Intermediate grammar points

Intermediate to upper intermediate
Table of Contents
Intermediate to upper intermediate ................................................................... 1
1. 'as' and 'like' ....................................................................................................... 1
Do you know how to use as and like correctly? ............................................. 1
2. 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already' ................................................................... 4
3. 'so' and 'such' ..................................................................................................... 7
Grammar explanation .........................................................................................................7
Adjectives and adverbs .......................................................................................................................... 7
Nouns ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Saying the result ........................................................................................................................................ 8
4. 'used to' + infinitive and 'be' or 'get used to' + '-ing'...................... 9

5. 'wish' and 'if only'(giá mà) ......................................................................... 11
6. Adjectives ........................................................................................................... 12
Non-gradable: absolute adjectives ............................................................................................... 14
Non-gradable: extreme adjectives................................................................................................ 14
7. Modals – permission and obligation (cho phép) ............................... 15

Prohibition (Sự ngăn cấm)................................................................................................................. 17
Obligation (nghĩa vụ) ............................................................................................................................ 17
No obligation .................................................................................................................................................. 18
don't have to.................................................................................................................................................. 18
8. Modifying comparisons (So sánh) ........................................................... 19

Grammar explanation ....................................................................................................... 19
Comparing .................................................................................................................................................... 19
Showing big differences ...................................................................................................................... 20
Showing small differences ................................................................................................................. 20
Showing there is no difference ....................................................................................................... 20
9. Phrasal verbs .................................................................................................... 21

Separable ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Non-separable ........................................................................................................................................... 22
With two particles ................................................................................................................................... 23
10. Question tags.................................................................................................... 23

Formation ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
11. Verbs followed by '-ing' or by 'to' + infinitive 2 ............................... 26
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12. Reflexive pronouns (Đại từ phản thân) ................................................ 28
Adding emphasis ........................................................................................................................................ 29
By + reflexive pronoun ........................................................................................................................... 29
Reciprocal pronouns................................................................................................................................. 29
13. Verbs and prepositions ................................................................................ 31

Verbs with for ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Verbs with from ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Verbs with in .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Verbs with of .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Verbs with on ............................................................................................................................................. 32
Verbs with to .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Verbs with with......................................................................................................................................... 33
14. The future – degrees of certainty ............................................................ 33

Modal verbs and adverbs .................................................................................................................... 34
Other expressions ................................................................................................................................... 35
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Intermediate to upper intermediate
1. 'as' and 'like'
Do you know how to use as and like correctly?
Look at these examples to see how as and like are used.
I worked as an actor for two years.

I went home early as I felt ill.
He looks as if he hasn't slept.
As you know, this is the third time I've had to complain.
He looks like his dad.
She's like a sister to me.
Try to do something relaxing, like reading a book or having a bath.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
Complete the sentences with 'as' or 'like'.
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Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
as and like are often confused since they can both be used for comparisons. There are,
however, important differences.
Making comparisons
as + adjective + as and as much as
We often use the structure as + adjective + as or as much as to say if something has,

or doesn't have, the same amount of that quality as something else.
She loves curry as much as I do.

He's not as tall as his brother.
It's not as expensive as the other hotel.
That dog is as big as that child!
You also have to use as in the expression the same as.
Your phone is the same as mine.

Texting is not the same as speaking in person.
like + noun
In the following comparisons, like is followed by a noun or a pronoun to say that two
things are similar.
He's like a father to me.

She's acting like a child.
It's like a burger but with big mushrooms instead of bread.
There are lots of people like us.
It is also common to make comparisons using like with verbs of the senses.
She looks like her mother.

It sounds like a cat.
Nothing tastes like homemade lemonade.
It smells like medicine.
It feels like cotton.
as if/as though + clause: cứ như thể là…
As if and as though can be used to compare a real situation to an imaginary situation.

They are followed by a clause (a subject and verb).
You look as if you've seen a ghost.

I felt as if I was floating above the ground.
You talk as though we're never going to see each other again.
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Giving examples
We can say like or such as to give examples.
You could try a team sport like football, basketball or hockey.

You should take something soft, such as a towel, to lie on.
Talking about a job or function

We can use as + noun to talk about a job or function.
I worked as a shop assistant for two years.

He used his coat as a blanket to keep warm.
as to connect two phrases

as can be used as a conjunction to connect two phrases. It can have different
meanings.
as = 'because'
All the tickets were sold out as we got there too late.
As the road was closed, I had to park on the next street.
as = 'while' or 'during the time that': trong khi
She called as I was getting out of the bath.

As they were arriving, we were leaving.
as = 'in the way that':
As we expected, it started to rain.

