Mastering intermediate English grammar is a crucial step for any language learner. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth Intermediate English Grammar Practice review, covering key structures like conditionals, progressive tenses, phrasal verbs, and common expressions. Whether you're preparing for an exam or simply looking to solidify your understanding, this article offers clear explanations and practical examples to boost your confidence and fluency in English.

Dive into Intermediate English Grammar Practice: Key Concepts

This section summarizes essential grammar points often encountered at the intermediate level. From hypothetical situations to ongoing past actions, understanding these structures will significantly enhance your English communication skills.

The Second Conditional: Imagining Different Realities

The second conditional is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the present or future that are unlikely or impossible. It follows the structure: If + simple past, would + base verb.

Examples:
If I had more free time, I would read more.
If I were the teacher, I would pass my students.
If I saw paranormal activity, I would be very scared.
My mom wouldn't give me permission if I wanted to go out late.
If kids didn't go to school, they wouldn't learn anything.
What would people do if the internet disappeared? They would read more.
Where would you go if time travel were possible? I would go to the past to see my grandparents when they were young.

Was/Were Going To: Unfulfilled Plans in the Past

We use "was/were going to" to talk about plans that you had in the past but didn't happen. It's often followed by an explanation of why the plan changed.

Examples:
He was going to come to the party, but his car broke down.
I was going to make dinner tonight, but I didn't have any food.
The teacher was going to stay after class, but she had a meeting.
They were going to play on the computer, but their mom didn't give them permission.
We were going to do the homework, but we left our books in school.
Marco and Sandra were going to watch a movie, but their friends came to visit them.
We were going to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Separable Phrasal Verbs: Understanding Common English Idioms

Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, often changing the meaning entirely. Separable phrasal verbs allow an object to come between the verb and the particle.

Common Separable Phrasal Verbs and Definitions:
Call (something) off: To cancel.
Give (something) away: To give something for free or when you don't need it.
Put (something) off: To postpone.
Put (something) on: To dress, wear clothes or accessories.
Do (something) over: To do something again.
Throw (something) away: To get rid of something.
Take (something) off: To remove your clothes.
Look (something) up: To look for information.
Examples in Sentences:
We had to do the project over.
If I don't know a word, I always look it up in the dictionary.
The governor called all the events off because of the pandemic.
The ice cream parlor is giving popsicles away.
Mike took his jacket off because he was sick.
We put the meeting off for the afternoon.

Past Progressive (When/While): Describing Interrupted and Simultaneous Actions

Using "When" for Interrupted Actions

The past progressive describes an action that was ongoing in the past when another, shorter action interrupted it. Structure: Past progressive + when + simple past.

Examples:
Pablo was washing his car when it started to rain.
They were playing baseball when it started to rain.
Tere was eating popcorn when the power went out.
Mary was using her computer when her computer turned off.
Simon was talking when the phone rang.
The dog was sleeping when Luisa arrived.
Martin was daydreaming when the teacher asked him a question.

Using "While" for Simultaneous Actions

"While" is used to connect two actions that were happening at the same time in the past. Structure: Past progressive + while + past progressive.

Examples:
The cat was eating the fish while Bruce was sleeping in his bedroom.
Fernanda was reading her book while her sister was driving her car.
Fabian was talking with his friends while his mom was leaving.
He was playing in his class while his siblings were making cookies.
Adam was drinking a cup of coffee while it was raining.
We were playing basketball while our brother was watering the plants in the garden.

Future Continuous: Actions in Progress at a Future Time

The future continuous tense is used to talk about actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. Structure: Will be + verb-ing.

Examples:
Will Sam go to the mall? He will be playing video games with his friends.
Will Ania watch the movie? She will be working on her presentation all day.
Will David clean his house? He will be doing the shopping in the evening.
Will Helena go for a walk? She will be drinking a coffee with her friend tomorrow at 8 p.m.
Will Ramon go to the mountains? He will be fixing his car all day.
Will Lisa and Karen go to the park? No, they won't. They will be visiting their grandparents at 10 o'clock.
Will they go to the party? No, they won't. They will be working in the office tomorrow night.
Will David go to the game? He will be traveling to Mexico City tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.

Simple Past Review: Recalling Past Events

The simple past tense describes completed actions in the past. It's fundamental for narrating stories and discussing historical events.

Verbs in Past (from "The Loch Ness Monster" story):
lives, saw, stopped, wanted, stayed, waited, was, took, looked, didn't appear, don't know.
Examples of Simple Past (Positive and Negative):
Janet didn't run in the park last weekend.
Oscar and Erik listened to music in their apartment last weekend.
They rode their bikes on their way home yesterday.
Janet drew a picture of her pets in her art class last month.
The boys woke up early because they had exams yesterday.
She played the guitar in her band last concert.
Janet sang with her friends in the karaoke last Friday.
Oscar and Erick organized their activities in their agenda last meeting.
She took many pictures of the city last winter.
They read a book in the university last semester.

"Make" Expressions: Everyday Phrases to Know

Certain verbs combine with nouns to form common expressions. "Make" is a versatile verb used in many such phrases.

Examples:
Make an appointment: Will your mother make an appointment with the dentist? No, she won't.
Make up your mind: I make up my mind after thinking carefully about my options.
Make faces: I make faces when I am joking or when something tastes bad.
Make a speech: I feel shy to make a speech in front of my classmates.
Make up excuses: I make up excuses when I forget to do my tasks.
Make a difference: We can make a difference by helping others and taking care of the environment.
Make mistakes: No, I didn't make any mistakes in my last exam.
Make progress: Yes, I am making progress in my English class.

"Do" Expressions: Actions and Responsibilities

Similar to "make," "do" also forms many essential expressions, often related to tasks, actions, or responsibilities.

Examples:
We will do our English exam next Friday.
Mary did her homework yesterday night.
Could you do me a favor, please?
Mario is a good person; he always does the right thing.
If I do the dishes, I will have permission.

FAQ: Your Intermediate English Grammar Questions Answered

What are the most common mistakes with the Second Conditional?

One common mistake is using "was" instead of "were" for all subjects in the "if" clause (e.g., "If I was rich..."). Remember to use "were" for all subjects in the second conditional (e.g., "If I were rich, I would buy a mansion"). Also, ensure you use the simple past in the "if" clause and "would + base verb" in the main clause.

How can I practice phrasal verbs effectively?

The best way to practice phrasal verbs is to see them in context and create your own sentences. Try to group them by meaning or by the particle (e.g., all phrasal verbs with "off"). Using flashcards or dedicated apps can also be very helpful. Regular exposure through reading and listening will also naturally embed them in your memory.

What's the difference between Past Progressive with "when" and "while"?

"When" typically introduces a shorter, interrupting action (simple past) that occurs during a longer, ongoing action (past progressive). For example: "I was reading a book when the phone rang." "While" connects two ongoing actions happening at the same time (both usually in the past progressive). For example: "I was reading a book while my sister was watching TV."

When should I use "was going to" vs. Past Simple for past plans?

Use "was/were going to" when you want to emphasize that a plan existed in the past but did not happen. It highlights the unfulfilled intention. The simple past would simply state that something didn't happen, without implying a prior intention. For example, "I was going to call you, but I fell asleep" emphasizes the intent to call, whereas "I didn't call you" is just a statement of fact.

Intermediate English Grammar Practice