and I went shopping.
All of our classmates were there and some of my cousins too.

FORM: DETERMINER + UNCOUNTABLE NOUN

Can form simple noun phrases with a limited range of determiners + uncountable nouns.

Corrected Learner Examples

The food was delicious and the music was great.
The weather was so cold.
I phoned for more information two days ago.
[talking about a book] It is very important because I need to do some homework in it.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

The food was delicuis and the music was great.
The weather was so cold.
I phoned for more information at 33333333 two days ago.
[talking about a book] It is very important because I need to do some homework in it.

Comments
There is a growth in the number and range of determiners being used at higher levels, but this
is a development in relation to determiners rather than nouns cf Determiners: quantity; Nouns:
uncountable.

FORM: NOUN PHRASES WITH ADJECTIVES

Can pre-modify noun phrases with a limited range of more than one adjective.

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought a beautiful pink skirt and a white top.
Lysiane is taller than me and she has short black hair.
It is a beautiful old city and there is the old wall around the city.
I left my small white bag.
Don't forget to wear old, comfortable clothes.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I bought a beautiful pink skirt and a white top.
Lysiane is taller than me and she has short black hair.
It is a beautiful old city and there is the old wall around the city.
I left my small white bag.
There is lovely large livingroom.
Don't forget to wear old, confortable clothes.

Comments
Though we say “limited”, there are over 3,000 examples; however, they are limited to physical
description (possibly by virtue of task at this level), e.g. 'big', 'small', 'nice', 'lovely', 'beautiful',
and colours. Also, very often they are missing an article.

43
FORM: POSSESSION WITH ''S' + NOUN
Can use possessive determiner ''s' with a singular noun.

Corrected Learner Examples

It's my sister's jacket.
I bought a red tie because next Sunday it will be my father's birthday.
Yesterday about 8 pm, when I was coming back home from a shop, I saw two men near my
neighbour's car.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It's my sister's jacket.
I bought a red Tie because next Sunday it will be my father's birthday.
Yesterday about 8p.m, when I was coming back home from a shop I saw two men near my
neighbour's car .

Comments
There are instances of ‘s at A1 but they are limited to 'friend’s name'.

FORM: WITH RELATIVE CLAUSE AS COMPLEMENT

Can form complex noun phrases by using a defining relative clause as a complement to a noun
phrase. ► Clauses: relative

Corrected Learner Examples

The mobile phone which I bought yesterday is brilliant.
The person who gave me it was my father.
The last day when we can see the movie is Thursday.
I want to invite you to a pop concert that is going to take place in the National Stadium.
The music that I like is Rock & Roll.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

The mobile phone which I bought yesterday is brilliant.
The person who gave me it was my father.
The last day when we can see the mouvie is Thursday.
I want to invite you to a pop concert that is going to take place in the Nacional Stadium.
The music that I like is Rock & Roll.

Comments
At A2 there is evidence of both defining and non-defining relative clauses used after a noun.
The defining clauses are complements of the noun. The non defining clauses are post-
modifiers.

FORM: WITH RELATIVE CLAUSE AS POSTMODIFIER

Can post-modify noun phrases by using a non-defining relative clause. ► Clauses: relative

Corrected Learner Examples

She's in a volleyball team like me, but we're not in the same one. She was for the other team,
which lost.
You can always visit our Shopping Centre, which is one of the biggest in Brazil.

44
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
She's in a volleyball team like me, but we're not in the same. She was for the other team,
which lost .
You can always visit our Shopping Centre, which is one of the biggest in Brazil.

PLURAL
FORM: IRREGULAR PLURAL NOUNS
Can form some irregular plural nouns.

Corrected Learner Examples

It was a sale and I bought some clothes for my children.
I ate fish and seafood, it was delicious.
She has black eyes, a beautiful round face and nice teeth.
The floor in the kitchen has many holes and I think there are mice.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It was sale and I bought some clothes for my children.
I ate fish and seafood, it was delicious.
She has black eyes, a beautiful round face and nice teeth.
The floor in the kitchen has many wholes and I think there are mice.

FORM: NOUNS ONLY USED IN THE PLURAL

Can use nouns that only have a plural form, with plural agreement.

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought them because I feel comfortable when I am wearing these clothes.
The clothes are very cheap in this shop.
The jeans were expensive, but the other things were very cheap.
Please wear some shorts and a shirt.
I left my glasses in your house last night. I need them, because I can't see anything.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I bought them because I feel comfortable when I am wearing these clothes.
The clothes are very cheap in this shop.
The jeans were expensive, but the other things were very cheap.
Please wear some shorts and a shirt.
I left my glasses in your house last night. I need them, because I don't see anything.

Comments
There is evidence of these nouns at A1 but with a lot of agreement error. The competency is
relative to learners? vocabulary size at A2. As their repertoire grows, so does their competency
in respect of using nouns that only have a plural form. E.g. by B2, they can use abstract plural-
only forms 'outskirts', 'savings', 'surroundings', 'belongings'.

FORM: PLURAL '-ES'

Can form plurals by adding '-es' to countable nouns ending in '-o', '-ch', '-s', '-sh', '-x' or '-z'.

45
 Corrected Learner Examples
The art classes after school are on Tuesdays.
Then I bought five different dresses.
You have to bring your pencil, oil paint, some paint brushes, and the teacher will give you a
palette.
Usually it is meat and potatoes or special dishes.
Bring some sandwiches and drinks.
A box of Dairy milk and 2 boxes of pens.
We have to bring paintbrushes of different sizes ?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

The art classes after school are on Tuesdays.
Then I bought five different dresses.
You have to bring your pencil, oil paint, some paint brushes, and the teacher will give you a
palet.
Usually it is meat and potatoes or special dishes.

FORM: PLURAL '-IES'

Can form plurals of countable nouns ending in a consonant plus '-y', by changing the 'y' to 'I'
and adding '-es'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I have a lot of hobbies.
There were lots of activities to do.
I bought some jeans and costumes because I have a lot of parties this month.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I have a lot of hobbies.
There were lots of activities to do.
I bought some jeans and costumes because I have a lot of parties this month.