As you know, classes restart on 15 January.
As I said, I think this project will be a challenge.
** Note that in informal speech, people sometimes say like for 'in the way that'.
Like I said, I didn't know her.
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
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2. 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'
Do you know how to use just, yet, still and already with the present perfect?
Look at these examples to see how just, yet, still and already are used.
I've just seen Sai. He's really enjoying his new job.
We haven't decided what to do yet.
I still haven't called Yumi to see how she is.
I've already had lunch but I'll join you for coffee.
1. They say they posted it two weeks ago but it _____ hasn't arrived.
A. yet
B. still
C. already
2. I haven't found a flat _____. Everything around here is so expensive.
A. just
B. yet
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C. still
3. Is John here? B: Oh, he's _____ left, I'm afraid.
A. just
B. yet
C. still
4. He's only 22 and he's _____ written a best-selling book.
A. yet
B. still
C. already
5. They said they'd have the results yesterday but they _____ haven't phoned.
A. yet
B. already
C. still
Grammar explanation
We often use just, yet, still and already with the present perfect because they are
related to the present moment. This page focuses on the meaning and use of these
words when they are used with the present perfect.
just
Just used with the present perfect means 'a short time before'.
I've just seen Susan coming out of the cinema.

Mike's just called. Can you ring him back, please?
Have you just taken my pen?!
Just comes between the auxiliary verb (have/has) and the past participle.
yet
Yet used with the present perfect means 'at any time up to now'. We use it to
emphasise that we expect something to happen soon. Yet (in this context) is only used
in negative sentences and questions.
Have you finished your homework yet?

I haven't finished it yet. I'll do it after dinner.
A. Where's Sam? B: He hasn't arrived yet.
Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.
still
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Still used with the present perfect means that something hasn't happened. We use it to
emphasise that we expected the thing to happen earlier. Still (in this context) is only
used in negative sentences.
I've been waiting for an hour and the bus still hasn't come.
They promised me that report yesterday but they still haven't finished it.
She still hasn't replied to my email. Maybe she's on holiday.
Still comes between the subject (the bus, they, etc.) and auxiliary verb
(haven't/hasn't).
already
Already used with the present perfect means 'before now'. We use it to emphasise that
something happened before something else or earlier than expected.
I've already spent my salary and it's two weeks before payday.
He wanted to see Sudden Risk but I've already seen it.
The train's left already!
Already can come between the auxiliary and the main verb or at the end of the clause.
1. She told me they sent the exam results last week but mine _____ haven't arrived.
A. yet
B. still
C. already
2. Have you eaten _____? If not, we can go to that new Italian place.
A. yet
B. just
C. still
3. I haven't seen the new Marvel film _____. Do you want to go and see it this week?
A. yet
B. just
C. still
4. It's her birthday tomorrow and I _____ haven't got her a present.
A. just
B. yet
C. still
5. I called to make an offer on the flat but it's _____ been sold.
A. yet
B. still
C. already
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3. 'so' and 'such'
Do you know how to use the words so and such?
Look at these examples to see how so and such are used.
She's so interesting!
This is such an interesting book.
A new phone costs so much money these days.
Traffic in the city centre is such a nightmare!
Write 'so' or 'such' to complete the sentences.
Grammar explanation
We can use so and such to intensify adjectives, adverbs and nouns.
Adjectives and adverbs
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We can use so with an adjective or adverb to make it stronger.
It's so hot today!

She looks so young in that photo.
He walks so slowly. It's so annoying!
If we are using the comparative form of the adjective or adverb, we use so much to
make it stronger.
They were so much more innocent when they were younger.

I work so much more quickly when I can concentrate.
Nouns
With a noun or adjective + noun, we use such to make it stronger.
You're such an angel!

It's such a hot day today!
They're such lovely trousers. Where did you buy them?
However, when we use much, many, little and few with a noun, we use so to make it
stronger.
There are so many people here!

I've had so little time to myself this week.
Saying the result

We often use these so and such structures with that and a clause to say what the result
is.
It was so cold that the water in the lake froze.

He was such a good teacher that we all passed the exam.
There's so much noise that I can't think!
Write 'so' or 'such' to complete the sentences.
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4. 'used to' + infinitive and 'be' or 'get used to'
+ '-ing'
Do you know the difference between I used to drive on the left and I'm used
to driving on the left?
Look at these examples to see how used to, get used to and be used to are
used.
I used to want to be a lawyer but then I realised how hard they work!
How's Boston? Are you used to the cold weather yet?
No matter how many times I fly, I'll never get used to take-off and landing!
Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.
1. She _____ in a bank but she left and got a job as a gardener.
A. used to work
B. used to working
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C. got used to work
2. How's the new job? _____ it yet?
A. Are you used to
B. Did you use to
C. Do you used to
3. Don't worry! You _____ in the city centre after a while.
A. 'll used to live
B. 'll get used to living
C. 'll get used to live
Grammar explanation
Used to + infinitive and be/get used to + -ing look similar but they have very
different uses.
used to: đã từng là

We use used to + infinitive to talk about a past situation that is no longer true. It
tells us that there was a repeated action or state in the past which has now
changed.
She used to be a long-distance runner when she was younger.

