Understanding grammar is key to mastering any language — and English is no exception. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your advanced fluency, this guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of English grammar across CEFR levels (A1–C2). Let’s explore what grammar topics you should focus on at each stage of your learning journey.
📘 What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a globally recognized standard that describes language ability on a scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). It’s used by teachers, learners, employers, and exam boards to measure language proficiency.
A1 Grammar (Beginner)
At this level, learners can form simple sentences and express basic needs and personal information.
Key Grammar Topics:
- Simple sentence structure (Subject + Verb + Object)
- Verb “to be” (am, is, are)
- Articles (a, an, the)
- Plural nouns (cats, apples)
- Possessive adjectives (my, your, his)
- Basic prepositions of time/place (in, on, at)
- Present Simple Tense
- Basic WH- questions (What, Where, Who)
A2 Grammar (Elementary)
At this stage, learners begin to describe events, talk about routines, and ask for information.
Key Grammar Topics:
- Present Continuous Tense (I am working)
- Past Simple Tense (She visited)
- Countable/Uncountable nouns (some water, two apples)
- Can/Can’t for ability (He can swim)
- Comparatives & Superlatives (taller, the best)
- There is / There are
- Adverbs of frequency (always, usually, never)
- Basic conjunctions (and, but, because)
B1 Grammar (Intermediate)
Learners at this level can express opinions, describe future plans, and talk about past experiences.
Key Grammar Topics:
- Present Perfect Tense (I have eaten)
- Will vs. Going to (Future forms)
- Modal verbs (should, must, might)
- First Conditional (If it rains, we’ll stay)
- Gerunds and infinitives (enjoy running, want to go)
- Used to (I used to play)
- Relative clauses (The book that I read)
B2 Grammar (Upper-Intermediate)
Learners become more fluent and flexible in their speech and writing with a growing command over complex grammar.
Key Grammar Topics:
- Passive voice (The cake was eaten)
- Second Conditional (If I won, I would travel)
- Reported speech (He said he was tired)
- Phrasal verbs (give up, take off)
- Linkers (however, although, despite)
- Question tags (You’re coming, aren’t you?)
- Complex sentence connectors (even though, unless)
C1 Grammar (Advanced)
Learners can use grammar with accuracy, even in academic or professional settings. Tone and register become more important.
Key Grammar Topics:
- Inversion for emphasis (Never have I seen…)
- Third Conditional (If I had studied, I would have passed)
- Mixed conditionals
- Nominalisation (decision → deciding)
- Cleft sentences (It was John who called)
- Advanced modals (You might have been hurt)
- Subjunctive mood (If I were you…)
C2 Grammar (Proficiency)
At this mastery level, grammar use is natural, precise, and sophisticated, even in nuanced discussions and academic writing.
Key Grammar Topics:
- Advanced inversion and emphasis structures
- Ellipsis and substitution (better than I do)
- Discourse markers and cohesive devices
- Idiomatic grammar (Had I known…)
- Flexible style adaptation
- Near-native control over tone and register
🎯 Practice Makes Perfect!
📝 Ready to test your grammar knowledge?
👉 Take our FREE English Grammar Practice Test here
📝 Final Words
Grammar learning is a layered journey. Start with simple sentence patterns at A1 and work your way up to mastering the art of nuanced expression at C2. Bookmark this guide and come back whenever you need a quick grammar refresh at your level.