"Let's make sure the soup isn't burnt, shall we?"
Sentences starting with "Let's" (Let us) always use "shall we?" as their question tag.
"Don't drop that expensive caviar, will you?"
For negative imperative sentences (commands or requests starting with "Don't"), the standard question tag is "will you?".
"That giant lobster looks a little angry, doesn't it?"
"Looks" is a present simple action verb, so we use "does." The statement is positive, so the tag becomes negative ("doesn't it").
Questions
Like many other Western European languages, English historically allowed questions to be formed by inverting the positions of verb and subject. Modern English permits this only in the case of a small class of verbs ("special verbs"), consisting of auxiliaries as well as forms of the copula be. To form a question from a sentence which does not have such an auxiliary or copula present, the auxiliary verb do (does, did) needs to be inserted, along with inversion of the word order, to form a question. For example:
- She can dance. → Can she dance? (inversion of subject she and auxiliary can)
- I am sitting here. → Am I sitting here? (inversion of subject I and copula am)
- The milk goes in the fridge. → Does the milk go in the fridge? (no special verb present; do-support required)
The above concerns yes-no questions, but inversion also takes place in the same way after other questions, formed with interrogative words such as where, what, how, etc. An exception applies when the interrogative word is the subject or part of the subject, in which case there is no inversion. For example:
- I go. → Where do I go? (wh-question formed using inversion, with do-support required in this case)
- He goes. → Who goes? (no inversion, because the question word who is the subject)
Note that inversion does not apply in indirect questions: I wonder where he is (not *... where is he). Indirect yes-no questions can be expressed using if or whether as the interrogative word: *Ask them whether/if they saw him*.
Negative questions are formed similarly; however if the verb undergoing inversion has a contraction with not, then it is possible to invert the subject with this contraction as a whole. For example:
- John is going. (affirmative)
- John is not going. / John isn't going. (negative, with and without contraction)
- Isn't John going? / Is John not going? (negative question, with and without contraction respectively)
Tag questions are formed with a special verb and pronoun subject: isn't it?; were there?; am I not?
Imperative Sentence / Clause
An imperative sentence gives anything from a command or order, to a request, direction, or instruction. Imperative sentences are more intentional than exclamatory sentences and do require an audience; as their aim is to get the person(s) being addressed either to do or to not do something. And although this function usually deals with the immediate temporal vicinity, its scope can be extended, i.e. you can order somebody to move out as soon as you find yourself a job. The negative imperative can also be called the prohibitive and the inclusive plural imperative, the hortative. It is debatable whether the imperative is only truly possible in the second person. The vocative case of nouns can be said to indicate the imperative as well since it does not seek information, but rather a reaction from the one being addressed. An imperative can end in either a period or an exclamation point depending on delivery.
- Look at me.
- After separating them from the yolks, beat the whites until they are light and fluffy.
English Grammar Basics
"English Grammar Basics" tag marks quiz and explainers that intend to provide a solid foundation in English language grammar. This includes all the major concepts and topics in English grammar, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, tenses, voice, mood, and sentence structure. The explanations we provide in quiz intro sections are clear and concise, making it easy for learners of all levels to understand. These quizzes are designed to be fun and engaging, helping you to retain the information more effectively. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, look for content marked with the "English Grammar Basics" tag for everything you need to master English language grammar.
Humor
Humor is subjective, but at least the author tried.
B2 | Upper Intermediate
B2, or Upper Intermediate, is the fourth level on the CEFR scale. It marks the point where you move from "getting by" to genuinely comfortable communication — handling complex topics, expressing nuanced opinions, and understanding most of what you read or hear in real-world contexts.
What a B2 user can do
At this level, you're expected to:
- Understand complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your own field.
- Follow extended speech and lectures, even when the structure isn't entirely clear, as long as the topic is reasonably familiar.
- Interact fluently and spontaneously enough that conversations with native speakers flow naturally — without strain on either side.
- Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects, using connectors and cohesive devices to build well-structured arguments.
- Explain and defend a viewpoint on a topical issue, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
- Recognize implicit meaning — reading between the lines in demanding, longer texts.
What B2 grammar looks like in practice
B2 is where grammar stops being about isolated rules and starts being about flexibility and precision. You're expected to control structures like:
- Advanced conditionals and mixed conditionals — moving beyond simple if-clauses to express hypothetical and counterfactual meaning.
- Passive voice in varied tenses and contexts, not just present and past simple.
- Reported speech with correct sequence of tenses, including backshifting and reporting verbs.
- Participle clauses and the distinction between participles and gerunds.
- Comparative and superlative structures beyond basic -er/-est, including double comparatives and qualifying expressions.
Errors still happen at B2, but they rarely cause misunderstanding. The goal is controlled, flexible use of language across social, academic, and professional settings.
How B2 fits in the CEFR progression
B2 builds directly on the foundations of B1 (Intermediate) and prepares you for C1 (Advanced). Many university entrance exams, professional certifications, and immigration requirements target B2 as the minimum standard.
Self-check: If you can read a newspaper editorial, follow most of a TED talk without subtitles, and write a clear essay arguing a position — you're likely operating at B2.
Ready to test yourself? Try Is your English level B2/Upper Intermediate? or practise specific B2 grammar with challenges like Basics. Advanced Conditionals And "wish", Basics. Passive Voice, and Sequence of Tenses in Indirect Speech.
Difficulty: Medium
Medium difficulty. Difficulty levels represent author's opinion about how hard a question or challenge is.