Grammar presented at each level

PhraseCat offers 4 complexity levels. The grammar scope presented at each level is outlined below.

Beginner (200 phrases)

Phrase example: I practice English every day.
The Beginner level contains short phrases where the part to be replaced is very simple and usually consists of a single word. If such word is a verb, only its basic form (the infinitive) is used.
In order to practise at this level, it is recommended that the students review such basic grammar as: what an infinitive is; how to put verbs in the ‑ing form; how to make the plural form of nouns; the difference between countable and uncountable nouns and between vowel and consonant sounds.
Grammar:
  • There is/are
  • Demonstrative pronouns
  • Object pronouns
  • Possessive form
  • Possessive pronouns
  • Prepositions of place
  • Prepositions of time
  • Prepositions of manner
  • Prepositions of movement
  • Prepositions after verbs
  • Delexical verbs
  • WH‑questions
  • The imperative
  • Negation
  • Telling the time

Elementary (350 phrases)

Phrase example: How much time is left?
The Elementary level contains simple sentences and structures to help learners consolidate their basic knowledge of English.
In addition to the requirements for the Beginner level, in order to practise at the Elementary level the student is expected to have an idea about what can serve as a determiner before a noun and to know the basics of the use of definite and indefinite articles.
Grammar:
  • Present simple
  • Present continuous
  • Future simple
  • Near future (going to)
  • Past simple
  • Advanced WH‑questions
  • The imperative
  • Linking verbs
  • Verbs with two objects
  • The definite article
  • Do / make
  • Comparatives
  • Superlatives
  • Prepositions of time
  • Prepositions with times of the day
  • Prepositions after verbs
  • Adverb position
  • No double negative
  • Gerund or infinitive after verb
  • Some / any

Intermediate (350 phrases)

Phrase example: The day turned out to be long.
The Intermediate level allows students to extend their knowledge by studying more complex English patterns. In particular, this level introduces indirect speech and the conditionals (if‑clauses).
Grammar:
  • Present simple: Modal verbs
  • Present simple: Advanced use
  • Present perfect
  • Past continuous
  • Future in the past
  • Advanced WH‑questions
  • Embedded questions
  • Reported orders
  • Reported questions
  • Passive voice
  • The imperative
  • The zero conditional
  • The first conditional
  • The definite article
  • Adverb position
  • Comparatives
  • Superlatives
  • Conjunctions
  • Possessive pronouns
  • Reflexive pronouns
  • Dummy pronouns
  • Prepositions of place
  • Prepositions after adjectives
  • Prepositions after verbs
  • Some / any
  • Each / every
  • Time clauses
  • ‘If’ for introducing clauses after verbs of doubting

Advanced (200 phrases)

Phrase example: I saw him climb the tree.
The Advanced level is designed for learners who already have a good command of English but want to take their skills a step further. It is also a great tool for self-learners looking to clarify for themselves the practical application of advanced grammar rules.
Grammar:
  • Present perfect continuous
  • Past perfect
  • Past perfect continuous
  • Modal verbs in the past
  • Future perfect
  • Future perfect continuous
  • Perfect infinitive
  • Passive voice
  • The imperative
  • Verbs with two objects
  • The second conditional
  • The third conditional
  • The definite article
  • Conjunctions
  • Comparatives
  • Superlatives
  • Indefinite pronouns
  • Subject/object pronouns
  • Prepositions of place
  • Prepositions after adjectives
  • Prepositions after verbs
  • Dangling prepositions
  • Advanced past simple
  • Advanced present perfect
  • Advanced conditionals
  • Advanced irregular verbs
  • Subjunctive mood
  • Emphatic inversion

Each level also contains phrases designed to broaden one’s vocabulary and common expressions that do not fit into any of the grammar aspects listed above.

The vocabulary used at each level corresponds to its complexity: very simple at the Beginner level, it gets more complex at each higher level.

Now that you know everything about PhraseCat, it’s time to practise!

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