REPHRASING TIPS

The most common categories tend to be:

Change adjectives of opposite meaning

Change adverbs of opposite meaning
Some- Any- Much- Many- Few- Little- Too- Enough
(Would) rather- prefer
Present Perfect vs. Past Tense
Neither-nor-either-or-so-both
Change one comparative for another that means the same.
Change a modal verb for one with a similar meaning.
Convert from active to passive voice and vice versa.
Change a conditional.
Change relative clauses.
Change sentences from direct style to indirect speech (reported speech)
Change 'connectors'.

A) Change adjectives of opposite meanings.

For example:

He is dead.
He isn't alive.

Adjectives Opposites
alive dead
beautiful ugly
big small
bitter sweet
cheap expensive
clean dirty
curly straight
difficult easy
good bad
early late
fat thin
full empty
hot cold
happy sad/unhappy
 hardworking lazy
modern traditional
new old
nice nasty
intelligent stupid
interesting boring
light heavy
polite rude/impolite
poor rich
quiet noisy
right wrong
safe dangerous
short long
small big
soft hard
single married
true false
well ill/unwell
white black

B) Change adverbs of opposite meanings

Remember that an adverb is a word that qualifies a verb.

For example:

She runs fast (The adverb is 'fast') --> it is saying how she runs.

For example:

The hotel is not near my house.

The hotel is far from my house.

C) Some- Any- Much- Many- Few- Little- Too- Enough
In English, these words are called 'quantifiers' because they indicate quantities.

For example:

Therearen't manypeople in the [Link] hay mucha gente en la habitación.

There are few people in the room.

Not many is the same as few.

Cuantificador Contable Incontable

many
X
many
much
X
much
some
X X
some
any
X X
some
no, none
X X
no, none
a lot of/ lots of
X X
many
little/a little
X
little/a little
few/a few
X
few/a few

(Would) rather- Prefer

Example:

I prefer studying English to studying German.

I like studying English rather than studying German.
German.

Note that the structure with 'prefer' uses 'to' for comparison and the structure with 'rather' uses 'than'.

Theory:
Would prefer

On the other hand, 'would rather' is the same as 'would prefer' and therefore also means
I would prefer
Let's look at some examples:

I would prefer to go out.

Example 2: I'd rather stay here. I would prefer to stay.

She'd prefer dancing.

Example 4: Would you rather sleep or stay awake?

Important difference between "would prefer" and "would rather": The verb that follows "would
rather goes in the infinitive without 'to'. Again, for it to be etched in your mind: 'the verb that follows'
“would rather” is followed by the infinitive without “to”. In contrast, the verb that follows “would prefer” can go.
followed by a verb in infinitive with 'to' or in '-ing'; there is not much difference in meaning between
one option or another.

Something more about 'would rather':

We can say:

Example 1: I'd rather you spoke in English.

My brother would rather we didn't go home.

we went home.

Notice how this structure contains two sentences (one main and one subordinate) and expresses the
preferencias de una persona:

(1) subject + 'would rather' + (2) subject + past tense

Ejemplo 3:She'd rather you [Link] preferiría que tú trabajases.

Notice also how in this structure we translate the 'past tense' by the 'imperfect tense of'
subjunctive (not for the past).

(worked) he/she/you would work, (slept) you would sleep, (told)

would count/would have counted, etc. The same happens in ethe second type conditional (the unlikely one), con the "past"
tense" that comes after "if". For example, we say: "If I were rich, I wouldn't work." "If I
outside/fueserico, I wouldn't work.

E) Present Perfect vs. Past Tense

Example:

They've been married for 5 years.

They got married 5 years ago.
Note: In my opinion, these sentences do not say exactly the same thing, but they can be found in
the rewriting exercises.

Both tenses describe actions that took place in the past, although they present certain
differences:

a) Past Simple

Action that took place and ended in the past, without any information provided about it.
What has been its impact in the present time.

When I was young I played tennis (it doesn't give us any information about whether in the
Current situation: am I still playing tennis or not?

Action that was developed and completed in a period of time that has already ended.

