Mastering English Writing: Essential Grammar Structures and Rephrasing Techniques

Writing: Structuring Your Argument

The topic of [X] is of utmost relevance in today's society and has sparked intense debate on a daily basis. Here are my two cents.

First and foremost, [A.positivo 1] because it is widely believed that [Idea general]. In fact, society has been dealing with this issue for years, and certain measures must be taken to improve the situation. Furthermore, if governments were to invest more resources in this area, [C.positiva] would easily be achieved. On the flip side, opponents argue that [A.negativo 1]. Had people known the real consequences of this trend earlier, they would have acted differently. This shows that the issue is far more complex than it appears at first glance.

In conclusion, there are multiple points of view in regards to [X]; however, it ultimately hinges on one's personal values and perspective.

Essential Grammar Reference

1. Conditional Sentences

• Second Conditional (Hypothetical): Used for present situations. If + Past Simple, ... WOULD + Infinitive. (Use WERE for all subjects).
• Third Conditional (Impossible): Used for past situations. If + Past Perfect, ... WOULD HAVE + Past Participle.
• First Conditional (Warning/Future): Used for orders or threats. If + Present Simple, ... WILL + Infinitive.

2. Relative Pronouns

• WHO: For people (subject). [Person] + WHO + [Verb].
• WHICH / THAT: For things or animals. [Thing] + WHICH/THAT + [Rest of sentence].
• WHOSE: For possession. [Person] + WHOSE + [Noun] + [Rest of sentence].
• WHERE: For places. Note: If a preposition (in/at) is required, use 'which' instead.

3. Active to Passive Voice

Formula: [Object] + [Verb TO BE in the same tense] + [Past Participle] + (by + Subject).

• Present Simple: is/are cleaned.
• Past Simple: was/were cleaned.
• Present Perfect: has/have been cleaned.
• Modals: will/can/must be cleaned.

4. Reported Speech

To convert to reported speech, use: [Subject] + SAID (that) / TOLD [Person] + [Verb one tense back].

• Tense shift: Present Simple → Past Simple; Past Simple/Present Perfect → Past Perfect; Will → Would; Can → Could.
• Time changes: Now → Then; Today → That day; Yesterday → The day before; Tomorrow → The next day; Here → There.

5. Too / Enough

• TOO + Adjective: Used before the adjective (e.g., "This car is too expensive.").
• Adjective + ENOUGH: Used after the adjective (e.g., "This car isn't cheap enough.").

6. Unless

Unless is equivalent to If + NOT. When switching from 'If' to 'Unless', remove the negative form from the verb.