TYPES
FORM: '-ING' FORMS, OBJECT
Can use the '-ing' forms of verbs as nouns, in object position, to refer to activities.

Corrected Learner Examples

There we did a lot of things like swimming from the beach and going shopping.
I prefer dancing, but on Saturday I'd like to go to a jazz concert.
I practised windsurfing and scuba diving.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

There we did a lot of things like swimming in the beach and going shopping.
I prefer dancing, but on Saturday I'd like to go to a concert of jazz.
I practised windsurfing and scuba diving.

Comments
Lots of evidence of '-ing' words as activities where Ss are listing things that they like. They are
no usable here as they are likely to have been learnt as like/love/hate +-ing

46
UNCOUNTABLE
FORM: CONTAINERS, QUANTITY EXPRESSIONS
Can refer to an individual example or quantity of an uncountable noun using words for
containers and countable items.

Corrected Learner Examples

We have to bring a bottle of water, trainers and a T-shirt or top.
You must bring with you two pencils, one rubber and a piece of paper.
I have a piece of news.
I can drink a cup of tea in a café.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

We have to bring a bottle of water, trainers and a T-shirt or top.
In the class you must bring with you two pencils, one rubber and a piece of paper.
I have a piece of news.
I can drink a cup of tea in a café.

FORM: UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

Can use a limited range of uncountable nouns.

Corrected Learner Examples

I listen to music, I watch TV and I talk to my friends.
The weather there was cold.
Come to my house at 4.30 pm so we have time to get ready.
I ate a lot of meat.
Do you have any furniture in this room?
Bring some money with you.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I listen to music, I watch TV and I talk to my friends.
The weather there was cold.
Come to my house at 4:30 pm so we have time to get ready.
I ate a lot of meat ...
Do you have any furniture in this room?
Bring some money with you.

Comments
There are some instances of uncountable nouns at A1 but they are very few. The most
common errors (at A1) are: 'homeworks', 'breads', 'houseworks'|Learner examples: (1) 'I don?t
like homeworks.' (2) 'She looks after the children every day. Then she does the houseworks in
her house.' (3) 'You can buy all types of fruits, sauces, breads.' Common errors persist at A2
and increase with lexical growth, e.g. 'informations, musics, papers, loves, homeworks'.
Learner example: (1) 'I have some informations about the art class.' (2) 'You have to bring a
pen and some papers.'

FORM: WITH 'THE'

Can use uncountable nouns with 'the' to talk about something specific.

47
 Corrected Learner Examples
The music is going to be loud, since it's rap.
The weather was absolutely fine.
If you can't find the information about the new art class after school, please call me.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

The music is going to be loud, since it's rap.
The weather was absolutely fine.
If you can't find the information about the new art class after school, please call me.

FORM: WITH DETERMINERS, QUANTITY

Can use uncountable nouns with a limited range of quantity words and phrases including
'some', 'any', 'a lot of', 'more'. ► Determiners: quantity

Corrected Learner Examples

It's really important for me, because I need to do some homework.
Now, I haven't got any money, but I am really happy!
We have had a lot of fun.
I'm going to find more information about the new art class.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

We have had a lot of fun.
I'm going to find more information about the new art class.
It's really important for me, because I need to do some homework.
Now, I haven't got any money, but I am really happy!

PASSIVES

PASSIVES: FORM
FORM/USE: WITH 'BY' TO ADD INFORMATION
Can use the passive with 'by' to add information about something already known.

Corrected Learner Examples

It was bought by my uncle.
It's made by Sony-Ericsson, I love it ?
? it was written by an excellent author, Lev Tolstoy.

FORM: PAST SIMPLE, AFFIRMATIVE

Can use the past simple passive affirmative after a singular subject.

Corrected Learner Examples

It was built in 1880.
On Saturday morning I was invited to a sports competition.

FORM: PRESENT SIMPLE, AFFIRMATIVE

Can use the present simple passive affirmative with a singular subject.

48
 Corrected Learner Examples
The group is called "playmo".
I bought a T-shirt, it cost £42 because it is made of cotton.

PAST

PAST CONTINUOUS
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

I was waiting for you all Saturday evening.
[talking about a holiday] I was swimming and sunbathing every day.
We were dancing all evening.

FORM: WITH ADVERBS

Can use the past continuous with a limited range of adverbs in the normal mid position.

Corrected Learner Examples

I was just watching a football match.
[talking about wanting to get a kitten] I was always dreaming about it.

USE: BACKGROUND EVENTS

Can use the past continuous to show that an event was happening in the background to the
main event.

Corrected Learner Examples

Yesterday we were studying maths in your house, and I left my book on your bed.
It was raining when I arrived.

USE: EVENTS IN PROGRESS

Can use the past continuous to talk about actions and states in progress around a particular
time in the past.

Corrected Learner Examples

I went to a soccer game, they were playing the last game to get the championship.
It was raining, but the concert was so good that I did not mind.

PAST SIMPLE
FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form with an increasing range of verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

I forgot to tell you some details about tomorrow evening.
I spent about £35 on all those clothes.
[talking about a football game] I liked it very much because my favourite team won, it was
great.

49
 FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative form with a limited range of regular and irregular verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

The player from China did not look very happy though.
You did not keep your promise.
I didn't tell you that my house is opposite the new cinema.
They didn't cost much ...
I was surprised because the heating didn't work.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use 'yes/no' and 'wh-' question forms with 'you' with a limited range of verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

Did you buy something yesterday?
[talking about a lost phone] Did you find it?
And when did you go shopping last?

FORM: WITH 'WHEN'

Can use 'when' + past simple in subordinate clauses.

Corrected Learner Examples

When I arrived, the weather was horrible.
[talking about a missing phone] I think I left it in the kitchen when I fell on the slippery floor.

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

FORM/USE: TIME WITH 'FOR'
Can use the negative form with 'for' to talk about a past event or action which hasn't occurred
again in the period of time up to now.

Corrected Learner Examples

I haven't eaten Italian food for a long time.
I'm sorry I haven't written for so long.
I haven't seen you for ages.

Comments
NB 'for' and since usually taught together, but since doesn't emerge until B1 (with 'been').
Learners talk about ?duration? before ?time since?.

