Essential English Grammar and Writing Notes

English Grammar Points

Passive Voice

Structure: Subject + conjugated 'be' + past participle

Causative Verbs

Structure: Conjugated 'have'/'get' + object + past participle

Using So and Such

• So: so + adjective/adverb
• So: so + many/much/few/little + noun

Using Enough

• Enough: adjective/adverb + enough (+ to + verb)
• Enough: enough + noun (+ to + verb)

Reported Speech

• Present Simple → Past Simple
• Present Perfect Simple → Past Perfect Simple
• Future Simple → would + infinitive
• Can → Could
• May → Might
• Have to → Had to
• Should → Should
• Yes/No Question → if/whether + subject + verb (past tense)
• Wh-Question → wh-word + subject + verb (past tense)

Conditional Sentences

• Type 1 (Real Conditional): If + Present Simple, Future Simple
• Type 2 (Unreal Present Conditional): If + Past Simple, would + infinitive
• Type 3 (Unreal Past Conditional): If + Past Perfect Simple, would have + past participle

Wish Clauses

• Subject + wish + subject + Past Simple (for present dissatisfaction)
• Subject + wish + subject + Past Perfect Simple (for past regret)
• Subject + wish + subject + would + infinitive (for future change/complaint)
• Subject + wish + subject + could + infinitive (for impossible desire/ability)

English Writing Formats

Informal Email

Greetings

Hi Paula,

Opening Paragraph

It's nice to hear from you, and I'm happy about…

Main Paragraphs

Respond to the sender's points.

Closing

Well, it's time to say goodbye.

Sign-off Options

• Regards,
• See you soon,
• Best wishes,

Email of Complaint

Salutation

Dear [Name], / To Whom It May Concern,

Opening

I am writing to complain about…

Detail 1

I was extremely disappointed with…

Detail 2

According to your website, [item] was supposed to… Unfortunately, this was not the case, and it left us completely dissatisfied, considering…

Resolution Request

I feel that the description of… on your website should be changed as it is totally inaccurate and misleading. We were extremely disappointed by this aspect, and in the circumstances, we believe we are owed an apology and should receive some form of compensation.

Closing

I look forward to hearing your views on this matter.

Sign-off

Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely,

Email of Application

Salutation

Dear Sir/Madam, / To Whom It May Concern,

Opening

I am writing to apply for the post of… advertised on…

Body Paragraph 1 (Education/Skills)

I am 17 years old, and at the moment, I am studying the 2nd year of Bachillerato at Magda School. Having studied English for over seven years, I am a fluent speaker of the language. My qualifications also include intermediate certificates in both French and German. As far as experience is concerned, I have worked as… for… As for my character, people tell me I am…

Body Paragraph 2 (Suitability/Call to Action)

I feel I would be suitable for this job because I have the right skills, because… If you need further information, I would be more than glad to attend any interview, online or face-to-face.

Closing

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sign-off

Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely,

Argumentative Writing Phrases

Introduction

Nowadays, the topic of… has become a rather controversial one.

Presenting Arguments

• It is argued that…
• Some people are in favour of / convinced that…

Presenting Counter-Arguments

On the other hand, many people are against…

Expressing Opinion

• As I see it,
• In my view,
• I am convinced that…
• Personally, I feel that…