I didn't use to sleep very well, but then I started doing yoga and it really helps.
Did you use to come here as a child?
be used to and get used to + Ving: đã quen với, dần quen

với
Be used to means ‘be familiar with’ or ‘be accustomed to’.
She’s used to the city now and doesn’t get lost any more.
He wasn’t used to walking so much and his legs hurt after the hike.
I’m a teacher so I’m used to speaking in public.
We use get used to to talk about the process of becoming familiar with something.
I’m finding this new job hard but I’m sure I’ll get used to it soon.
It took my mother years to get used to living in London after moving from Pakistan.
I’m getting used to the noise now. I found it really stressful when I first moved in.
Be used to and get used to are followed by a noun, pronoun or the -ing form of a
verb, and can be used about the past, present or future.
1. I always hated the cold weather but I _____ it when I lived in Russia.
A. get used to
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B. got used to
C. used to
2. You've stopped hiking? But why? You _____ all the time.
A. used to go
B. got used to go
C. used to going
3. Even though I loved my old job, I _____ the long hours.
A. couldn't be used to
B. couldn't get used to
C. couldn't use to
4. I _____ the guitar but I don't have time now.
A. got used to playing
B. used to playing
C. used to play
5.'wish' and 'if only'(giá mà)

Do you know how to use wish and if only to talk about things you would like
to change?
Look at these examples to see how wish and if only are used.
That guy is so annoying! I wish he'd stop talking.

I wish I lived closer to my family.
If only I hadn't lost her phone number. She must think I'm so rude for not calling her.
I wish they wouldn't park their car in front of my house.
1. I wish I _____ go to work tomorrow.

A. wouldn't have to
B. didn't have to
C. hadn't had to
2. If only I _____ that to her. She's not speaking to me now.
A. wouldn't say
B. hadn't said
C. didn't say
Grammar explanation
We use wish and if only to talk about things that we would like to be different in
either the present or the past. If only is usually a bit stronger than wish.
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In the present
We can use wish/if only + a past form to talk about a present situation we would
like to be different.
I wish you didn't live so far away.

If only we knew what to do.
He wishes he could afford a holiday.
In the past
We can use wish/if only + a past perfect form to talk about something we would like
to change about the past.
They wish they hadn't eaten so much chocolate. They're feeling very sick now.
If only I'd studied harder when I was at school.
Expressing annoyance
We can use wish + would(n't) to show that we are annoyed with what someone or
something does or doesn't do. We often feel that they are unlikely or unwilling to
change.
I wish you wouldn't borrow my clothes without asking.

I wish it would rain. The garden really needs some water.
She wishes he'd work less. They never spend any time together.
1. The traffic on the roads was terrible. I wish we _____ the train instead!
A. would catch
B. caught
C. had caught
2. I'm not saying it again. I wish _____ when I'm talking.
A. you listen
B. you'll listen
C. you'd listen
3. I'm so tired. I wish I _____ home earlier last night.
A. had gone
B. went
C. would have gone
6.Adjectives
Do you know how to use adjectives in phrases like a bit cold, really
cold and absolutely freezing?
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Look at these examples to see how gradable and non-gradable adjectives are
used.
It's really cold.

It's absolutely freezing.
This exercise is really difficult.
This exercise is completely impossible.
1. These shoes are ___ small.

A. Absolutely
B. A bit
2. It's not ___ perfect, but it's good enough.
A. completely
B. very
3. I'm ___ late. I'm so sorry!
A. completely
B. very
4. My phone battery is ___ dead.
A. totally
B. very
5. The book is ___ amazing!
A. absolutely
B. very
Grammar explanation
Gradable adjectives
Most adjectives are gradable. This means we can have different levels of that quality.
For example, you can be a bit cold, very cold or extremely cold. We can make
them weaker or stronger with modifiers:
She was quite angry when she found out.

The film we saw last night was really funny!
It can be extremely cold in Russia in the winter.
Here is a list of some common gradable adjectives and some modifiers that we can use
with them.
a little/a
pretty/quite →
Modifiers bit → một really/very → extremely
khá là/ hơi là/
chút
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angry, big, boring, cheap, cold, expensive, frightening,
Adjectives
funny, hot, interesting, old, pretty, small, tasty, tired, etc.
Non-gradable: absolute adjectives

Some adjectives are non-gradable. For example, something can't be a bit
finished or very finished. You can't be a bit dead or very dead. These adjectives
describe absolute qualities. To make them stronger we have to use modifiers
like absolutely, totally or completely:
Thank you, I love it! It's absolutely perfect!