FORM/USE: WITH 'YET'

Can use the negative form with 'yet' to talk about events which are expected to be completed
at some point in the future.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about a new mobile phone] I haven't seen it yet.
[talking about a book] It's very important because I haven't finished it yet.
I haven't seen this film yet.

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form 'have' + '-ed' with pronouns 'I' and 'we', and with a limited range
of verbs.

50
 Corrected Learner Examples
I have seen the Eiffel Tower and many old buildings.
I like Japanese people and I've been to Japan more than three times.
We have seen the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of the Parliament and of course
Buckingham Palace.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative form 'haven't' + '-ed' with 'I' with a limited range of verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

I haven't eaten Italian food for a long time.
I haven't seen you for a long time.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use the question form 'have you' + '-ed' with with a limited range of verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

Have you bought anything?
Hi Jools, How have you been?
Where have you been?

Comments
NB we've included wh- questions here as we don't have enough spoken data to show a range
of example of the true interrogative form.

FORM: WITH ADVERBS

Can use the present perfect simple with a limited range of adverbs in the normal mid position.

Corrected Learner Examples

I have never seen a competition like that before, and I love it.
I have just seen your notice.

USE: EXPERIENCES
Can use the present perfect simple to talk about experiences up to now.

Corrected Learner Examples

I've seen the British Museum.
We have visited the Coliseum and several museums.
After the film, we should go to "The Golden Pagoda" because I've never been there.
You know I haven't been to France before.

PREPOSITIONS

PREPOSITIONS
FORM: 'JUST' + PREPOSITION
Can use 'just' to modify prepositions.

51
 Corrected Learner Examples
It's just near the cinema.
So you have to go along 3 blocks and turn on your left and just in front of you is the Cathedral
and next to the Cathedral is the Zocalo.
My house is just after the library.

FORM: + '-ING'
Can form prepositional phrases using the '-ing' form of verbs as complements.

Corrected Learner Examples

I can help by bringing the sound box and bit box I am free at friday 7:30 pm.
Thanks for replying.
I was crazy about playing tennis.

FORM: COMPLEX
Can use a limited range of complex prepositions.

Corrected Learner Examples

We can meet in the park near to my house at 7.00 p.m.
I have a lot of hobbies, such as reading, singing, drawing and so on.
I will be free at 4 p.m. and we can meet each other in front of our tennis club.

FORM: SIMPLE
Can use an increasing range of simple (single-word) prepositions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Please return it by tomorrow morning.
My phone is blue like the sky.
The match was between Arsenal and Liverpool.
We have to arrive home before 7.30pm.
My house is opposite the post office.
During the party I danced, played games, ate cake and talked to everyone.

Comments
Note that a number of items are on the EVP list and on KET vocabulary word list at A2 (e.g.
through) but they do not appear on our list until B1. While there is a use of some B1
prepositions at A2, their use is very often incorrect, e.g. ?I will pass through your house at
6pm?; Good by!? (A1 )So while an item is known at A2, it may not be competently used
(grammatically) until B1. In the case of through, there are 43 instances of it at A2 and only 14
of these are correct. ||Other prepositions used successfully at A2: until, without, into, inside,
around, under, since, against, over, behind, per, outside, past

FORM: STRANDING
Can end a 'wh-' question with a preposition, where the preposition is stranded from its
complement.

Corrected Learner Examples

Who are you going with?
So what are you waiting for?

52
PRESENT

PRESENT CONTINUOUS
FORM/USE: WITH ADVERBS OF INDEFINITE FREQUENCY
Can use the present continuous with a limited range of adverbs of indefinite frequency, often
to talk about surprising or undesirable situations or events (especially with 'always').

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm always dreaming about a job as a secretary.
You are always losing things.
She is always smiling.

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative form.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about a computer] I?m not using it any more.
?the fridge isn't working.
? he's going to work at 5.00 am, so he's not eating anything ...

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use 'wh-' questions, especially in the context of letters and emails.

Corrected Learner Examples

Dear Mom, How are you doing?
What are you bringing with you?

Comments
Note that there are no 'yes/no' questions which refer to the present in the data, although there
are some that refer to the future. This may be an opportunity of use and spoken data issue (do
people generally ask questions like 'are you opening that window?') in writing?

USE: EVENTS IN PROGRESS

Can use the present continuous with an increasing range of verbs to talk about situations and
events in progress.

Corrected Learner Examples

I am watching a swimming competition.
I'm selling an English book. It's called "English II".
It's June and it's getting warmer.

USE: TEMPORARY SITUATIONS

Can use the present continuous with a limited range of verbs to talk about temporary
situations.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about a temporary situation] I'm living with my friend in Wolverhampton. I'm studying
at Wolverhampton College.
My mother is working today so my older brother can bring us to the sports centre.

53
PRESENT SIMPLE
FORM/USE: REAL AND IMAGINED SITUATIONS AFTER 'IF'
Can use the present simple after 'if' to talk about real and imagined situations.

Corrected Learner Examples

If you want some help, I will be free next week.
If you go with your parents, you will go walking or swimming, but if you go with friends, you
will have more fun.
Don't forget to wear colourful clothes because if you wear white clothes, you will get paint on
them.
[talking about a toothbrush] It is very important for me because if I don't have it, I can't clean
my teeth.

FORM: AFFIRMATIVE
Can use the affirmative form with an increasing range of regular and irregular verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

They are very important to me, because they bring me good luck.
I hope you can come next time.
The journey takes about half an hour from Paris.

FORM: INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Can form indirect questions with 'Do you know' + 'how', 'where', 'why', or 'what ??'

Corrected Learner Examples

Do you know how to get to my house?
Do you know which present I like best?

FORM: NEGATIVE
Can use the negative form with an increasing range of regular and irregular verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

I don't need the video because I've got the DVD.
You don't bring anything because it's the first day.
It doesn't cost very much.

FORM: QUESTIONS
Can use 'yes/no' and 'wh-' question forms with 'you'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Do you have a mobile phone?
Do you know we are going to have a concert at school?
What do you think about my mobile phone?
Who do you want to come to the concert?

