- Correct! he would be back at work in six weeks can be replaced by this, and is a noun phrase. It functions as a direct object.
- Incorrect. Subject/Verb/Object: Morgan/thought/.... The object is a noun phrase, but it follows the same word order (S/V/Oplace|Otime): he/would be/in the swimming pool/at six o'clock. (Morgan thought he would be in the swimming pool at six o'clock)
- Correct! Normal word order: Subject/Verb/Object: The taxi driver/reckoned/.... What did he reckon? That the journey would take 30 minutes. This is a noun phrase, and it takes normal word order.
- Incorrect - You probably spotted that one! What should it be? Use normal word order to make an independent clause, with Subject/Verb/Object: Louis/thought/(that/he/would be staying/in a nice hotel).
Complex sentence
A complex sentence combines an independent clause with at least one dependent (subordinate) clause: I missed the bus because I overslept. The dependent clause adds extra information — usually about time, reason, condition, or which thing is meant — but can't stand alone. It's introduced by a subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, while) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that).
Mastering complex sentences is the move from simple, choppy writing to prose that links ideas. It's also where comma decisions get interesting — placement depends on which clause comes first.
C1 | Advanced
C1 is the advanced level in the CEFR framework, sitting between B2 and C2. At C1 you stop translating in your head and start thinking in English — handling specialised articles outside your field, picking up implicit meaning, and writing structured arguments on complex topics.
Grammatically, C1 means natural use of inversion (Rarely have I seen…), mixed and advanced conditionals, subjunctive forms in formal contexts, and cleft sentences for emphasis. Most university programmes for non-native speakers and many professional certifications set C1 as their entry standard.
Difficulty: Medium
The Medium difficulty tag marks questions and challenges in the middle of the difficulty range — typically suitable for A2 to B1 learners. Expect a single rule with realistic distractors, longer sentences, and contexts where you have to think before answering rather than reading off the obvious choice.
Filter by Medium when you're past the absolute basics and ready to consolidate. It's the level where most lasting progress happens — easy enough that you can finish without exhausting concentration, hard enough that getting it right means you've actually understood.