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Interactive Grammar: Mastery-Level Sentence Manipulation

Transform, combine, and restructure sentences with native-like flexibility across all grammatical domains.

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Exercises

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~33 min
Exercises
22
Level
Mastery

Overview

Transform, combine, and restructure sentences with native-like flexibility across all grammatical domains.

Core Operations

  • CombineMerge two simple clauses into a complex or compound-complex sentence.
  • ReduceCondense a clause to a phrase: While she was working → Working
  • FrontMove elements to the start for emphasis or cohesion.
  • NominaliseConvert verbal structures to noun phrases for academic density.

Stylistic Transformations

  • Active ↔ Passive: focus shift from agent to action.
  • Direct ↔ Indirect speech: narrative perspective shift.
  • Conditional inversion: If X had…Had X…
  • Cleft: X did YIt was X that did Y

C2 Quality Markers

  • Varied sentence length — not all long, not all short.
  • No unintended repetition — use substitution and ellipsis.
  • Appropriate register maintained throughout the passage.
  • Logical connector choice — not just 'however' and 'therefore'.

When to use

C2 exam production

Rewriting a passage in academic style using all transformation types.

Advanced writing

Combining nominalisation, inversion, and cleft in one paragraph.

Executive reports

Compressing a three-sentence finding into one dense noun phrase.

Literary editing

Restructuring sentences for rhetorical effect and stylistic variety.

Sentence Manipulation: Multiple Choice

Select the best transformation or identify the technique used

Multiple Choice10 questions
1'The committee approved the plan' → most formal academic rewrite:
2Technique: 'It was the proposal that caused controversy.'
3Technique: 'The rapid deterioration of public trust…'
4'While negotiations continue, no decision will be made.' → reduced:
5Best combination of two clauses into one complex sentence:
6'Had the report been filed on time, we would have avoided this.' — technique:
7Which C2 quality marker is ABSENT from: 'The report was written. The findings were clear. The team was praised.'?
8Technique: 'Never before had such a coalition been assembled.'
9To add formal emphasis in academic writing, prefer:
10C2 writing avoids:

Apply the Technique

Complete each sentence using the C2 technique shown

Fill in the Blanks6 questions
1It was(it-cleft: focus on subject)that ultimately brought about the resolution.
2(conditional inversion)the data been collected earlier, this error would have been avoided.
3The(nominalise: decide → N)to proceed was taken unanimously by the full board.
4So(stylistic inversion: adj)that immediate remedial action was required.
5What the(wh-cleft: committee failed)was to consult the affected communities.
6(absolute participle clause)having been submitted, the application was reviewed.

Multi-Technique Sentence Manipulation

Apply the combined C2 transformations shown to each sentence

Transform6 questions

1People decided to delay the project. It caused problems. (nominalise + cleft)

2If the evidence had been presented earlier, the outcome would have differed. (conditional inversion)

3We need transparency. Transparency is urgent. We must act. (cohesion + combine)

4The board approved the plan. The plan was controversial. (relative clause reduction + passive)

5The results were so alarming that an inquiry was launched immediately. (stylistic inversion)

6They did not consult us. They did not explain the decision. (neither…nor inversion)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on sentence structure cover?

Transform, combine, and restructure sentences with native-like flexibility across all grammatical domains.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Mastery (C2) learners and forms part of the Sentence Structure section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.