FORM: WITH ADVERBS OF INDEFINITE FREQUENCY

Can use the present simple with adverbs of indefinite frequency. ► adverbs

Corrected Learner Examples

People usually try to eat their breakfast between 7 and 9 am.
They always make special things for their celebrations.

54
 USE: INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIONS
Can use the present simple to give instructions and directions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Then you turn right and my house is on your left.
To find my house you have to leave the bus at the station "Unberhof" Then you go straight on
for about fifty meters.
Then you walk for a few minutes See you tomorrow.

USE: MENTAL PROCESS VERBS

Can use the present simple with a limited range of mental process verbs including 'think',
'hope', 'know'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I think my bag is in your kitchen.
I hope that you feel better.
Do you know that I am going to a concert on Saturday.

USE: SUGGESTIONS
Can use the present simple with 'why don't you??', 'Why don?t we??' and 'if you want or if you
like' to make suggestions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Why don't you wear your black suit?
Why don?t we go to a disco when the film ends?
We could have dinner after that if you want.
We can go there, if you like.

PRONOUNS

DEMONSTRATIVES
FORM/USE: RESPONSE TOKENS WITH 'THAT'S'
Can use 'that's' + adjective to respond to something.

Corrected Learner Examples

That's great!
That's a pity!
That's a good idea!

Uncorrected Learner Examples

That's great!
That's a pity!
That's a good idea!

FORM: 'THAT'
Can use 'that' as a pronoun with singular reference.

55
 Corrected Learner Examples
That was amazing.
After that, we can go and drink a cup of coffee and eat a piece of cake.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

That was amazing.
After that, we can go to drink a cup of coffee and eat a piece of cake.

FORM: 'THIS'
Can use 'this' as a pronoun with singular reference.

Corrected Learner Examples

This is a very interesting place.
I'm very happy about this.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

This is a very interesting place.
I'm very happy about this.

Comments
There are 155 results at A1 but usage not correct. The main error is using 'this' instead of 'it'.

USE: 'THAT', ALREADY MENTIONED

Can use 'that' as a pronoun to refer back to something which has already been mentioned.

Corrected Learner Examples

You know that blue is my favourite colour, so we are going to use that.
It has got a camera, and I like that.
They look really nice on me, that's why I bought them.
Please try to come after 4.30 because I won't be there before that.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

You know that blue is my favourite colour, so we are going to use that.
It has got a camera, and I like that.
They look really nice on me, that's why I bought them.
Please try to come after 4.30 becuase I won't be there before that.
It was rainy so that was more exciting.

USE: 'THIS' POINTING

Can use 'this' as a pronoun to point to or identify single things or entities which are about to
follow and have immediate relevance.

Corrected Learner Examples

This is my number: 0754 567 78 51.
This is the information about the new art class: the class is on Fridays, and it starts at 4 pm
and finishes at 6 pm.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

This is my number 0754 567 78 51.
Jo, This is the information about the new art class: the class is on Fridays and it starts at 4 pm
and finishes at 6 pm.

56
 Comments
Although this is taught at A1, it's only appearing in the written data at A2. This may be due to
input-output lag, lack of spoken data and lack of opportunity to use it in the A1 tasks.

USE: 'THIS', ALREADY MENTIONED

Can use 'this' as a pronoun to refer back to single things or groups of plural things which have
already been mentioned.

Corrected Learner Examples

Thank you for this.
I went shopping yesterday at Yalerias;. I bought three green T-shirts, a pair of sneakers and
some socks. You might ask, why did I buy all this?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Dear Ally I've received your letter, and I thank you for this.
I went shopping yesterday at Yalerias;. I bought three green T-shirts, a pair of sneackers and
some socks. You might ask why did I buy all this.

USE: 'THIS', NOW

Can use 'this' as a pronoun to refer to something that is happening now.

Corrected Learner Examples

This is the best holiday I have ever had!
This is just a short note to ask you if you want to go with me to the ReggaRton's concert.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

This is the best holiday I have ever had!
This is just a short note to ask you if you want to Go with me at The ReggaRton's concert.

Comments
No evidence of telephone use of 'Is that X?' 'This is X' due to lack of spoken data and
opportunity of use.

USE: CLOSING
Can use 'that's all' to end a letter.

Corrected Learner Examples

That's all for now.
Well I think that's all.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

That's all for now.
That 's all.
Well I think that's all.

GENERIC USE
USE: 'YOU', GENERAL
Can use 'you' to refer to people in general.

Corrected Learner Examples

My new mobile phone can do lots of things! You can play games, you can take pictures.
Let's say if you want to travel to China, you need to learn a little Chinese.

57
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
My new mobile phone can do lots of things! You can play games, you can take pictures.
Let's say if you want to travel to China you need to learn little bit Chinese language.

INDEFINITE - THING, -ONE, -BODY ETC

FORM/USE: WITH 'TO' INFINITIVE, SPECIFYING
Can modify 'something' or 'anything' with 'to' infinitive, to make it more specific.

Corrected Learner Examples

Please, bring something to drink.
Bring some sweets and something to wear if you get cold.
I had to buy them because I didn't have anything to wear on my holidays.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Please, bring something to drink.
Bring some sweets and something to wear if you are cold.
I had to buy them because I didn't have anything to wear on my holidays.

FORM/USE: WITH ADJECTIVE, SPECIFYING

Can modify 'something' or 'anything' with an adjective, to make it more specific.

Corrected Learner Examples

Next weekend it's my mum's birthday party, so I needed something new to wear.
You need to wear something comfortable.
But I didn't find anything wrong.
You don't have to bring anything special.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Next weekend it's my mum's birthday party, so I needed something new to wear.
You need to wear something comfortable.
But I didn't find anything wrong.
You don't have to bring anything special.

FORM: NEGATIVE + 'ANYTHING'

Can use 'anything' after a negative verb form.

Corrected Learner Examples

You don't have to bring anything.
When I want to eat something in the night, I can't find anything because it is too dark.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

You don't have to bring anything.
When I want to eat something in the night I can't find anything because is too dark for me.

Comments
At A2 'nothing' is frequently used in error instead of 'anything'.

