Advanced Grammar Hacks
This structure is used when you arrange for someone else to do a service for you (e.g., "I had my hair cut" or "I need to get my car repaired").
What is the Causative Passive? (Also acceptable: "Have/Get something done").
This British singer-songwriter, famous for her retro style and massive hits like "Levitating" and "Houdini", released her album Radical Optimism.
Who is Dua Lipa?
This proverb means that it's better to accept a small, certain advantage now than to risk it for a greater one later (Hint: involving birds).
What is "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"?
This simulation game, where players control digital people, their careers, and their houses, has been a favorite for PC gamers for over two decades.
What is The Sims?
Correct the mistake in this sentence: "Despite he was tired, he finished his essay."
What is "Despite being tired" / "In spite of the fact that he was tired" / "Although he was tired"? (Despite takes a noun or gerund, not a clause).
Complete the gap with the correct perfect modal for past speculation: "She didn't answer my calls. She __________ (fall) asleep."
What is "must have fallen"?
his critically acclaimed HBO teenage drama series, starring Zendaya, is known for its intense themes, cinematic visuals, and focus on Gen Z struggles.
What is Euphoria?
If you are trying to convince someone not to lose hope during a difficult time, you might tell them that "Every cloud has..." this type of lining.
What is a silver lining? ("Every cloud has a silver lining").
This dark comedy-drama series follows the chaotic lives of wealthy guests at an exclusive resort chain, with a highly anticipated third season set in Thailand.
What is The White Lotus?
Correct the mistake in this sentence: "I would rather you don't go to that party tonight."
What is "I would rather you didn't go..."? (Would rather + subject takes past simple for present/future preference).
Transform this sentence using an inversion for emphasis: "I have never seen such a beautiful place." (Hint: Start with "Never...").
What is "Never have I seen such a beautiful place"?
This American rapper, producer, and fashion designer created the Yeezy brand and released collaborative albums under the name Ye.
Who is Kanye West?
This common 4-word idiom means to hear a rumor or a piece of news indirectly or through gossip (Hint: involving a plant).
What is "to hear through the grapevine"?
This tactical first-person shooter game by Riot Games requires teams to plant or defuse a "Spike" and features agents with special abilities.
What is Valorant?
Correct the mistake in this sentence: "The police is investigating the cyber-attack at the school."
What is "The police are investigating..."? (The word 'police' is always plural).
This is the inverted, more formal way of writing the conditional sentence: "If you should need any help, let me know."
What is "Should you need any help, let me know"?
This indie-pop artist became a global phenomenon with her hit "Espresso" and opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour.
Who is Sabrina Carpenter?
When someone tells you to take their words "with a grain of salt", they are advising you to do this.
What is to be skeptical / not take it completely seriously?
This dystopian British anthology series explores the unexpected and dark consequences of modern technology and screen addiction.
What is Black Mirror?
Correct the mistake in this sentence: "He is used to wake up at 6 AM every morning for football practice."
What is "He is used to waking up..."? (To be used to + gerund/noun).
Choose the correct option to express a present regret: "I wish I __________ (have) to study for this exam right now." (Options: don't have / didn't have / hadn't had).
What is "didn't have"?
This American singer-songwriter, famous for her dark-pop aesthetic, wrote the entire soundtrack for the movie Barbie including the deep track "What Was I Made For?".
Who is Billie Eilish?
This idiom means that you are completely mistaken about something, or looking for a solution in the completely wrong place (Hint: involving a dog and a tree).
What is "barking up the wrong tree"?
This viral artificial intelligence platform, developed by OpenAI, revolutionized how students and professionals generate text and code since late 2022.
What is ChatGPT?
Correct the mistake in this sentence: "Not only she missed the bus, but she also lost her keys."
What is "Not only did she miss the bus..."? (Requires inversion after negative adverbial).