Their farm was totally destroyed by a tornado.
My work is completely finished. Now I can relax.
Here is a list of some common absolute adjectives and some modifiers that we can use
with them.
Modifiers absolutely/totally/completely
acceptable, dead, destroyed, finished, free, impossible, necessary, perfect,

Adjectives
ruined, unacceptable, etc.
Non-gradable: extreme adjectives

Adjectives like amazing, awful and boiling are also non-gradable. They already contain
the idea of 'very' in their definitions. If we want to make extreme adjectives stronger,
we have to use absolutely or really:
Did you see the final match? It was absolutely amazing!

After 32 hours of travelling, they were absolutely exhausted.
My trip home was really awful. First, traffic was really bad, then the car broke down and
we had to walk home in the rain.
Here is a list of some common extreme adjectives and some modifiers that we can use
with them.
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Modifiers absolutely/really
amazing, ancient, awful, boiling, delicious, enormous,

Adjectives excellent, exhausted, fascinating, freezing, gorgeous, terrible, terrifying, tiny,
etc.
1. The summers here are ___ hot.

A. absolutely
B. extremely
2. The interactive museum was ___ fascinating.
A. a bit
B. absolutely
3. You don't have to pay. It's ___ free.
A. completely
B. very
4. The apartment looked ___ small in the picture.
A. completely
B. quite
7.Modals – permission and obligation (cho phép)

Do you know how to use modal verbs to talk about permission and obligation?
Look at these examples to see how can, can't, must, mustn't, have
to and don’t have to are used.
You can put your shoes and coat over there.

You can't leave your bike there.
I must call the electrician and get that light fixed.
You mustn't worry about me. I'll be fine.
You have to have a licence to drive a car.
You don't have to have a licence to cycle on the roads.
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1. I'd love to come to the cinema but I _____ hand in this assignment tomorrow.
A. Must
B. have to
C. can
2. You _____ hit your sister again! Do you understand?
A. mustn't
B. can
C. don't have to
3. _____ I borrow your black dress tonight, please?
A. Can
B. Must
C. Mustn't
4. You _____ memorise the whole thing. Just try to remember the key points.
A. have to
B. mustn't
C. don't have to
5. The hostel is totally vegetarian. You _____ cook or eat meat there.
A. can't
B. must
C. don't have to
Grammar explanation
We often use verbs with modal meanings to talk about permission and obligation.
Permission (sự cho phép)
can
We often use can to ask for and give permission.
Can I sit here?

You can use my car if you like.
Can I make a suggestion?
could
We also use could to ask for permission (but not to give it). Could is more formal and
polite than can.
Could I ask you something?

Could I interrupt?
Could I borrow your pen for a moment, please?
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may
May is the most formal way to ask for and give permission.
May I see your passport, please?

Customers may request a refund within a period of 30 days.
These pages may be photocopied for classroom use.
Prohibition (Sự ngăn cấm)

We use can't and mustn't to show that something is prohibited – it is not allowed.
can't
We use can't to talk about something that is against the rules, particularly when we
didn't make the rules.
What does this sign say? Oh, we can't park here.

You can't take photos in the museum. They're really strict about it.
Sorry, we can't sell knives to under-18s.
must not/mustn't
We use must not to talk about what is not permitted. It is common on public signs and
notices informing people of rules and laws.
Visitors must not park in the staff car park.

Baggage must not be left unattended.
Guests must not make noise after 10 p.m.
We use mustn't particularly when the prohibition comes from the speaker.
(Parent to child) You mustn't say things like that to your sister.
(Teacher to student) You mustn't be late to class.
I mustn't let that happen again.
Obligation (nghĩa vụ)

We use have to and must to express obligation. There is a slight difference between the
way we use them.
have to
Have to shows us that the obligation comes from outside the speaker.
We have to wear a uniform when we're working in reception.

(Student to teacher) When do we have to hand in our homework?
Al has to work tomorrow so he can't come.
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We sometimes call this 'external obligation'.
must
Must expresses a strong obligation or necessity. It often shows us that the obligation
comes from the speaker (or the authority that wrote the sentence).
I must phone my dad. It's his birthday today.

(Teacher to student) You must hand in your homework on Tuesday or you will lose ten
per cent of your mark.
(Sign on a plane) Seat belts must be worn by all passengers.
Note that we don't use must to express obligation in the past. We use have to instead.
I had to pay £85 to renew my passport last week.
No obligation
don't have to
We use don’t have to to show that there is no obligation. You can do something if you
want to but it's not compulsory.
You don't have to wear a tie in our office but some people like to dress more formally.
You don't have to go to the bank to do a transfer. You can do it online.
You don't have to come with me, honestly. I'll be fine!
1. _____ go to the party? I'm really tired.