This morning I had a very tense meeting with my boss (it's already afternoon, the morning has
finished

b) Present Perfect

Action that started in the past and is still continuing to develop.

I have worked in this bank for ten years (I still continue in the bank)

Action that has just finished.

I have missed my train (lo acabo de perder)

Action that has taken place over a period of time that has not yet ended.

This morning I have had a very tense meeting with my boss (it is still morning)
Today I have visited my parents (the day has not yet ended)

Action developed in the past but whose repercussions are still manifested in time
present.

My brother has broken his glasses (the glasses broke recently and are still broken)

Compare with the following sentence:

My brother broke his glasses (we don't know if the glasses are already repaired or not)

To conclude, it should be noted that sometimes the differences between these two tenses are not very clear, and
In fact, in some cases it could be appropriate to use either of them.
F) Neither-nor-either-or-so-both
Example:

She doesn't like either pears or apples.

She likes neither pears nor apples.

We can use 'either' and 'neither' as pronouns, determiners, or adverbs. Below

do you have an explanation of the differences between these two words.

Either
"Either" implies a choice between two possible options. Keep in mind that the preposition "or" is
choose between these two options.

Examples:

We can go to either the beach or the swimming pool.

Either we wait for the rain to stop or we must change our plans.
We must change our plans.

Neither
"Neither" indicates agreement between two negative ideas. With "neither", the two ideas are separated.
for the preposition 'nor'.

Examples:

Neither Henry nor Chris want to go to the beach.

Neither the school nor the parents want to take responsibility for the problem.
parents want to take responsibility for the problem.
Note: When we want to indicate an agreement between two affirmative ideas, we use 'both'.

Examples:

Both my parents work at the hospital.

Both teams are preparing for the championship.
championship.)

G) Change one comparative for another that means the same.

Example:

John is taller than Peter.

Peter isn't as tall as John. John is not as tall as Peter.
Degrees of Adjectives
Adjectives have three degrees of comparison.
Gradopositivo, gradocomparativo, gradosuperlativo:

positive comparative
superlative

tall taller the tallest

high higher the tallest

big bigger the biggest

big bigger the biggest

intelligent more intelligent the most intelligent

intelligent smarter the smartest

expensive more expensive the most expensive

expensive more expensive the most expensive

John is tall, but Bill is taller than John.

John is tall but Bill is taller than John.
Jack is very tall. He is the tallest man in the team.
Jack is very tall. He is the tallest man on the team.

Monosyllabic Adjectives - Formation of the Comparative and Superlative

Comparative Superlative
Monosyllables
adj + er adj + est

small smaller the smallest

small smaller the smallest

tall taller the tallest

high higher the tallest

young younger the youngest

young younger the youngest

old older the oldest

old older the oldest

new newer the newest

new newer the newest

long longer the longest

long longer the longest

short shorter the shortest

short shorter the shortest

big bigger the biggest

big bigger the biggest

fat fatter the fattest

fat thicker the fattest

Two-syllable Adjectives - Formation of the Comparative and Superlative

Dissyllables ending in: -y, -er, -le, -ow, (and other very well-known ones)

Comparative
Bisyllabic
adj + er Superlative
adj + the most

easy easier the easiest

easy easier the easiest

happy happier the happiest

feliz happier the happiest

crazy crazier the craziest

crazy crazier the craziest

Clever cleverer the cleverest

intelligent smarter the smartest

tender bidder the tenderest

tender more tender the cutest

humble humbler the humblest

humble more humble more humble

gentle gentler the gentlest

smooth smoother the softest

narrow narrower the narrowest

narrow narrower the narrowest

polite more polite the politest

kind kinder the kindest
Long Adjectives - Formation of the Comparative and Superlative

