Useful Grammar and Structures

Master advanced grammatical structures for writing in English. Learn sophisticated patterns for introducing ideas, developing arguments, and concluding effectively.

Level A2-B1-B2-C1-C2⏱️ 75 min📋 Requires: Basic grammar, Understanding of formal writing
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What Are Useful Grammar and Structures?

Useful grammar and structures are patterns and constructions that help you express yourself more naturally, precisely, and effectively in written English.

📋 Quick Reference

1Advanced structures for formal writing
2Patterns for stating opinions and arguments
3Complex connectors and transitions
4Ways to compare and contrast
5Structures for introducing and concluding ideas

Structures for Introducing Ideas

These structures help you present ideas clearly and professionally.

Structures for Introducing Ideas
StructureUseExampleGloss
It is widely believed that...General opinionIt is widely believed that technology improves lifeWidely held view...
There is growing evidence that...Growing evidenceThere is growing evidence that climate change is realIncreasing evidence that...
It cannot be denied that...Undisputed factIt cannot be denied that education is importantIt is undeniable that...
One of the most significant...Emphasising importanceOne of the most significant issues is povertyOne of the most significant...
In recent years, there has been...Recent trendIn recent years, there has been an increase in...In recent years there has been...
🇬🇧 English:

It is widely believed that technology improves life

💡 Note:

Opens with a shared, general belief.

🇬🇧 English:

There is growing evidence that climate change is real

💡 Note:

Signals accumulating proof.

🇬🇧 English:

It cannot be denied that education is important

💡 Note:

Frames the point as hard to dispute.

When to use each structure

Choose according to context:

Examples:
  • It is widely believed: general opinions
  • There is growing evidence: scientific or research-based claims
  • It cannot be denied: facts that are difficult to contest
  • One of the most significant: highlighting importance
💡
Tip: These structures add authority and credibility to your arguments.

Structures for Developing Arguments

These patterns help you develop and explain your arguments convincingly.

Structures for Developing Arguments
StructureFunctionExampleGloss
This is due to the fact that...Explain causeThis is due to the fact that people work moreThis is because...
What is more important is...Emphasise a pointWhat is more important is the long-term effectsWhat matters more is...
It should be noted that...Draw attentionIt should be noted that not everyone agreesIt is worth noting that...
This raises the question of...Introduce an issueThis raises the question of responsibilityThis leads one to ask...
Furthermore, it is essential to...Add an important pointFurthermore, it is essential to consider costsMoreover, it is essential...
In contrast to this...Show contrastIn contrast to this, some believe...By contrast...
🇬🇧 English:

This is due to the fact that people work more

💡 Note:

Formal way to give a reason.

🇬🇧 English:

What is more important is the long-term effects

💡 Note:

Highlights priority among points.

🇬🇧 English:

It should be noted that not everyone agrees

💡 Note:

Flags an important caveat.

✅
Tip: Use these structures to make arguments more persuasive and professional.

Structures for Comparison and Contrast

These help you compare ideas and present contrasts effectively.

Structures for Comparison and Contrast
StructureUseExampleGloss
Similarly to...SimilaritySimilarly to the previous case, this shows...In a similar way to...
Unlike the previous example...ContrastUnlike the previous example, this method is...As opposed to the previous example...
In comparison with...Formal comparisonIn comparison with traditional methods...Compared with...
Whereas the former...Formal contrastWhereas the former is expensive, the latter is...While the first...
Both... and... share the characteristic of...SimilarityBoth approaches share the characteristic of...Both X and Y share...
The fundamental difference lies in...Key differenceThe fundamental difference lies in approachThe essential difference is...
🇬🇧 English:

Similarly to the previous case, this shows...

💡 Note:

Links to something already mentioned.

🇬🇧 English:

In comparison with traditional methods...

💡 Note:

Sets up a formal comparison.

🇬🇧 English:

Whereas the former is expensive, the latter is...

💡 Note:

“Former” / “latter” refer to two items already named.

Advanced comparison structures

For sophisticated comparisons:

Examples:
  • Similarly to / Unlike: similarities and differences
  • In comparison with: formal comparison
  • Whereas: elegant contrast
  • Both... and...: shared features
⚠️
Watch out: Use “former” for the first of two items mentioned and “latter” for the second.

Structures for Expressing Opinions

These patterns help you state opinions in an academic, persuasive way.

