Get started

You've saved 3 cards. Log in so they don't get lost. You've explored 10 words. Log in to keep your cards and progress.

Log in

← Grammar reference

FOCUS

Fronting for focus

Put the part you want to stress at the start of the sentence. The rest keeps its normal word order: subject + verb.

Learn this topic Practice all
Prepositional phraseAdverb
+In the morning, I drink teaLuckily, nobody was hurt
−At school, I don't wear jeansUsually, she doesn't eat meat
?At the weekend, do you work?Today, are you free?

Comma after the opening part · Subject before the verb · Opening a sentence with The problem is that → a full clause

A2

Place or time at the start

New

Put a prepositional phrase of time or place first to focus on it. Add a comma, then keep the normal order: subject + verb.

In the morning+ subject+ verb

  • In the morning, I drink tea.
  • At the weekend, we visit my parents.
  • In the morning drink I tea.
  • In the morning, I drink tea.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

In the morning, tea.

B1

Adverbs at the start

New

Put an adverb first to focus on it or to show your attitude: Luckily, Yesterday, Usually. Add a comma, then keep the normal order: subject + verb.

Luckily+ subject+ verb

  • Luckily, nobody was hurt.
  • Yesterday, I missed the bus.
  • Luckily was nobody hurt.
  • Luckily, nobody was hurt.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

Yesterday, I the bus.

B2

The problem is (that)

New

Start with The thing / problem / point / fact, then is (that) and a full clause. Use that, not what or which.

The problem+ is+ that+ subject+ verb

  • The problem is that we have no money.
  • The point is that she was right.
  • The problem is what we have no money.
  • The problem is that we have no money.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

One word is in the wrong form. Type the correct form.

The problem is what we have no money.