A. Do we have to
B. Can we
C. Can't we
2. You _____ rent a car without a credit card.
A. don't have to
B. mustn't
C. can't
3. In the UK you can leave a tip in the pub if you want, but you _____.
A. mustn't
B. couldn't
C. don't have to
4. You _____ be a member to buy a ticket. It's open to everyone.
A. have to
B. don't have to
C. can
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8.Modifying comparisons (So sánh)
Do you know how to use phrases like much shorter than, almost as fit
as and exactly the same as?
Look at these examples to see how comparisons can be modified.
He's much shorter than his brother.

Good-quality socks are almost as important as your running shoes.
Our hotel room was exactly the same as the photos showed.
1. I feel ___ better than yesterday.

A. Really
B. so much
C. completely
2. It was ___ more expensive than I expected.
A. a little
B. exactly
C. roughly
3. Jack's answers are ___ the same as Mia's on this test!
A. exactly
B. far
C. very
4. Cats are ___ different from dogs!
A. so much
B. very
C. exactly
5. The Coffee Café is cheap, but ___ as good as Coffee Central.
A. slightly
B. not much
C. not quite
Grammar explanation
There are several different ways to compare things in English. We can also modify
comparisons to show big or small differences.
Comparing
We can use comparative adjectives to compare different things.
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Max is taller than Judy.
You're more patient than I am.
His first book is less interesting than his second.
We can use as … as with an adjective to say that two things are the same, or not as …
as to say that one thing is less than another.
Her hair is as long as mine.

It's not as sunny as yesterday.
We can also use expressions like different from, similar to and the same as.
England is different from the United Kingdom.

His car is similar to mine.
The results from the first test are the same as the results from the second.
Showing big differences

We can use much, so much, a lot, even or far with comparative adjectives.
Sales in July were a lot higher than sales in June.

He was far less experienced than the other applicant.
We can use very, really, completely or totally with different from.
They may be twins, but they're completely different from each other.
Showing small differences

We can use slightly, a little, a bit, a little bit or not much with comparative
adjectives.
The number of registrations has been slightly lower than we expected.

Houses in my city are not much more expensive than flats.
We can use almost, nearly, not quite, roughly, more or less or about with as …
as and the same as.
She's almost as old as I am.

The figures for May are more or less the same as the figures for June.
We can use very or really with similar to.
My son looks really similar to my father when he was that age.
Showing there is no difference

We can use exactly the same as or just as … as to emphasise that there is no
difference.
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My grandma's cakes still taste exactly the same as when I was a child!
A new phone can be just as expensive as a new computer these days.
1. Could you be ___ more specific about what the problem is?
A. a little bit
B. almost
C. just
2. Technology in the future will be ___ different from technology today.
A. even
B. totally
C. nearly
9.Phrasal verbs
Do you know how to use verbs in phrases like pick the kids up, turn the
music down and look after my cat?
Look at these examples to see how phrasal verbs are used.
This is the form. Please can you fill it in?

Why are you bringing that argument up now?
Police are looking into connections between the two crimes.
We need to come up with a solution.
1. fill/for you./give me the form and i’ll/in/it
2. us/that taxi/will/up/at 5.30am/pick
3. that flu was horrible. it took me 2 weeks/over/get/to/it
4. into/and see’s what happened./look/there’s a mistake. let me/it
5. turned/into/a nightmare/started well/but/the holiday/it
Grammar explanation
Phrasal verbs are very common in English, especially in more informal contexts. They
are made up of a verb and a particle or, sometimes, two particles. The particle often
changes the meaning of the verb.
I called Jen to see how she was. (call = to telephone)

They've called off the meeting. (call off = to cancel)
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In terms of word order, there are two main types of phrasal verb: separable and
inseparable.
Separable
With separable phrasal verbs, the verb and particle can be apart or together.
They've called the meeting off.

OR
They've called off the meeting.
However, separable phrasal verbs must be separated when you use a pronoun.
The meeting? They've called it off.
Here are some common separable phrasal verbs:
I didn't want to bring the situation up at the meeting.

(bring up = start talking about a particular subject)
Please can you fill this form in?

(fill in = write information in a form or document)
I'll pick you up from the station at 8 p.m.

(pick up = collect someone in a car or other vehicle to take them somewhere)
She turned the job down because she didn't want to move to Glasgow.
(turn down = to not accept an offer)
Non-separable
Some phrasal verbs cannot be separated.
Who looks after the baby when you're at work?
Even when there is a pronoun, the verb and particle remain together.
Who looks after her when you're at work?
Here are some common non-separable phrasal verbs:
I came across your email when I was clearing my inbox.

(come across = to find something by chance)
The caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly.