FORM: OBJECT OR COMPLEMENT

Can use an increasing range of indefinite pronouns as objects or complements of prepositions.

58
 Corrected Learner Examples
[talking about a phone] I need it because I have to call someone.
I invited everyone in the school but some people didn't come ?
I have borrowed it from somebody.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

[talking about a phone] I need it because I have to call someone ?
I invited everyone in the school but some people didn't come ?
I have borrowed it from somebody.
I'd like to visit everywhere.

Comments
In NS data -'body' forms are predominantly spoken and -'one' forms are predominantly
written, though without learner spoken data, we are unable to see where this difference is
successfully grasped by learners.

FORM: SUBJECT
Can use a limited range of indefinite pronouns ('someone', 'everyone') as subjects, with a
singular verb.

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought them because someone stole my luggage at the airport.
When someone calls me, it rings with a very lovely song.
I liked the competition because it is an enjoyable game and everyone likes it.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I bought them because someone stole my luggage at the airport.
When someone calls me, it rings with a very lovely song.
I liked the competition because it is a enjoyable game and everyone likes it.

FORM: WITH 'ELSE'

Can use indefinite pronouns with 'else'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Have you got something else to do on Saturday or can you come with me?
We have to bring some paints, but nothing else.
If you need anything else, you'll find it in the classroom.
I'm going to a rock concert on Saturday, but I have three tickets for two people (me and my
brother) and I am looking for someone else to go with me, so, would you like to go?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Have you got something else to do on Saturday or you can come with me?
We have to bring some paints, but nothing else.
If you need anything else, you'll find it in the classroom.
I'm going to a rock concert on Saturday, but a have three tickets for two people (me and my
brother) and I am looking for someone else to go with me, so, would you like to go?

USE: 'SOMETHING' IN VAGUE EXPRESSIONS

Can use 'something' in vague expressions, to refer to things in a non-specific way.

59
 Corrected Learner Examples
After the concert we can have a pizza or something else.
You do not have to bring any food, but I will pleased if you could bring something to drink -
wine, coke or something.
You can bring a cake or something like that.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

After the concert we can have a pizza or something else.
You do not have to bring any foods, but I will pleased if you could bring something to drink;
wine, coke or something.
You can bring a cake or something like that.

Comments
No examples of this use were found at A2 with 'anything'. cf B2

POSSESSIVE
FORM: 'MINE'
Can use the possessive pronoun 'mine', with singular and plural reference, in subject and
object positions, and complement positions after 'be' and after prepositions.

Corrected Learner Examples

I bought a new jacket because mine was very old.
I bought a pullover and trousers because mine are too small for me.
The phone is not mine.
You should bring your computer games and Maths book. I have lost mine.
I want to give you a birthday present like mine.

FORM: 'YOURS' AS OBJECT

Can use the possessive pronoun 'yours', with singular reference, in object positions, and
complement positions after 'be' and after prepositions.

Corrected Learner Examples

It was my best present, although I also loved yours.
My favourite meal is spaghetti with garlic bread. What's yours?
To go to my house from yours, take the first on the right, Victoria Road, and there is an
underground station.
I bought a pink mobile. It's like yours.
So that's all about my mobile phone. Please write to me about yours too!

Comments
There are no examples of 'yours' in subject position at A2. 'Yours' is very low frequency
generally, possibly due to a lack of spoken data or opportunity of use.

FORM: + 'OF MINE'

Can use the possessive pronoun 'mine' after 'of' in the phrases 'a friend of mine' and 'friends of
mine'.

Corrected Learner Examples

A friend of mine gave me a present for my birthday.
Some friends of mine were here with me too.

60
QUANTITY
FORM: 'ANY' AS OBJECT
Can use 'any' as an object in a negative clause to refer back to a plural or uncountable noun.

Corrected Learner Examples

Bring some good CDs. I don't have any.
Can you bring orange juice please? I don't have any.
[talking about taking presents to a party] Did you take any?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Bring some good CDs. I don't have any.
Can you bring orange jus please. I don't have any.

Comments
At A2, the pattern 'have (got)' + 'any' predominates.

FORM: 'SOME' AND 'ANY'

Can use pronouns 'some' and 'any', to refer to quantity.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about items of clothing] Some were cheap but some were expensive.
It lasts for 2 hours and we need to bring some erasers because they don't have any.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

[talking about items of clothing] Some were cheap but some were expensive.
It lasts for 2 hours and we need to bring some erasers because they don't have any.

Comments
Any isn't used as a subject at A1 and isn?t widely used as a subject in general across levels.
Most examples in CLC are in formal and often business contexts, e.g. Any queries can be sent
to? often used in passive constructions.|Note CIC has only 0.5 per million uses of any in
subject position but many of these were in ellipted examples which don?t count, e.g. Any
ideas?

FORM: 'SOME' AS SUBJECT AND OBJECT

Can use 'some' as a subject and object to refer back to a plural or uncountable noun.

Corrected Learner Examples

I saw a lot of people on the beach, some were playing football and some were sunbathing.
So, I think we will need more meat for the barbeque; if possible, you could bring some.
I can bring CDs if you need some.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I saw many people in the beach some were playing food ball and some were sanbathing.
So, I think we will need more meat for the barbequil, if is possible, you could bring some.
I can bring CDs if you need some.

FORM: WITH 'OF' + OBJECT PRONOUN

Can use a limited range of pronouns ('all', 'both') with 'of' followed by an object pronoun, to
refer to quantity.

61
 Corrected Learner Examples
There are a lot of functions but I don't know how to use all of them.
It was a brilliant party, and all of our school friends were there. All of them asked about you
and they wanted to see you.
My uncle took all of us to the Eiffel Tower.
I've booked two tickets for both of us, so I hope you'll come.
The tickets cost £5 but I can pay for both of them.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

There are a lot of functions but I don't know how touse all of them.
It was a brelliant party, and all of our school's friends were there. All of them asked about you
and they wanted to see you.
My uncle took all of us to Eiffle Tower.
I've booked two tickets for both of us, so I hope you'll come.
The tickets cost £5 but I can pay both of them.

