English 7 grammar
Students of English 7 will need to master advanced grammar and theory in order to apply those skills in academic writing and speaking. Rarely do we challenge ourselves to use more complex language but rather continue to express ourselves in habitual ways. However, this page attempts to remedy just that! The following grammar exercises are structured according to the modules of English 7. Let's begin, shall we?
Grammar references are based on BBC's advanced grammar guide.
Inversions - improve your formality with dramatic and idiomatic patterns
Inversions improve drama or formality by swapping the subject-verb order and adding a negative or limiting adverb. For example:
I rarely write letters to strangers. ➜ Rarely do I write letters to strangers.
We create inversions using the following pattern:
Move a negative or limiting adverb to the beginning of the sentence
Add an auxiliary (helping) verb
If necessary, change the tense of the verb
Add a subject
Furthermore, inversions can be divided based on their uses. We will mainly focus on the following:
a unique situation
a short amount of time or almost not
understanding a situation
not understanding a situation
A unique situation
A situation where something occurs infrequently.
He never argued that ferociously.
➜ Never did he argue that ferociously. (Observe that argue changed from past tense to infinitive)
Rarely has someone been so wrong as you.
Seldom did she take the bus.
When expressing a unique situation, the negative or limiting adverbs used are:
Never
Rarely
Seldom
A short amount of time or something that almost did not happen
A situation where a short amount of time has passed or almost did not happen.
She had hardly sat down to eat dinner when there was a knock on the door.
➜Hardly had she sat down to eat dinner when there was a knock on the door.
Barely had I got out of the shower when the phone rang.
No sooner had I gotten my receipt than I realized that I had paid for everyone’s food.
When expressing that a short amount of time has passed or something almost did not happen, the negative or limiting adverbs used are:
Hardly
Barely
Scarcely
No sooner
Understanding a situation
A situation where something is going to happen or not.
He knew when she told him.
➜ Only when she told him did he know.
Only after they had finished their homework were they allowed to rest.
Only when I took the test did I realise how prepared I was.
When expressing that someone understands a situation, the negative or limiting adverbs used are:
Only if ..
Only when ..
Only now ..
Not understanding a situation
A situation that expresses a lack of understanding.
I was not aware that she was home
➜ Little was I aware that she was home.
Little did she grasp the gravity of the situation.
When expressing that someone does not understand a situation, the negative or limiting adverbs used are:
Little ... was
Little ... did
Advanced linking words
Elaboration - synonym to “and”; gives more information, provide examples
Basic
And, he / she / it is, you are, has/ have
Intermediate
For example, such as, as well as
Advanced
In addition, furthermore, moreover, for instance, often
Let's look at some examples, shall we?
Feke studies English and Japanese.
Feke studies English in addition to Japanese.
Cause and effect - synonym to “because”; tells us why, provide results
Basic
because, so, and so
Intermediate
in order to, due to
Advanced
therefore, on the condition that, consequently
Let's look at some examples, shall we?
Feke teaches English because he enjoys it.
Feke teacher English, consequently enjoying it. (see here that I changed the verb to continuous form)
Compare and contrast - synonym to “but”; compare to see if examples are similar or not
Basic
but, but also
Intermediate
Meanwhile, although, while
Advanced
In contrast, however, moreover, whereas, despite, in comparison, nonetheless, similarly.
Let's look at some examples, shall we?
Feke speaks Swedish but he does not teach it.
Feke speaks Swedish, however, he does not teach it.
Exercise
A basic example: next - after - later - finally - first - then - and
Making ramen.
(1) __________________, turn on the kettle to boil some water. (2) __________________, open the package. (3) __________________, put the ramen noodles into a bowl and pour the boiling water onto them. (4) __________________ a few minutes, add the spices and oils that were included inside the package. (5) __________________, add any toppings to your liking. (6) __________________, enjoy your meal!
An intermediate-advanced example: In conclusion - additionally - eventually - firstly - secondly
Recycling
Recycling by means of a compost is not as difficult as one might think. Regardless of what many think, even the smallest contribution helps. (1) __________________, create a routine where you separate organic waste from non-degradable waste. (2) __________________, you will require a container where you can dispose of your fruit or vegetables. (3) __________________, the compost might have a slightly pungent smell and (4) __________________ attract flies. But do not worry! This is your signal to take the compost-bag outside. (5) __________________, it is simple yet effective. Plus, you will contribute to a more eco-friendly world!
Answer key
Basic example: First, then, next, after, later, finally
Intermediate-advanced example: Firstly, secondly, eventually, additionally, in conclusion