Grammar Spotlight
The English Grammar Profile (EGP) is a sister resource to the English Vocabulary Profile, and has been put together by Anne O'Keeffe (Limerick University) and Geraldine Mark, the co-authors, along with Ron Carter and Mike McCarthy, of English Grammar Today (Cambridge University Press). Mark and O'Keeffe investigated the extensive data in the Cambridge Learner Corpus to establish when learners begin to get to grips with different linguistic structures.
A series of insights from their research will be posted on this page, each one putting the spotlight on an interesting aspect of learner grammar development. Please note that all of the learner examples come from the Cambridge Learner Corpus, a 55-million word electronic collection of written learner data. The examination and the candidate’s first language are given in brackets after each learner example.
See the latest Grammar Spotlight entry below. Scroll right down to the bottom of this page to browse through previous entries.
At the B2 level, learners can use should and shouldn’t as part of ellipsis.
Well, have you ever checked your blood pressure? I think you should. (Cambridge English: First; Swedish)
Anyway, I don’t think we should. (Cambridge English: Advanced; Spanish-Latin American)
John spent the rest of the day thinking about what he should do. In fact, he wanted to answer and meet her again, but he knew that he shouldn’t. (Cambridge English: First; Spanish - European)
Learners can use should be + -ing to talk about expectations or to present general obligation.
The computer systems should be working again once you restart them. (Cambridge English: Business Vantage; German)
[talking about wedding protocol] The groom should be waiting at the entrance for the bride. (Cambridge English: Advanced; Spanish - European)
Moreover if a car driver has drunk too many alcoholic drinks or is tired he shouldn’t be driving. (Cambridge English: First; Greek)
Learners at the C1 level can use should after if to talk about possible situations in the future, usually in formal contexts.
If you should change your mind and prefer to take a taxi, you can do it outside the airport by calling this number: 3570. (Cambridge English: Advanced; Italian)
If you should need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. (Cambridge English: Advanced; Danish)
If you should need any further information about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me. (Cambridge English: Advanced; Chinese)
C1 level learners are also able to use should with an inverted subject to refer to possible situations in formal contexts.
Should you need any further information, don’t hesitate to contact us. (Cambridge English: Advanced; Greek)
Should you withhold any important information or documentation, this could stop any payment to you. (Cambridge English: Business Higher; German)
Should you have any problems, do not hesitate to contact me at my office. (Cambridge English: Advanced, Italian)