REFLEXIVE
FORM: SAME SUBJECT AND OBJECT.
Can use a limited range of singular reflexive pronouns ('myself', 'yourself') with a limited range
of verbs ('enjoy', 'buy') to refer to actions where the subject and object of the verb are the
same.

Corrected Learner Examples

I enjoyed myself so much.
I bought myself a yellow T-shirt with nothing on it.
I hope you'll enjoy yourself.

SUBJECT/ OBJECT
FORM: (SUBJECT) ELLIPSIS AFTER 'HOPE'
Can leave out the subject pronoun with 'hope'. ► ellipsis

Corrected Learner Examples

Hope to see you soon.
Hi! How are you? Hope you are fine.

FORM: (SUBJECT) EMPTY 'IT'

Can use 'it' as an empty subject when there is nothing else to put in subject position,
particularly with weather or time.

Corrected Learner Examples

It's warm and windy.
Now it 's 3 pm.

SUBSTITUTION, ONE, ONES, NONE

FORM/USE: POSTMODIFYING, SPECIFYING
Can use 'the one' and 'the' + pre-modifier + 'one' with a complement, to refer to something
specific.

62
 Corrected Learner Examples
My house is No.8 and it's the one with silver gates.
All my friends gave me a present but the one I liked best was John's.
Do you remember the one that we saw last week?
I bought a jacket because the other one that I had was too small, and a t-shirt to use in the
summer.
My house is the first one on the left.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

My house is No.8 and it's the one with silver gates.
All my friends gave me a present but the one I liked best was John's.
Do you remember the one that we saw last week in downtown?
I bought a jacket because the other one that I had was too small and a t-shirt to use in the
summer.
My house is the first one on the left.

FORM: 'ONE'
Can use 'one' as a pronoun to substitute for singular countable nouns which have already been
mentioned or are obvious from the context.

Corrected Learner Examples

[talking about a phone] I chose the black one with the numbers in orange.
I bought a new pullover, because my old one is too small.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

[talking about a phone] I chose the black one with the numbers in orange.
I bought a new pullover, because my old one is too small.

FORM: PRE-MODIFYING
Can use determiners + premodifers + 'one'.

Corrected Learner Examples

I like my present very much because I needed a new one.
I love blue so I bought the blue one.
It is easy to use and it is smaller than the old one.
It's better than the other one.
I have lots of presents, but my favourite one is a CD, Michael gave it to me.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

[talking about a bike] I like my present very much because I needed a new one.
[talking about a mobile phone] I love blue so I bought the blue one.
It is easy to use and it is smaller than the old one.
It's better than the other one.
I have lots of presents, but my favourite one is a CD, Michael gave it to me.

63
QUESTIONS

ALTERNATIVES
FORM: WORD + WORD
Can form alternative questions with two words from the same class combined with 'or'.

Corrected Learner Examples

Can you bring some food or drinks for the dinner?
Is it cheap or expensive for you?
We can chat or watch a film.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Can you bring some food or drinks for the dinner?
Is it cheap or expensive for you?
We can chat or watch a film.

TAGS
FORM: QUESTION TAGS
Can use a limited range of question tags.

Corrected Learner Examples

You don't know where I live, do you?
It differs from the story which you told me, doesn't it?
It's fantastic, isn't it?
It cost £30, it was not too expensive, was it?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

You don't know where I live, do you?
It differs from the story which you told me, doesn't it?
It's fantastic, isn't it?
It cost £30, it was not too expensive, was it?

Comments
There is some evidence of the use of tags with be and do only. There are quite a few errors,
for example: It isn't expensive don't it? (Turkey; A2 WAYSTAGE; 2008; Turkish; Pass) We will
meet at 5:30 pm at my house, can you? (Uruguay; A2 WAYSTAGE; 2008; Spanish - Latin
American; Pass) However, we feel that there is a critical mass at this level to say that they have
a limited range competency.

WH-
FORM/USE: NEGATIVE QUESTONS, SUGGESTIONS
Can use negative question 'why don?t' + pronoun + verb, to make a suggestion or invitation.

Corrected Learner Examples

Why don't we watch a film?
Why don't you come with me?

64
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
Why don't we watch a film?
Why don't you come with me?

FORM: MAIN VERB 'BE'

Can use 'wh-'words + main verb 'be' + subject to form 'wh-' questions.

Corrected Learner Examples

How was your dinner yesterday?
How are you, my friend?
Where are you, men?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

How was your dinner yesterday?
How are you my friend?
Where are you, men?

Comments
There is a lot of evidence of formulaic 'How are you?' at A1.

FORM: MODAL VERBS

Can use 'wh-'words + modal verbs + subject + main verb to form 'wh-'questions.

Corrected Learner Examples

What will you bring?
What can I do?
How can I help you?
How will you get here?
When can I visit you?
When can we meet?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

What will you bring?
What can I do?
How can I help you?
How will you get here?
When can I visit you?
When can we meet?

Comments
This is limited to 'can' and 'will' in the CLC. Spoken data may give evidence of other modals.
We have kept it here as we have evidence that they can ?do? the form.

FORM: WITH AUXILIARY 'BE'

Can use 'wh-'words + auxiliary 'be' to form 'wh-'questions. ► present continuous ► past
continuous

Corrected Learner Examples

Who are you going with?
When are you coming here?
Where are you going?

65
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
Who are you going with?
When are you coming here?
Where are you going?

FORM: WITH AUXILIARY 'DO'

Can use 'wh-'words + auxiliary 'do' + subject + main verb to form 'wh-'questions. ► present
simple; ► past simple

Corrected Learner Examples

What do you think?
What did you do yesterday?
Where did you go?
How do you know?
Why don't you buy it?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

What do you think?
What did you do yesterday?
Where did you go?
How do you know?
Why don't you buy it?

Comments
There is also evidence of 'wh-'questions with main verbs at A1 but they are generally wrong,
e.g. leaving out the auxiliary: 'What you think about this?' (A1; Pashto)

FORM: WITH AUXILIARY 'HAVE'

Can use 'wh-'words + auxiliary 'have' to form 'wh-'questions. ► present perfect ► past perfect

Corrected Learner Examples

How have you been?
What have you brought for me?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

How have you been?

