Advanced English Grammar

Advanced English Grammar Guide

1. All vs. All of vs. All the

General nouns: "All students" (any students)

Specific nouns: "All the students" (specific group)

"All of us need practice" (pronoun requires "of")

"All us need practice"

2. Although/Even though/Though

All show contrast but differ in formality:

"Although it rained, we went out"

"It rained. We went out though."

Only "though" can appear at the end of a sentence.

3. Even though vs. Even if

Even though: For facts ("Even though it's raining...")

Even if: For possibilities ("Even if it rains...")

4. As if vs. As though

These have the same meaning, but "as if" is generally more common. When describing an unreal or hypothetical situation, we often use the subjunctive mood (e.g., "were" instead of "was").

"He acts as if he were rich" (subjunctive for hypothetical)

"You look like you've seen a ghost" (common spoken form, "like" is more casual)

5. To Be Supposed To

This phrase indicates an **obligation, expectation, or what is generally believed/expected** to happen. It can also imply that something *should* have happened but didn't.

"I'm supposed to call my mom" (present obligation/expectation)

"I was supposed to call, but I forgot." (past obligation, unfulfilled)

6. Future Simple vs. Future Continuous

Future Simple (will + base verb): Used for general predictions, decisions made at the moment of speaking, or promises.

Future Continuous (will be + -ing verb): Used to describe an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future, emphasizing its duration.

Future Simple: "I will study for my exam tomorrow." (general plan)

Future Continuous: "At 9 PM tomorrow, I will be studying." (action in progress)

The Future Continuous cannot be used with state verbs (e.g., "know", "believe", "belong") as these describe states, not ongoing actions. For example, "I will be knowing the answer" is incorrect.

7. Be Going To vs. Will Be Going

"Be going to": Primarily used for **future plans or intentions** (decided beforehand) and **predictions based on present evidence**.

"Will be going": Emphasizes an action that will be **in progress** at a specific point in the future, similar to Future Continuous, but often implies movement or travel.

"I'm going to travel to Mumbai next month." (definite plan)

"This time next week, I'll be going to the airport." (action in progress at a future moment)

8. To Get Used To

This phrase describes the **process of becoming accustomed** to something new or unfamiliar. It's often followed by a gerund (-ing form) or a noun.

"I'm getting used to waking up early for work."

"It took him a while to get used to the cold weather."

Do not confuse with "used to" (past habits) or "be used to" (already accustomed). For example, "I used to waking up early" is incorrect.

9. Go + Gerund

This structure is commonly used to talk about **physical activities or hobbies**. It means to engage in the activity of...

"Let's go swimming this weekend."

"They often go shopping on Saturdays."

"Let's go to swim."

This applies to activities like `go running`, `go hiking`, `go fishing`, `go skiing`, etc.