(turn into = become)
It was quite a major operation. It took months to get over it and feel normal again.
(get over = recover from something)
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We are aware of the problem and we are looking into it.
(look into = investigate)
Some multi-word verbs are inseparable simply because they don't take an object.
I get up at 7 a.m.
With two particles

Phrasal verbs with two particles are also inseparable. Even if you use a pronoun, you
put it after the particles.
Who came up with that idea?

(come up with = think of an idea or plan)
Let's get rid of these old magazines to make more space.

(get rid of = remove or become free of something that you don't want)
I didn't really get on with my stepbrother when I was a teenager.

(get on with = like and be friendly towards someone)
Can you hear that noise all the time? I don't know how you put up with it.
(put up with = tolerate something difficult or annoying)
The concert's on Friday. I'm really looking forward to it.

(look forward to = be happy and excited about something that is going to happen)
1. Up/has anyone/with/come/a good idea/for Mika’s birthday

2. It/down/turned/The invitation to the wedding?I/politely
3. Turn/into/a desert/If climate change continues, this/could/whole area
4. Caty called to ask if/at 6pm/up/her/pick/you can
5. Of/it/get/this table is completely broken. Let’s/rid
6. His boss/on/really well with/gets/he
10. Question tags

Do you know how to use question tags like is he and didn't you?
Look at these examples to see how question tags are used.
You haven't seen this film, have you?

Your sister lives in Spain, doesn't she?
He can't drive, can he?
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1. You'll be there, _____?

A. won't you
B. wouldn't you
2. I'm next, _____?
A. aren't I
B. I aren't
3. Angela already knew him, _____?
A. knew she
B. didn't she
4. We've never met, _____?
A. haven't we
B. have we
5. Joni and Sal don't like me, _____?
A. do they
B. do I
Grammar explanation
We can add question tags like isn't it?, can you? or didn't they? to a statement to make
it into a question. Question tags are more common in speaking than writing.
We often use question tags when we expect the listener to agree with our statement. In
this case, when the statement is positive, we use a negative question tag.
She's a doctor, isn't she?

Yesterday was so much fun, wasn't it?
If the statement is negative, we use a positive question tag.
He isn't here, is he?

The trains are never on time, are they?
Nobody has called for me, have they?
If we are sure or almost sure that the listener will confirm that our statement is correct,
we say the question tag with a falling intonation. If we are a bit less sure, we say the
question tag with a rising intonation.
Formation
If there is an auxiliary verb in the statement, we use it to form the question tag.
I don't need to finish this today, do I?

James is working on that, isn't he?
Your parents have retired, haven't they?
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The phone didn't ring, did it?
It was raining that day, wasn't it?
Your mum hadn't met him before, had she?
Sometimes there is no auxiliary verb already in the statement. For example, when:
... the verb in the statement is present simple or past simple and is positive. Here we
use don't, doesn't or didn't:
Jenni eats cheese, doesn't she?

I said that already, didn't I?
... the verb in the statement is to be in the present simple or past simple. In this case
we use to be to make the question tag:
The bus stop's over there, isn't it?

None of those customers were happy, were they?
... the verb in the statement is a modal verb. Here we use the modal verb to make the
question tag:
They could hear me, couldn't they?

You won't tell anyone, will you?
If the main verb or auxiliary verb in the statement is am, the positive question tag
is am I? but the negative question tag is usually aren't I?:
I'm never on time, am I?

I'm going to get an email with the details, aren't I?
1. I wasn't rude, _____?

A. was I
B. wasn't I
2. I’m giving the next presentation, _____?
A. aren't I
B. I aren't
3. She can't meet on Mondays, _____?
A. could she
B. can she
4. You usually take the bus, _____?
A. don't you
B. doesn't you
5. None of the printers are working, _____?
A. are they
B. aren't they
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11. Verbs followed by '-ing' or by 'to' +
infinitive 2
Do you know the difference between stop doing something and stop to do
something?
Look at these examples to see how these verb patterns work.
The bus stopped picking up the children.

The bus stopped to pick up the children.
I want to try studying with a friend to see if it helps us stay more motivated.
I'm trying to study but it's impossible with all this noise.
1. Please remember _____ your appointment if you are unable to attend.

A. to cancel
B. cancelling
2. He says he feels a lot better since he stopped _____ so much bread.
A. to eat
B. eating
3. Have you got hiccups? Have you tried _____ a glass of water? That often helps!
A. to drink
B. drinking
4. They stopped at the gas station _____ the car up.
A. to fill
B. filling
5. You've definitely got the keys. I remember _____ them to you in the café this morning.
A. to give
B. giving
Grammar explanation
Some verbs have a different meaning depending on whether they are followed by an -
ing form or to + infinitive.
stop
Stop + -ing means the action is not happening any more.
I've stopped buying the newspaper because now I read the news online.
26
Stop + to + infinitive means that someone or something stops an activity so that they
can do something else.
He stopped the video to ask the students some questions.
try
Try + -ing means that you are trying something as an experiment, especially as a
possible solution to a problem, to see if it works or not.
Have you tried turning the computer off and on again?
Try + to + infinitive means that something is difficult but you are making an effort to
do it.
I'm trying to learn Japanese but it's very difficult.
remember/forget
Remember + -ing and forget + -ing refer to having (or not having) a memory of
something in the past.
I remember watching this film before.

