Essential English Grammar Rules and Business Vocabulary

Common English Question Structures

How many languages does she speak? Where does she work? What do they supply?
How much does it cost? When did the company start? Where did they establish their headquarters?
Why did they cancel? How many did he order? Note: Did indicates the Past Simple tense.

Active and Passive Voice Transformations

Present Simple

• Active: Verb + -s/-es
• Passive: am / is / are + past participle

Past Simple

• Active: Verb + -ed (or irregular form)
• Passive: was / were + past participle

Future Simple

• Active: will + verb
• Passive: will be + past participle

Present Perfect

• Active: have / has + past participle
• Passive: have / has been + past participle

Modal Verbs

• Active: modal + verb
• Passive: modal + be + past participle

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

• Big – bigger than – the biggest
• Heavy – heavier than – the heaviest
• Expensive – more expensive than – the most expensive
• Good – better than – the best
• Bad – worse than – the worst
• Far – further than – the furthest
• Much / Not as... as

Business English Collocations and Phrasal Verbs

Common Phrases: Have a chat, fix a time, keep up, take on, plan a project.

• Reduce: the risk, costs, prices
• Set up: a system, a business, a meeting
• Build up: a good relationship, your confidence, a business
• Meet: a deadline, your needs
• Cut: costs, prices

Sample Graduation Ceremony Farewell Speech

Good morning, everyone! Teachers, families, and especially, graduates, it's an honor to be here today to celebrate this important moment in our lives.

Today, we're reflecting on all the experiences we've shared during these years of study. From academic challenges to friendships that will last a lifetime, every moment has helped us grow and develop as individuals. I want to take this chance to thank our teachers for their dedication and support. They've been a constant source of inspiration throughout this journey.

I also want to acknowledge the sacrifices and unconditional love of our families and loved ones. Their support has been essential to our success, and we're forever grateful for it. On behalf of my class, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this day possible. As we go our separate ways, we'll always cherish the good times and everything we've learned here. Congratulations to the class, we've done it!

Using the Present Perfect Tense

Structure: Have / has + past participle (Past Simple: Verb + -ed / be = was/were)

• EVER: Have you ever + past participle?
• YET (Negative/Questions): Have you eaten yet?
• ALREADY: I’ve already had breakfast.
• JUST: The students have just arrived.

Duration: For and Since

• FOR (Length of time): I’ve worked in ET for 4 years.
• SINCE (Specific moment): Montse has worked in ET since 2015.

Modal Verbs for Ability, Advice, and Obligation

Ability and Possibility

Can / Could, Will be able to.
Example: When I was two years old, I couldn’t speak.

Advice

Should / shouldn’t.
Example: You should watch films in English; you shouldn’t smoke.

Obligation

Must / Have to.
Example: You must attend lessons; students have to listen in class.

Prohibition

Mustn’t.
Example: You mustn't park here.