YES/NO
FORM: AUXILIARY 'BE'
Can use auxiliary 'be' + subject + the '-ing' form (continuous form) to form 'yes/no' questions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Are you going to come?
Are you feeling better?
Are you going to the new art class?
Are you doing anything on Friday?

66
 Uncorrected Learner Examples
Are you going to come?
Are you feeling better?
Are you going to the new art class?
Are you doing anything on Friday?

Comments
Most examples at A2 are with pronoun 'you' and mainly with 'going to': 'Are you going to' +
verb.

FORM: AUXILIARY 'HAVE'

Can use auxiliary 'have' + subject + the '-ed' form to form 'yes/no' questions. ► present
perfect

Corrected Learner Examples

I've just watched a football competition with my family and friends. Have you watched it?
I left my mobile in your house, have you seen it?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

In your house I left my mobile, Have you seen it?
I've just watched football competition with my family and friends. Have you watched it?

FORM: LEXICAL VERBS WITH 'DO'

Can use auxiliary 'do' + subject + main verb to form 'yes/no' questions.

Corrected Learner Examples

My favourite song is 'Viva la vida'. Do you know it?
My bedroom will be blue!! I love this colour!! Do you like it?
Yesterday, I went to buy some new clothes at the new store that is opposite my house, do you
remember it?
Did you see the football match last night?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

My favourite song is 'Viva la vida'. Do you know it?
My bedroom will be blue!! I love this colour!! Do you like it?
Yesterday, I went to buy some new cloths to the new story that is at the opposite corner of my
house, do you remenber it?

Comments
There is a lot of evidence of 'Do you like ??'

FORM: MAIN VERB 'BE'

Can use main verb 'be' + subject to form 'yes/no' questions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Are you ok?
Where is your dog? Is it ok?
Are you ready?

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
Are you ok?
Where is your dog? Is it ok?
Are you ready?

Comments
The present form of 'be' + 'ok' is the most frequent form. Other adjectives with 'be' are very
low frequency at A2. Bear in mind that this form may appear at A1 in spoken data. There are
currently no examples of 'yes/no' questions with be at A1 in the CLC.

FORM: MODAL VERBS

Can use an increasing range of modal verbs + subject + main verb to form 'yes/no' questions.

Corrected Learner Examples

Could you meet me at my home at 7 pm?
Could you look for it?
Would you like to go with me to the U2 concert?
Will you come with me?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

Could you meet me at my home at 7 pm.?
Could you look for it?
Would you like to go with me to the concert of U2?
Will you come with me ?

REPORTED SPEECH

REPORTED SPEECH
FORM: REPORTED STATEMENTS WITH 'SAY', PRONOUN SHIFT
Can report statements using a reporting clause with 'say' + 'that-'clause, with a pronoun shift
where relevant.

Corrected Learner Examples

My mother said that she can take us there.
The teacher said that we have to bring a notebook, a pencil and a rubber.

FORM: REPORTED STATEMENTS WITH 'TELL', PRONOUN SHIFT

Can report statements using a reporting clause with 'tell' + direct object + 'that-'clause, with a
pronoun shift where relevant.

Corrected Learner Examples

[about a mobile phone] It's very important to me to have it with me because my brother is in
the hospital and my father told me that he will call.
My sister told me that this film is very good.
Gill told me that you had an accident last week.

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VERBS

LINKING
FORM: LINKING + COMPLEMENT
Can use an increasing range of linking verbs with complements.

Corrected Learner Examples

It looks good on you.
We will really become good pen-friends.
Make sure you wear something over your clothes so that they won't get dirty.
Because it sounds interesting.
I feel sorry for you. I hope you get better as soon as possible.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It looks good on you.
And we will really become good pen-friends.
Make sure you wear something over your clothes so that they won't get dirty.
Because it sounds interesting.
I feel sorry for you. I hope you get better as soons possible.

PATTERNS_THAT CLAUSES
FORM: REPORTING VERBS + DIRECT OBJECT 'THAT'-CLAUSE
Can use a limited range of verbs, typically reporting, with a 'that'-clause as the direct object.

Corrected Learner Examples

I hope that you'll come.
I think that it begins on 20 or 21 May.
My mother said that she can help us.
I heard that you are quite busy right now.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I hope that you'll come.
I think that it begins on 20 or 21 May.
My mother said that she can help us.
I heard that you are quite busy right now.

FORM: VERBS + DIRECT OBJECT CLAUSE WITHOUT 'THAT'

Can use reporting verbs, especially mental process verbs, with a clause as the direct object,
without 'that', especially in informal contexts.

Corrected Learner Examples

I hope you can go, buddy.
I think I left my phone there, maybe in your kitchen.
I think you should go visit the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers.
I know it's impossible for you to come during examination time.
My mother said you can come to me at 6.30 pm.

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
I hope you can go, buddy.
I think I left my phone there, maybe in your kitchen.
I think you should go visit the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers.
I know it's impossible for you to come during the examination time.
My mother said you can come to me at 6.30 pm.

FORM: VERBS + INDIRECT OBJECT CLAUSE

Can use verbs, typically reporting verbs, followed by a noun or pronoun as the indirect object
and a clause with or without 'that', as the direct object.

Corrected Learner Examples

I told you that she has a new car?
You promised me that you will help me to paint my bedroom.
Nisha told me you had an accident last week.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I told you that she has a new car?
You promised me that you will help me to paint my bedroom.
Nisha told me you had an accident last week.

PATTERNS_WITH TO AND -ING

FORM/USE: 'WOULD LOVE' + 'TO'
Can use 'would love to' followed by the 'to'-infinitive to give emphasis.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'd love to do the concert.
I'd love to hear it!

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I'd love to do the concert.
I'd love to hear it!

Comments
Note the use of this pattern here for emphasis.

FORM: 'ENJOY' + '-ING'

Can use 'enjoy' followed by the '-ing' form.

Corrected Learner Examples

We enjoy playing the piano and singing together.
You know I really enjoy listening to music.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

We enjoy playing the piano and singing together.
You know I really enjoy listening to music.

FORM: VERB + 'TO'- INFINITIVE

Can use an increasing range of verbs followed by a 'to'-infinitive.

