Mastering English Grammar: Voice, Conditionals, and Essay Writing

Passive Voice Construction

The passive voice is formed with: Subject (patient) + to be (conjugated) + past participle + complement.

Example 1 (Active to Passive):

• Active: An old woman arrested the thief.
• Passive: The thief was arrested by an old woman.

Example 2 (Modal Passive):

• Active: They may have analyzed the results.
• Passive: The results may have been analyzed.

Passive Voice with Two Objects

When an active verb has two objects (direct and indirect), either can become the subject of the passive sentence.

Example: He sent me flowers.

• Passive (Direct Object as Subject): Flowers were sent to me.
• Passive (Indirect Object as Subject): I was sent flowers.

Passive Voice Verb Tense Transformations

Here's how common verb tenses transform into the passive voice:

• Present Simple: Write → am/is/are written
• Past Simple: Wrote → was/were written
• Future Simple: Will write → will be written
• Present Continuous: Am writing → am/is/are being written
• Past Continuous: Was writing → was/were being written
• Present Perfect: Have written → have/has been written
• Past Perfect: Had written → had been written

Impersonal Passive Voice

The impersonal passive is used to report general opinions or beliefs without specifying the source. It often starts with "It is said/believed/known that..." or by making the subject of the reported clause the subject of the passive sentence.

Example: People say that the bridge isn’t safe.

• Impersonal Passive (Type 1): It’s said that the bridge isn’t safe.
• Impersonal Passive (Type 2): The bridge is said not to be safe.

Causative Passive Voice (Have/Get Something Done)

The causative passive is used when you arrange for someone else to do something for you, rather than doing it yourself. The structure is have/get + object + past participle.

Example:

• Active: The mechanic will repair my car tomorrow.
• Causative Passive: I will have/get my car repaired tomorrow.

WH- Questions in the Passive Voice

To form WH-questions in the passive voice, use the structure: WH-word + to be (conjugated) + passive subject + past participle + (by agent, if necessary).

Verbs of Perception: Look, Seem, Feel, Smell, Sound, Taste

These verbs describe how something appears, feels, smells, sounds, or tastes. They can be followed by an adjective or by "like" + a noun phrase.

Using Verbs of Perception with "Like" + Noun Phrase

Structure: Verb of Perception + LIKE + Noun Phrase

• Feel (to sense by touch)
• Look (to appear visually)
• Seem (to appear to be, to give the impression)
• Smell (to have an odor)
• Sound (to be perceived by hearing)
• Taste (to have a flavor)

Example: That sounds like a great idea!

Using Verbs of Perception with Adjectives

Structure: Verb of Perception + Adjective

• Feel (e.g., The fabric feels soft.)
• Look (e.g., You look tired.)
• Seem (e.g., It seems difficult.)
• Smell (e.g., The food smells delicious.)
• Sound (e.g., The music sounds loud.)
• Taste (e.g., This soup tastes salty.)

Conditional Sentences (If Clauses)

Conditional sentences express a condition and its result. There are four main types:

Zero Conditional (Type 0)

• Structure: If + Present Simple, Present Simple
• Use: For general truths, scientific facts, or habits.
• Example: If you heat ice, it melts.

First Conditional (Type 1)

• Structure: If + Present Simple, Future Simple
• Use: For real or very probable situations in the present or future.
• Example: If you don’t shut up, I’ll kill you.

Second Conditional (Type 2)

• Structure: If + Past Simple, Would + Base Verb (Simple Conditional)
• Use: For hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future.
• Example: If I had money, I would buy a flat.

Third Conditional (Type 3)

• Structure: If + Past Perfect, Would Have + Past Participle (Perfect Conditional)
• Use: For hypothetical situations in the past that did not happen, and their imagined results.
• Example: If I had known that, I would have told you.

Using "Wish" for Desires and Regrets

The verb "wish" is used to express desires, regrets, or a longing for something to be different. It is often followed by a past tense verb, even when referring to the present or future, to indicate a hypothetical or unreal situation.

• Structure: Wish / If only + Past Simple / Past Continuous
• Use: To express a desire for a present or future situation to be different, or a regret about a past situation.
• Example (Present/Future): I wish I had more time. (Meaning: I don't have more time, and I want to.)
• Example (Past): I wish I hadn't said that. (Meaning: I said that, and I regret it.)

Structuring a "For and Against" Essay

A "for and against" essay discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a particular topic, presenting both sides of an argument objectively.

1. Introduction: Presenting the Topic

   Begin by introducing the topic with a general statement describing the situation. Clearly present the two opposing sides of the issue or debate.

2. Body Paragraph 1: Arguments "For"

   Provide reasons and arguments in favor of the topic. Explain the positive points and illustrate them with examples to support your claims.

3. Body Paragraph 2: Arguments "Against"

   Start with a phrase that indicates you are introducing the disadvantages or opposing arguments. Present two or three reasons against the topic, including examples to justify your points.

4. Conclusion: Summarizing and Stating Opinion

   Conclude by reiterating your opinion (if required, or a balanced summary). End with a sentence that summarizes the main "for" and "against" points presented in the previous paragraphs.

Structuring an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay presents your personal viewpoint on a topic, supported by arguments and evidence.

1. Introduction: Stating Your Opinion

   Present the topic and clearly express your opinion. Begin by outlining a generally accepted opinion, then challenge it or present an alternative viewpoint, and finally state your own perspective.

2. Body Paragraphs: Supporting Your Opinion

   Defend your opinion by providing examples and reasons to justify your stance. Each paragraph should focus on a distinct argument.

3. Conclusion: Summarizing and Recommending

   Summarize the arguments presented in the previous paragraphs and provide a clear final conclusion. You may also add recommendations or suggestions based on your opinion.