I'll never forget meeting you for the first time in this café.
Remember + to + infinitive and forget + to + infinitive refer to recalling (or not

recalling) that there is something we need to do before we do it.
Please remember to buy some milk on the way home.

He forgot to lock the door when he went out.
1. I always forget _____ my alarm for Monday morning.

A. to set
B. setting
2. You'll be OK. I remember _____ really nervous on my first day too!
A. to be
B. being
3. Try _____ the video with subtitles. This might help you understand better.
A. to watch
B. watching
4. She had to stop halfway through the race _____ the wheel on her bike.
A. to repair
B. repairing
5. Remember _____ your swimming costume in case we go to the pool.
A. to pack
B. packing
27
6. He's stopped _____ French classes and changed to Spanish.
A. to take
B. taking
12. Reflexive pronouns (Đại từ phản thân)

Do you know how to use reflexive pronouns ike myself, yourself or themselves?
Look at these examples to see how reflexive pronouns are used.
She looked at herself in the mirror.

I'm trying to teach myself Italian with an app.
Our children walk to school by themselves.
28
Grammar explanation
Reflexive pronouns are words
like myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves and themselves.
They refer back to a person or thing.
We often use reflexive pronouns when the subject and the object of a verb are the
same.
I cut myself when I was making dinner last night.

I hope you enjoy yourselves at the party tonight!
My phone isn't working properly. It turns itself off for no reason.
We need to believe in ourselves more.
Adding emphasis
We can add a reflexive pronoun for emphasis when it's unusual or different.
He wants to pass his driving test so that he can drive himself to work.
She broke her arm, so she couldn't wash herself very easily.
We can use reflexive pronouns to emphasise that someone does it personally, not
anybody else.
The door was definitely locked. I locked it myself.

Are you redecorating your flat yourselves?
We can also use a reflexive pronoun together with the noun it refers to in order to
emphasise it.
We talked to the manager herself, and she agreed to give us our money back.
Parents themselves need to take more responsibility for their children's learning.
By + reflexive pronoun
We can use by + reflexive pronoun to mean alone.
He usually goes on holiday by himself.

Do you enjoy being by yourself?
Reciprocal pronouns
Notice the difference between plural reflexive pronouns and reciprocal pronouns (each
other, one another).
They're buying themselves a new television.

They're buying each other small gifts.
29
We looked at ourselves in the mirror.
We looked at each other in surprise.
With reciprocal pronouns (e.g. each other), each person does the action to the other
person/people but not to themselves.
30
13. Verbs and prepositions
Do you know how to use the prepositions for, from, in, of, on, to and with after
verbs?
Look at these examples to see how prepositions are used after verbs.
Can you wait for me to finish my lunch?

I'm relying on my co-worker to answer all my emails while I'm on holiday.
Sun cream protects you from getting burnt.
Write the correct preposition to complete the sentence. Choose from the following
prepositions: for, from, in, of, on, to, with.
Grammar explanation
When a verb is part of a longer sentence, it is often followed by a specific preposition.
31
I agree with Mike.
She listens to the radio a lot.
He thanked me for the flowers.
There are no grammatical rules to help you know which preposition is used with which
verb, so it's a good idea to try to learn them together. To help you do this, write new
vocabulary in your notebook in a sentence or phrase. Here are some common verbs for
each preposition.
Verbs with for

They're waiting for a bus.
He apologised for being late.
I applied for the job but I didn't get it.
How do you ask for a coffee in Polish?
I can't go out tonight because I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow.
Verbs with from

This spray should protect you from mosquitoes.
Has he recovered from the accident yet?
She won an award because she saved someone from drowning.
I suffer from allergies.
Verbs with in
She doesn't believe in coincidences.
Our company specialises in computer software.
You have to work hard if you want to succeed in life.
Verbs with of
I don't approve of hunting animals for their fur.
Our dog died of old age.
This shampoo smells of bananas.
Verbs with on
Their decision will depend on the test results.
The film is based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.
If you make so much noise, I can't concentrate on my work.
Come on! We're relying on you!
We don't agree on anything but we're still good friends.
Verbs with to
What kind of music do you like listening to?
Can I introduce you to my grandfather?
Please refer to the notes at the end for more information.
32
Nobody responded to my complaint.
She apologised to me the next day.
Verbs with with

I agree with everything you've said.
My assistant will provide you with more information if you need it.
We're finding it difficult to deal with the stress.
Write the correct preposition to complete the sentence. Choose from the following
prepositions: for, from, in, of, on, to, with.
14. The future – degrees of certainty

Do you know how to use phrases like will definitely, be likely to and probably
won't to say how sure you are about future events?
Look at these examples to see how we can express different degrees of

certainty about the future.
I'll definitely be at the meeting, don't worry.

