English Grammar Essentials: Tenses, Modals, and More

PASSIVE VOICE

Tense Forms

Present: is/are + past participle

Past: was/were + past participle

Future: will be + past participle

Present Perfect: have/has been + past participle

Modal + BE + past participle

Modals

Expressing Ability and Possibility

can, can't, could, will be able to

Giving Advice

should, shouldn't

Expressing Obligation and Prohibition

must, have to, mustn't

Future Forms

Going to: Plans or clear evidence

Present Continuous: Future plans already made

Will: Predictions, spontaneous decisions, promises

MAKING ARRANGEMENTS

Asking to Meet

Are you available/free on ...?

Can we meet on ...?

How does the 3rd sound to you?

Would Friday suit you?

Is next Tuesday convenient for you?

What about sometime next ....?

Responding to Meeting Requests

Yes, Monday is fine.

Monday suits me.

Thursday would be perfect.

I'm afraid I can't on the 3rd. What about the 6th?

Cancelling a Meeting

Unfortunately, I will be unable to keep our appointment for tomorrow afternoon.

Would it be possible to arrange another time later in the week?

I'm afraid that I have to cancel our meeting on Wednesday, Can we fix another time?

PROCEDURES

First, park the car, shop at the duty-free shop, check in your luggage, go through the metal detector... On the plane, fasten your seatbelt, take off, put your hand luggage in the overhead compartment, eat... Finally, collect your luggage and go through customs.

LINKING WORDS

Although + sentence

However, + sentence

In spite of = Despite + noun/gerund OR the fact that + sentence

Examples

Although he studied hard, he failed the exam. - He failed the exam although he studied hard.

He studied hard. However, he failed the exam.

Despite studying hard, he failed the exam. - He failed the exam despite studying hard.

Despite the fact that he studied hard, he failed....

FORMAL LETTER EXAMPLES

Example 1

Dear Ms. Costa,

Many thanks for your invitation to the roadshow. We look forward to attending and giving a short talk. However, could you please let us know how long this should be? I can also confirm that Mr. Groves will be very happy to see you at the roadshow.

We have three employees who will take part in the race. All three are keen cyclists and would prefer to wear their own cycling clothes.

Yours sincerely,

Example 2

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you regarding the English courses offered by English in Ireland. I would like to request information about the courses available, with particular attention to the intermediate level options. I am particularly interested in attending a regular 4-week course this summer. I am flexible with the start date, but would ideally like to start in late June or early July. I would be grateful if you could provide me with details of the course programme, class schedule, and any additional activities included. Could you please send me information about the cost of the course, as well as any discounts or promotions available? I would also appreciate information on accommodation options. I am considering staying with a host family to immerse myself in the language. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,