C1 English Grammar Test: Free Advanced Quiz

This free C1 (advanced) English grammar test goes beyond the tenses. It checks the structures that make English sound fluent and natural: inversion (Never have I seen…), cleft sentences (What I need is…), participle clauses, the subjunctive, advanced modals and formal linkers. You can choose 10, 25 or 50 questions, and each test is a new random selection from a bank of 75.

Level C1 25 questions ~10 min

Never such a beautiful sunset.
Not only late, but he also forgot the tickets.
Rarely (she / complain) about anything.
Only after the meeting how serious the problem was.
Under no circumstances this door be left open.
No sooner had we arrived it started to snow.
Seldom (we / see) such talent in someone so young.
Not until I read the letter what had happened.
you require any further information, please contact us.
it not been for the doctors, he would have died.
I in your position, I would resign. (formal inversion)
Supposing he out the truth, what would you do?
We left early; , we would have missed the train.
If I had listened to my teachers, I a better job now.
I’d rather you anyone about this.
It’s high time the government something about housing.
If only I (listen) to your advice last year.
He acts as though he everything.
You have brought a present, but thank you, it’s lovely!
She well be the best candidate we’ve ever had.
The parcel (arrive) by now. It was sent a week ago. (expectation)
He’s bound late. He always is.
You have told me the meeting was cancelled! I waited for an hour.
They have got lost. They know the area very well.
The painting is thought in the 16th century.
He got his car outside his house.
There (say) to be over a million fans waiting outside.
I object to like a child.
The project is due by March.
She insisted the bill.
The minister denied the documents.
He warned us (not / swim) in the river.
They congratulated her promoted.
She has two brothers, both of are lawyers.
This is the system employees can report problems anonymously.
The company, the profits of have doubled, plans to expand.
You can choose option you prefer.
The reason he resigned is still unclear.
I don’t remember that letter.
She seems a lot of weight.
He’s looking forward to (promote). (passive)
Having the report, she sent it to the director.
the email, he realised he had made a mistake.
in 1890, the building is one of the oldest in the city.
(not / know) what to do, I called my sister.
by the noise, the baby started crying.
all the evidence, the jury reached a verdict.
It was my brother broke the window, not me.
I need right now is a holiday.
It (be) only when I got home that I noticed the mistake.
All I want a quiet evening.
The thing annoys me most is his attitude.
The doctor recommended that he smoking.
It’s essential that every employee the training.
I insist that she (be) told the truth.
The committee demanded that the report published.
It is vital that he informed immediately.
as it may seem, I actually enjoy exams.
He accepted the offer, reluctantly.
the weather, the event was a great success. (formal)
hard she tried, she couldn’t open the jar.
He’s very talented; , he lacks experience.
Little did they know that their son become famous.
The wedding to take place in June, but it was postponed.
They to have met in Paris, but she fell ill. (formal plan)
I was on the point of when the phone rang.
Very people know the real story.
Hardly of the students passed the exam.
of the two candidates was suitable. (not one and not the other)
She speaks excellent English.
unemployment is rising in many countries.
The negotiations when neither side would compromise.
We need to the costs before we make a decision.
The war (break out) in 1939.
Her argument doesn’t really . There are too many gaps.

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Teachers: download these questions as a printable worksheet with an answer key. It’s free to use in class.

What’s in the C1 grammar test

Emphasis and word order: inversion after never, rarely, not only, no sooner, only after; cleft sentences with It was… that and What… is
Unreal and formal conditions: Should you…, Had it not been for…, Were I…, mixed conditionals, I’d rather, it’s high time, as though
Advanced verb forms: needn’t have, may well, be bound to, is thought to have been…, perfect and passive -ing and infinitives, the subjunctive (I insist that she be…)
Complex sentences: participle clauses (Having finished…, Built in 1890…), both of whom, whereby, whichever, reporting verbs, the future in the past
Linkers and words: albeit, notwithstanding, however hard…, articles, quantifiers and phrasal verbs like weigh up and hold up

What does C1 level mean?

C1 is the “advanced” or “proficient user” level. You can understand long, demanding texts, express yourself fluently without searching for words, and use English flexibly for work and study. At this level, grammar is less about getting forms right and more about choosing the structure that fits the style: formal or informal, neutral or emphatic.

FAQ

Is this test useful for C1 Advanced (CAE) or IELTS 7+?

Yes, as grammar practice. Inversion, cleft sentences and participle clauses often come up in C1 Advanced key word transformations, and they help you get a higher “grammatical range” score in IELTS Writing and Speaking. The real exams use different task types, so treat this test as a check of your grammar knowledge, not an exam simulation.

The test feels very hard. Should I go back to B2?

Not necessarily. Many of these structures are rare in everyday speech, so even strong speakers make mistakes with them. If you score below 50%, take the B2 grammar test first. If you do well there, come back here and work through the C1 topics one at a time.

Do native speakers really use the subjunctive and inversion?

Yes, but mostly in formal writing, business letters, speeches and the news. You’ll read It is essential that every employee complete… in company policies and Should you have any questions… in almost every formal email. Recognising these structures is a C1 skill, and using them well makes your writing sound much more professional.