She's likely to say yes if you ask nicely.
It probably won't rain later according to the weather forecast.
33
1. I can't tonight but I'll definitely come next time.
CERTAIN I can't tonight but I ____ come next time.
2. They'll probably email rather than phone.
LIKELY They _____ email rather than phone.
3. She'll try her best to be there.
SURE I _____ that she'll try her best to be there.
We're playing so badly we definitely won't win.
Grammar explanation
We can show how certain we are about the future by using modal verbs and other
expressions.
Modal verbs and adverbs

We can use modal verbs (such as will, might, may or could) and adverbs (such
as probably and definitely) to show how sure we are.
Very sure
People will definitely work from home more in the future.

Robots definitely won't replace all human jobs.
Sure
Donna will really enjoy this film.

You won't regret it.
Almost sure
We'll probably finish the project by tomorrow.

He probably won't have enough time.
34
Not sure
I might go to the party, but I'm not sure yet.

He hasn't studied much, so he might not pass the exam.
When you are not sure, we can also use may, could and may not. However, we don't
usually use could not to talk about the future.
Other expressions
We can also use other expressions such as be bound to and be likely to, or verbs such
as think and doubt.
Very sure
He's bound to feel nervous before his driving test.

She's certain to get that job!
He's certain that he'll get here on time.
There's no chance that we'll ever win the lottery.
There's no way that my boss will give me the day off.
Sure
I'm sure that you'll do well in the interview.

Are you sure that you won't be available?
Almost sure
The government's likely to call an election soon.

Ali's unlikely to be invited to the party.
There's a good chance that it'll snow this week.
There's not much chance that I'll finish this essay tonight.
She thinks he'll be able to help.
I don't think we'll have petrol-based cars in the future.
I doubt they'll have any trouble finding the address.
What do you expect mobile phones will be like in ten years' time?
Not sure
There's a chance that she'll be back at work tomorrow.

There's a chance that he might come and visit us next week.
I think we might see more of these problems in the next few years.
I'm not sure that I'll be able to finish this pizza!
35
1. There's no chance that he'll find out.
DEFINITELY He ____ find out.
2. We probably won't find anyone to help now.
MUCH _____chance that we'll find anyone to help now.
3. She won't be happy to hear that.
SURE I _____that she won't be happy to hear that.
4. There's a chance you might need to buy a new one.
THINK I _____ need to buy a new one.
36

Intermediate grammar points

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Intermediate to upper intermediate

4. 'used to' + infinitive and 'be' or 'get used to' + '-ing'...................... 9

7. Modals – permission and obligation (cho phép) ............................... 15

8. Modifying comparisons (So sánh) ........................................................... 19

9. Phrasal verbs .................................................................................................... 21

10. Question tags.................................................................................................... 23

11. Verbs followed by '-ing' or by 'to' + infinitive 2 ............................... 26

13. Verbs and prepositions ................................................................................ 31

14. The future – degrees of certainty ............................................................ 33

Do you know how to use as and like correctly?

Look at these examples to see how as and like are used.

I worked as an actor for two years.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Complete the sentences with 'as' or 'like'.

We often use the structure as + adjective + as or as much as to say if something has,

She loves curry as much as I do.

You also have to use as in the expression the same as.

Your phone is the same as mine.

He's like a father to me.

She looks like her mother.

as if/as though + clause: cứ như thể là…

As if and as though can be used to compare a real situation to an imaginary situation.

You look as if you've seen a ghost.

You could try a team sport like football, basketball or hockey.

Talking about a job or function

I worked as a shop assistant for two years.

as to connect two phrases

as = 'while' or 'during the time that': trong khi

She called as I was getting out of the bath.

as = 'in the way that':

As we expected, it started to rain.

Like I said, I didn't know her.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Read the explanation to learn more.

I've just seen Susan coming out of the cinema.

Have you finished your homework yet?

Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Look at these examples to see how so and such are used.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Write 'so' or 'such' to complete the sentences.

Read the explanation to learn more.

Adjectives and adverbs

It's so hot today!

They were so much more innocent when they were younger.

You're such an angel!

There are so many people here!

Saying the result

It was so cold that the water in the lake froze.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Write 'so' or 'such' to complete the sentences.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

Read the explanation to learn more.

used to: đã từng là

She used to be a long-distance runner when she was younger.

be used to and get used to + Ving: đã quen với, dần quen

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

5.'wish' and 'if only'(giá mà)

That guy is so annoying! I wish he'd stop talking.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.