English Grammar Rules and Formal Letter Writing

English Writing Connectors

Firstly, what I am going to write about is (not) very interesting for me. In fact, it is necessary in our world. In addition, however (sin embargo), in conclusion, a lot of time, unless (a menos que).

Passive Voice Construction

The passive voice involves three main steps:

• Step 1: The object becomes the subject. Use the verb to be (is/are for present, was/were for past, will be for future, are/is being for present continuous).
• Step 2: The main verb is always in the third column (past participle).
• Step 3: Use by to introduce the agent.

Conditional Sentences

• First Conditional: If + present + will (80% probability). Example: If you study, you will pass.
• Second Conditional: If + past (ed or 2nd column) + would. Example: If you studied, you would pass.
• Third Conditional: If + past perfect + would have. Example: If you had studied, you would have passed.

Reported Speech Rules

Reporting Verbs and Tense Shifts

1. Use "She asked" or "She said."

2. Verb tense changes:

• Present → Past (2nd column)
• Past → Past Perfect (had)
• Will → Would
• Are → Were
• Were → Had been
• Have → Had
• Have been → Had been
• Had → Had
• Had been → Had been

Modals and Time Expressions

• Can → Could
• May → Might
• Must → Must
• Have to → Had to
• Will → Would

Time and Place Changes:

• Now = Then
• Today = That day
• Yesterday = The day before
• Tomorrow = The day after
• Here = There
• This/These = That/Those

English Verb Tenses

• Present Continuous: Subject + to be + -ing
• Past Simple: Subject + -ed (Negative: didn't + base verb)
• Past Continuous: Subject + was/were + -ing
• Past Perfect Simple: Subject + had + -ed
• Future: Will

Sample Job Application Letter

Avd. Valdecilla, Nº 26, P1, 6C
Santander, Cantabria, Spain
06-02-2012

Receptionist Position: Hotel Santander
Company Address

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the post of receptionist at Acampiste, which was advertised in last week's edition of Summer Jobs.

I am currently studying my first year of Law at the Universidad de Cantabria. I feel I would be suitable for this position because I am polite with people and I am a hard worker.

I have experience in this kind of work. Last summer, I was employed by a restaurant as a waiter, and I also worked as a receptionist at Hotel Bahía.

My course finishes in the middle of June, so I would be available for work at any time during July and August.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Abdellah Kentaoui Mohamed