Structures for Expressing Opinions
StructureCertainty levelExampleGloss
I firmly believe that...Very confidentI firmly believe that education is keyI strongly believe...
It seems to me that...ModerateIt seems to me that this approach worksIn my view...
I would argue that...ArgumentativeI would argue that technology helpsI would contend that...
There is reason to believe that...CautiousThere is reason to believe that change is neededOne may reasonably believe...
It is my contention that...FormalIt is my contention that this is wrongMy view is that...
I am convinced that...ConfidentI am convinced that this is the best solutionI am sure that...
🇬🇧 English:

I firmly believe that education is key

💡 Note:

Strong personal stance.

🇬🇧 English:

It seems to me that this approach works

💡 Note:

Softer, reflective tone.

🇬🇧 English:

I would argue that technology helps

💡 Note:

Positions the claim as reasoned argument.

💡
Tip: Vary structures according to how certain you are about your claim.

Structures for Concluding

These help you close your arguments effectively.

Structures for Concluding
StructureUseExampleGloss
In conclusion, it can be said that...General conclusionIn conclusion, it can be said that technology is beneficialTo conclude, one can say...
To sum up, the evidence suggests...SummaryTo sum up, the evidence suggests that change is neededIn summary, the evidence suggests...
All things considered...Taking everything into accountAll things considered, this is the best optionTaking everything into account...
It is therefore clear that...Logical conclusionIt is therefore clear that action is requiredThus it is clear that...
The implications of this are...ImplicationsThe implications of this are far-reachingThis implies that...
This leads to the conclusion that...Logical closeThis leads to the conclusion that we must actFrom this we may conclude...
🇬🇧 English:

In conclusion, it can be said that technology is beneficial

💡 Note:

Classic academic closing move.

🇬🇧 English:

To sum up, the evidence suggests that change is needed

💡 Note:

Summarises what the evidence shows.

🇬🇧 English:

All things considered, this is the best option

💡 Note:

Weighs pros and cons before the verdict.

Effective conclusions

A strong conclusion should:

Examples:
  • Summarise the main points
  • Reaffirm your position
  • Leave a lasting impression
  • Provide closure for the argument
✅
Tip: Strong conclusions reinforce your argument and persuade the reader.

Advanced Conditional Structures

These conditionals let you express hypotheses and conditions in a formal, precise way.

Advanced Conditional Structures
StructureUseExampleGloss
Were it not for...Without a specific thingWere it not for technology, we would be lostIf it were not for...
Had it not been for...Without something in the pastHad it not been for the rain, we would have goneIf it had not been for...
Should this be the case...If this were trueShould this be the case, we must actIf this turns out to be so...
In the event that...If something happensIn the event that this happens, we are readyShould this occur...
Provided that...As long asProvided that the conditions are metOn condition that...
Unless otherwise stated...Except if specifiedUnless otherwise stated, this applies to allIf not stated differently...
🇬🇧 English:

Were it not for technology, we would be lost

💡 Note:

Formal inverted conditional.

🇬🇧 English:

Had it not been for the rain, we would have gone

💡 Note:

Past counterfactual without “if”.

🇬🇧 English:

Provided that the conditions are met

💡 Note:

Specifies a requirement for the result.

⚠️
Watch out: These forms are formal and most common in academic writing.

Common Mistakes

❌
Mistake: “It's important to mention that...” (overused) ❌
Better: “It should be noted that...” ✅
Vary your openings to avoid repetition
❌
Mistake: “In my opinion, I think that...” ❌
Better: “I believe that...” or “It is my contention that...” ✅
Avoid doubling opinion markers
❌
Mistake: “The former and the latter” with no clear referents ❌
Better: Ensure two items are clearly named first ✅
Readers must know what “former” and “latter” point to
❌
Mistake: Very formal structures in informal contexts ❌
Better: Match register to the situation ✅
Choose structures suited to the text type

Key Rules

1. Variety in structures

Use different patterns to avoid repetition.

Examples:
  • Alternate formal and informal structures where appropriate
  • Vary how you introduce ideas
  • Change how you conclude
  • Use synonyms and parallel wording

2. Consistent register

Keep a stable level of formality.

Examples:
  • Formal: academic essays
  • Neutral: professional reports
  • Informal: personal emails
  • Stay consistent within the same text

3. Clarity first

Structures should improve clarity.

Examples:
  • Choose patterns that fit the point
  • Avoid needlessly complex wording
  • Make sure meaning is clear
  • Prioritise effective communication
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