Essential Grammar for B2 First: The Complete Guide

The Grammar You Need for B2 First

The B2 First exam doesn't test grammar separately — it's woven into every paper. Your Use of English, Writing, and Speaking scores all depend on accurate grammar at B2 level.

Here are the structures you must master, with the mistakes that cost students marks.

1. All Four Conditionals

Zero (general truths): "If water reaches 100°C, it boils."

First (real future): "If I study hard, I will pass the exam."

Second (hypothetical present): "If I had more time, I would practise every day."

Third (hypothetical past): "If I had studied harder, I would have passed."

Mixed: "If I had accepted the job, I would be living in London now."

Common mistake: Using "would" in the if-clause. Never write "If I would have more time..." ✗

2. Passive Voice

The passive is everywhere in B2-level writing:

• "The exam is taken by thousands of students every year."
• "The results were announced last week."
• "The new format has been introduced since 2022."
• "The test will be redesigned next year."

Use the passive when:

• The action matters more than who did it
• The agent is unknown or obvious
• You want a more formal tone (important for Writing Part 1)

3. Reported Speech

Essential for the Use of English paper:

• Direct: She said, "I am studying for FCE."
• Reported: She said she was studying for FCE.

Key changes:

• Present → Past
• Will → Would
• Can → Could
• This → That
• Today → That day
• Tomorrow → The following day

4. Relative Clauses

Defining (essential information — no commas): "The student who studies regularly passes the exam."

Non-defining (extra information — with commas): "Cambridge, which is a university city, hosts the exam board."

Common mistake: Using "what" instead of "which/that". Never write "The book what I read..." ✗

5. Wish and If Only

• Present regret: "I wish I spoke English more fluently." (past simple)
• Past regret: "If only I had started studying earlier." (past perfect)
• Annoyance: "I wish they would stop making noise." (would + infinitive)

6. Comparatives and Superlatives (Advanced)

Go beyond "bigger" and "the biggest":

• "The more I practise, the better I get."
• "This is by far the most challenging exam I've taken."
• "English is nowhere near as difficult as I expected."
• "My writing is considerably better than it was last month."

7. Connectors That Show Range

Using these correctly shows B2-level grammar:

• Concession: Although, Even though, Despite, In spite of
• Purpose: In order to, So as to, So that
• Result: As a result, Consequently, Therefore
• Addition: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition

8. Modal Verbs for Speculation

• Must (90% certain): "She must be tired — she's been studying all day."
• Might/Could (50% certain): "He might be at the library."
• Can't (90% certain it's not true): "It can't be right — the answer doesn't make sense."

For the past: must have been, might have gone, can't have known.

Practice Strategy

Don't try to learn all structures at once. Focus on one per week:

1. Study the rules (15 minutes)
2. Do exercises (20 minutes)
3. Use it in writing practice (integrate naturally)
4. Check your writing for correct usage

After 8 weeks, you'll have all major B2 structures automated.

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