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If + past perfect, would have + past participle
Used to talk about imaginary situations in the past — things that did NOT happen.
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past → Present result | If + past perfect, would + base verb | If I had accepted that job, I would be living in Tokyo now. |
| Present → Past result | If + past simple, would have + past participle | If she weren't so shy, she would have spoken at the conference. |
If I had known about the party, I _____ you.
If we _____ earlier, we wouldn't have been stuck in traffic.
If he had saved more money, he _____ retired by now. (mixed)
Subject + be + past participle (+ by agent)
| Tense | Active | Passive |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | They make cars in Germany. | Cars are made in Germany. |
| Past Simple | Someone stole my bike. | My bike was stolen. |
| Present Perfect | They have built a new bridge. | A new bridge has been built. |
| Future (will) | They will announce the results. | The results will be announced. |
| Modal | You must complete the form. | The form must be completed. |
Common in formal/academic English:
"Shakespeare wrote Hamlet." → Hamlet _____ Shakespeare.
The invitations _____ tomorrow.
_____ the project will succeed.
In formal or literary English, the subject and auxiliary are swapped after certain negative/restrictive expressions for emphasis.
| Normal Order | Inverted (Emphatic) |
|---|---|
| I have never seen such beauty. | Never have I seen such beauty. |
| She not only sings but also dances. | Not only does she sing, but she also dances. |
| I rarely eat fast food. | Rarely do I eat fast food. |
| He had hardly arrived when it rained. | Hardly had he arrived when it rained. |
| We only realized the mistake later. | Only later did we realize the mistake. |
Never, rarely, seldom, hardly, barely, scarcely, no sooner, not only, only after, only when, at no time, under no circumstances, little
_____ felt so embarrassed.
_____ win the race, but she also broke the record.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| break the ice | start a conversation in a social setting | He told a joke to break the ice. |
| hit the nail on the head | say exactly the right thing | You hit the nail on the head with that analysis. |
| piece of cake | very easy | The test was a piece of cake. |
| cost an arm and a leg | very expensive | That car cost an arm and a leg. |
| under the weather | feeling ill | I'm feeling a bit under the weather today. |
| let the cat out of the bag | reveal a secret | She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party. |
| bite off more than you can chew | take on too much | I think he bit off more than he could chew with that project. |
| the ball is in your court | it's your decision now | I've made my offer — the ball is in your court. |
"A piece of cake" means:
"Under the weather" means:
"Let the cat out of the bag" means:
"Cost an arm and a leg" means:
Register refers to the level of formality in language. Choosing the right register depends on the audience and context.
| Informal | Formal |
|---|---|
| I wanna ask you something. | I would like to ask you something. |
| Can you help me out? | Would you be so kind as to assist me? |
| We need to fix this ASAP. | This matter requires immediate attention. |
| The boss said no. | The request was declined by management. |
| Thanks a lot! | Thank you very much for your assistance. |
| kids | children |
| get | obtain / acquire |
| start | commence / initiate |
| buy | purchase |
| enough | sufficient |
"I am writing to inform you of a change in schedule."
"Hey, just a heads up — meeting's been moved."
"We would appreciate your prompt response."
"Gonna grab lunch. Wanna come?"
| Part | Purpose | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Present the topic & thesis | Hook, background, thesis statement |
| Body Paragraph 1 | First main argument | Topic sentence, evidence, explanation |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Second main argument | Topic sentence, evidence, explanation |
| Body Paragraph 3 | Counter-argument or third point | Opposing view + rebuttal, or additional support |
| Conclusion | Summarize & final thought | Restate thesis, summary, closing statement |
Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally
However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Although
For instance, For example, Such as, Namely
In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, All in all
Therefore, As a result, Consequently, Due to
The project was successful. _____, there were some unexpected challenges.
He didn't study for the test. _____, he failed.
The hotel had a pool. _____, it offered free breakfast.