Essential English Grammar and Academic Vocabulary

English Verb Patterns

Infinitives

Verbs followed by an object and an infinitive (e.g., tell, order, ask, remind, want, teach, allow):

• They allow students to take...

Used to: Always used after adjectives.

Infinitive Without To

Used after modal verbs, had better, would rather, make + object, and let + object.

The -ing Form (Gerunds)

• Prepositions: Used after prepositions (e.g., for, of, think of, succeed in) + -ing.
• Get used to: Followed by -ing.
• Certain verbs: Used after avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practise.
• Subject: Used when the word is the subject of a sentence or clause.

Passive Voice and Concession

The Passive

• Have: Have been + past participle.
• Be: Be + past participle.

Clauses of Concession

Connectors: but, although, even though, though, however, in spite of, despite.

Academic and Professional Vocabulary

University Terms

• Seminar: A class where students discuss topics.
• Undergraduate: A student undertaking a first degree.
• Semester: One of two periods in an academic year.
• Fresher: A first-year student.
• Grant: Financial aid (bolsa).
• Lecture: A formal presentation of information.
• Campus: The buildings of a university.
• Dean: University rector.
• Tuition: University fees (propina).

Workplace Terminology

• Workforce: People available to work.
• Salary: Regular payment.
• Wages: Weekly, daily, or piece-rate payment.
• Reference: Qualification or recommendation.
• Promotion: Moving to a more important position.
• Bonus: Extra payment.
• Employer/Employee: The person hiring/the person hired.
• Raise: An increase in salary.
• Workmate: A colleague.
• Staff: The collective employees.
• Training: Professional development (formação).

Benefits and Qualifications

• Benefit: Something received from a job (e.g., medical insurance, housing, commissions, tips, discounts on goods).
• Qualifications: Requirements for a job (e.g., being well-spoken, hard-working, or having a neat appearance).
• Gap Year: Time spent working or traveling after finishing secondary school and before starting university.

Business Verbs and Concepts

Ask for, attend, book, deal with, develop, hire, interview, manufacture, organize, provide, run.

• Interest rates: Taxas de juro.
• Self-employed: Offers flexible hours and new business creation, but presents difficulties in controlling working hours.