GRAMMAR 1
What is verb complementation?
It’s the words/structures that complete the meaning of a verb (object, infinitive, -ing form, clause, etc.).
Explanation: Some verbs need something after them to make the meaning complete: She enjoys reading.
Which is correct: “She suggested going” or “She suggested to go”?
She suggested going.
Explanation: Suggest is followed by -ing, not to + infinitive.
Complete the sentence
Fill in: “He is good ___ solving problems.”
at
Explanation: Correct collocation: good at.
Complete: “In spite of the ___, the event was successful.”
rain
Explanation: In spite of + noun is a common concession structure.
What does “even though” express?
A strong contrast/unexpected result.
Explanation: Even though he was exhausted, he kept working.
Which is correct: “He decided to leave” or “He decided leaving”?
He decided to leave.
Explanation: Decide is followed by to + infinitive, not an -ing form.
Complete: “My teacher encouraged me ___ harder.”
to work
Explanation: Encourage + object + to + infinitive is a common pattern.
Clauses of concession. Fill in the correct option.
“___ it was expensive, he bought it.”
Although / Even though
Explanation: Concession = contrast between price and action.
Fix the sentence
Correct this: “Despite she was ill, she went to school.”
Despite being ill, she went to school.
Explanation: After despite, use noun or -ing form.
Complete: “My teacher let us ___ early.”
leave
Explanation: Let + object + bare infinitive.
What is a clause of concession?
A clause that shows contrast (something happens despite another fact).
Explanation: Often introduced by although / though / even though: Although it was late, we continued
Fill in: “___ he was tired, he finished the project.”
Although / Even though
Explanation: This expresses contrast: he finished despite being tired.
What is an adjective complement?
Words that complete the meaning of an adjective.
Explanation: Example: She is proud of her work. (“of her work” completes “proud”)
What’s the difference between “stop to talk” and “stop talking”?
Stop to talk = pause in order to talk. / Stop talking = stop the action of talking.
Explanation: Stop + to-infinitive = purpose, stop + -ing = end activity.
What’s the difference between “remember to lock” and “remember locking”?
Remember to lock = don’t forget. / Remember locking = memory of the past action.
Explanation: Meaning changes depending on the form.
What are multi-word verbs?
Verbs made of a main verb + one/two particles (adverb/preposition).
Explanation: Example: give up, look after, run into.
Why are multi-word verbs important?
Because the meaning often changes completely.
Explanation: Look ≠ look after. One means “see,” the other means “take care of.”
Identify the post-modifier
In “The man who invented the machine is famous,” what is the post-modifier?
who invented the machine
Explanation: It’s a relative clause describing “the man.”
Prepositional verb (not separable)
Which is correct?
A) Look the baby after.
B) Look after the baby.
B
Explanation: Look after is not separable.
Separable phrasal verb
Which is correct?
A) Turn off the lights.
B) Turn the lights off.
Separable phrasal verb
Both
Explanation: Some phrasal verbs are separable (turn off).
What is pre-modification?
Words before a noun that describe it.
Explanation: a successful business idea → “successful” and “business” modify “idea.”
What is post-modification?
Words after a noun that describe it.
Explanation: the employee in the office → “in the office” describes “employee.”
Which is correct?
A) Despite he was tired, he studied.
B) Although he was tired, he studied.
B
Explanation: Despite must be followed by a noun/gerund, not a full clause.
In “a highly skilled engineer,” what is the pre-modifier?
Pre-modifier
highly skilled
Explanation: Words before the noun describe it.
In “the office on the third floor,” what is the post-modifier?
Post-modifier (prepositional phrase)
Answer: on the third floor
Explanation: It gives extra information after the noun.