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 Corrected Learner Examples
I bought them because I hope to go to England this year and the weather isn't very good.
Please remember to bring your pyjamas and your tooth brush.
Don't forget to come.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I bought them because I hope to go in England this year and the weather isn't very good.
Please remember to bring your pijamas and your tooth brush.
Don't forget to come.

FORM: VERBS + 'TO'-INFINITIVE OR + '-ING'

Can use verbs expressing preference followed either by a 'to'-infinitive or an '-ing' form, with
no change in meaning.

Corrected Learner Examples

I love to play football.
I love to cook.
I prefer to play football but I often go to the gym.
I hate to watch any sports.
I love cooking and also baking.
I love listening to music, especially hip-hop music.
I hate wearing trousers in summer.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I love to play football.
I love to cook.
I love cooking and also baking.
I love listening to music especially hip-hop music.
I love playing golf.
I prefer to play football but I often go to the gym.
I hate to watch any sports.
I hate wearing trousers in summer.

Comments
At A2 'prefer' + to infinitive is used successfully but 'prefer + -ing' is used incorrectly instead
of 'would prefer to'.

PHRASAL
FORM: NO OBJECT
Can use a limited range of phrasal verbs without an object.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm going to get up early on Saturday.
Shall we go out this weekend to a concert?
We can meet up at 2 pm.
If you have time, you can come over and I will introduce you to my friends.
Every day I can see the sea when I wake up.

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
I'm going to get up early on Saturday.
Shall we go out this weekend to a concert?
We can meet up at 2pm.
If you have time, you can come over and I will introduce you to my friends.
Everyday I can see the sea when I wake up.

Comments
There are 108 instances of phrasal verbs at A1, across just 10 nationalities, mostly go out,
with 8 occurrences of get up. There are also many single instances of other items. Not all are
correct. The number of instances jumps to 922 at A2. Hence the decision to place this at A2
where there is ample evidence of use of the pattern of phrasal verbs.

FORM: VERB + PRONOUN + PARTICLE

Can use a limited range of phrasal verbs + object pronoun + particle.

Corrected Learner Examples

I will pick you up and arrange everything.
Ring me up or send me an email if you have any questions.
You may need to throw it away, it'll be too dirty after painting.
Could you come here by nine o'clock to help me out?

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I will pick you up and arrange everything.
Ring me up or send me an email if you have any questions.
You may need to throw it away , it'll be too dirty after painting.
Could you come here by nine o'clock to help me out?

PHRASAL-PREPOSITIONAL
FORM/USE: 'LOOK FORWARD TO'
Can use 'look forward to' as a fixed expression followed by an '-ing' form or noun phrase,
usually at the end of correspondence.

Corrected Learner Examples

I'm looking forward to seeing you!
I look forward to hearing from you.
I am looking forward to our meeting.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I am looking forward to our meeting.
I'm looking forward to seeing you!
I look forward to hearing from you.

Comments
look forward to accounts for 87% of all phrasal-prepositional verb occurrences at A2, and 86%
of total occurrences from A2 to C2.

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THERE IS/ARE
FORM: 'THERE IS' + UNCOUNTABLE
Can use 'there is' + uncountable nouns as complement.

Corrected Learner Examples

I need it because there is some money in it which I have to pay to someone.
There is some information about the new art class.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

I need it because there is some money in it which I have to pay to someone.
There is some information about the new art class.

FORM: 'THERE IS/ARE' + A LOT OF

Can use both 'there is' and 'there are' + 'a lot of' + plural noun.

Corrected Learner Examples

There's a lot of people there.
There's a lot of clothes but they are very cheap.
You can go to the town centre because there are a lot of shops in the town centre.
It's a very interesting place because there are a lot of pictures.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

There's a lot of people there.
There's a lot of clothes but they are very cheap.
You can go to the town centre because there are a lot of shops in the town centre.
It's very interesting place because there are a lot of pictures.

Comments
Note that 'there is' + plural noun is more common in informal spoken contexts than in written
contexts and may be considered incorrect. In some cases this may reflect first language use.

TYPES
FORM: AUXILIARY VERBS 'HAVE' AND 'DO'
Can use auxiliary verbs 'have' and 'do'.

Corrected Learner Examples

It has been a long time since I saw you.
I have left my suitcase in your house.
Have you got a mobile phone?
I haven't emailed you in a long time.
[responding to a question] Yes, I do. I am really excited about the idea.
Do you like shopping?
Did you buy a new mobile phone?
I thought that I wouldn't find nice clothes for me, but surprisingly, I did.
Why didn't you come to my birthday party?

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 Uncorrected Learner Examples
It has been a long time since I saw you.
I have left my suitcase in your house.
Have you got a mobile phone?
I haven't emailed you in a long time.
[responding to a question] Yes, I do. I am really exciting about the idea.
Do you like shopping?
Did you buy a new mobile phone?
I thought that I wouldn't find nice clothes for me, but surprisely, I did.
Why didn't you come to my birthday party?

FORM: LINKING VERBS + ADJECTIVE

Can use linking verbs with adjective complements.

Corrected Learner Examples

It makes me feel comfortable and the room looks bigger with the colour.
My bedroom will be blue because the colour blue always looks fresh and I like it if it's always
fresh.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

It makes me feel comfortable and the room looks bigger with the colour.
Colour in my bedroom will be blue because colour blue always looks fresh and I like if it's
fresh always.

FORM: MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS

Can use an increasing range of modal auxiliary verbs.

Corrected Learner Examples

And I think we should go somewhere else to have a drink after the film.
Please wear some of your old and torn clothes because they might get dirty.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

And I think we should go somewhere else to have a drink after the film.
Please wear some of your old and torn clothes because they might get dirty.

FORM: SEMI-MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS, 'HAVE (GOT) TO'

Can use semi-modal auxiliary verb 'have (got) to'.

Corrected Learner Examples

You've got to bring paintbrushes, paper and paint, that's all.
You don't have to bring anything except your clothes.

Uncorrected Learner Examples

You've got to bring, paintbrushes, paper and paint, that's all.
You don't have to bring anything except your clothes.

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