Chunks
Complex sentences
Band 7+The full list of 20 words in this set. Open any word for its pronunciation, collocations, a band 8 sentence and the mistakes Vietnamese learners make.
Learn this set with flashcards20 words
- 1
Neither ... nor ...grammar
A coordinating structure that links two negative alternatives: 'not A and not B'.
“Neither the teacher nor the students understood the instructions.”
- 2
It is/was + NP + that + clausegrammar
A cleft structure used to put emphasis on one part of a sentence (e.g. It was X that Y).
“It was the delay in supply that caused production to stop.”
- 3
be + reported/said/thought + to + have + past participlegrammar
A passive reporting structure used to say that someone/something is believed or reported to have done something (an action completed before the moment of reporting).
“The company is reported to have announced a new merger last week.”
- 4
Little / Rarely / Seldom + inversion (auxiliary + subject + V)grammar
Negative or limiting adverbials placed at the front of a sentence cause subject–auxiliary inversion for emphasis.
“Little did I realise how serious the problem was.”
- 5
let alone + NP / V-inggrammar
Used after a negative to emphasize that something even more unlikely or impossible is true.
“He can't boil an egg, let alone cook a proper meal.”
- 6
The fact that + clausegrammar
Introduces a fact or reality used as the basis for an argument or explanation.
“”
- 7
Only after + clause, did + subject + Vgrammar
Used to emphasise that one action happened only after another; requires inversion with an auxiliary verb (did/does/has/etc.).
“Only after she read the report did she understand the problem.”
- 8
There is no point in + V-ingcấu trúc
used to say that doing something is not useful or will not succeed
“After hours of searching, they realised there was no point in helping him.”
- 9
Notwithstanding + noun/clausegrammar
A formal/conjunctive word meaning 'in spite of' or 'despite', used in academic or legal contexts.
“Notwithstanding the scientist's reservations, the proposal was approved.”
- 10
All things considered, + clausegrammar
Used to introduce a summary judgement or conclusion after weighing different factors.
“All things considered, the proposal seems reasonable.”
- 11
May / might have + past participlecấu trúc
used to say that something was possibly true in the past
“She might have missed the bus, which is why she's late.”
- 12
There is no denying that + clausecấu trúc
used to say that something is clearly true and cannot be denied
“There is no denying that urbanisation has changed the way people live.”
- 13
Be + to + V (express official plans / instructions)grammar
Used for official plans, scheduled arrangements, or formal instructions (e.g. 'He is to start tomorrow').
“He is to begin the training next Monday.”
- 14
to the extent that + clausegrammar
Indicates the degree or scope to which something is true: 'to such a degree that...'.
“To the extent that the data are reliable, we can draw preliminary conclusions.”
- 15
It is worth + V-ingcấu trúc
used to say that something is useful or important enough to do
“The museum is small but it is worth visiting.”
- 16
Supposing (that) + clause, clausegrammar
Used to introduce a hypothetical situation; similar in meaning to 'if'.
“Supposing we miss the train, what shall we do?”
- 17
There being + noun, clausegrammar
An absolute construction using 'There being ...' to state background circumstances or reasons, often at the sentence start.
“There being no clear evidence, the court dismissed the case.”
- 18
be supposed to + Vcấu trúc
used to say that something is expected or intended to happen or someone is expected to do something
“The train is supposed to arrive at 9:00, but it's late.”
- 19
For fear that + clausegrammar
Used to express that an action is taken to avoid a possible bad outcome.
“He kept silent for fear that his words might cause trouble.”
- 20
I wish + would + Vcấu trúc
used to express annoyance or a desire for someone to change their behaviour in the future
“I wish you would stop smoking in the house.”