Proficiency-Level Grammar
C2 grammar tests near-native command of the most subtle structures: complex inversion, subjunctive and unreal past, fronting, ellipsis and fine modal distinctions. This chapter reviews the forms that mark truly advanced control.
Subjunctive and Unreal Uses
The mandative subjunctive appears after verbs of recommendation ('I insist that he be present', 'It is essential that she attend'). Unreal past forms follow 'it's high time', 'would rather' and 'as if' ('It's high time we left').
Complex Inversion and Fronting
Fronting and inversion add emphasis and cohesion: 'So convincing was her case that nobody objected', 'Only by working together can we succeed', 'Such was the demand that stocks ran out.'
Ellipsis and Substitution
Proficient writers avoid repetition through ellipsis and substitution: 'She can sing better than he can (sing)', 'I thought it would rain, and so it did.' Recognising what is omitted is part of the skill.