Adjectives Comparative
Longs more + adj Superlative
the most + adjective

expensive more expensive the most expensive

expensive more expensive the most expensive

modern moremodern the most modern

modern more modern the most modern

beautiful more beautiful the most beautiful

beautiful more beautiful the most beautiful

elegant more elegant the most elegant

elegant more elegant the most elegant

interesting more interesting the most interesting

interesting more interesting the most interesting

dangerous more dangerous the most dangerous

dangerous more dangerous the most dangerous

Irregular formation of comparatives and superlatives

Adjective or Adverb Comparative

Superlative

good better the best

good better the best

well better the best

good better in the best way

bad worse the worst

bad worse the worst

badly worse the worst

bad worse in the worst way

much more the most

a lot more the majority

many more the most

many more the majority

small less the least

little less the least

far farther the farthest

far further away the farthest

far further the furthest

far further away the farthest

H) Replace a 'modal verb' with one of similar meaning.

Example:

Shall we have a coffee?

Would you like to have a coffee?
 Modal Verb Substitute Example
must to have to I have to swim.
must not not to be allowed to I am not allowed to swim.
can to be able to I am able to swim.
may to be allowed to I am allowed to swim.
need to have to I have to swim.
need not not to have to I don't have to swim.
shall / should / to be supposed to / to be I am supposed to swim.
should expected to / to be to ["swim.","I am expected to swim.","I am to swim."]

I) Change from active to passive voice and vice versa.

Example:

The police caught the thief.

The thiefwas caughtby the [Link] ladrón fue cogido por la policía.

How do we transform an active sentence into a passive sentence?

1) We look for the object (it can be a thing or a person on which the action of the subject falls) of
la frase activa y lo convertimos en sujeto. Literalmente, le damos la vuelta a la frase.

2) We change the main verb (the one that performs the action) to the structure verb 'to be' conjugated +
participle of the verb.

Subject: He built the house.

-Example transformation:

He built the house.

Passive phrase: The house (Object that acts as the subject) was built (verb in passive form) by him.
the house was built by him.

The house was built by him.

IMPORTANT: The verb tenses of the verb "to be" must match. If the verb in the
The active phrase is in Present Tense we will say, for example: "is/are+ built". If the verb is in Past.
We will say 'was/were + built'. If the verb is in Present Perfect, we will say 'have/has been +'
built.

In this equivalence table we will see how to change:

Verbo activo Passive verb
Present is/are + verb in participle
Present Continuous is/are being + verb in participle
Past Tense was/were + verb in past participle
Past Continuous was/were being + verb in participle
Present Perfect have/has been + past participle

Let's take a look at some more examples:

Activate Passive
He loves her. She is loved (by him)
He loves her. She is loved (by him).
They make toys. Toys are made.
They make toys. The toys are made.
He killed them. They were killed (by him).
He killed them. They were killed (by him).
He has said it. It has been said (by him).
He has said it. It has been said (by him).

General issues concerning the passive voice

The passive voice is used much more in English than in Spanish.
The passive voice is used more in journalistic and scientific language than in colloquial language.
The passive voice is also used to place messages in public places. For example: Dogs are
not allowed. No dogs are allowed. Sometimes the verb 'to be' is omitted. For example: Help
Help wanted. Employees needed.
Expressions with 'se' such as: 'se dice', 'se habla', etc.; are expressed in English with the passive voice.
passive like this: It is said, It is spoken, etc.

J) Change a conditional.
Example:

I didn't go to the cinema because I was late.

If I hadn't been late, I would have gone to the cinema.
I am going to the cinema.

In grammar books, there are usually 4 types of conditionals.

 [Link] conditional.
2. First conditional. The present conditional, real or possible.
3. Second conditional. The hypothetical or unreal conditional.
4. Third conditional. The past conditional.

How are zero conditional sentences formed?

The formula is:

If + subject + verb in present + subject + verb in present.

Express habitualness since every time something is done, one thing certainly or surely happens.
determined.

Example:

If it rains, it gets wet.

If it rains, it gets wet.

How are sentences in the present or real conditional formed?

If + subject + verb in present + subject + verb in future.

Express a real situation that will happen in the future without a doubt.

Example:

If you work more you will earn more money.

If you work more, you will earn more money.

How are hypothetical conditional sentences formed?

If + subject + verb in past tense + subject + would + verb in infinitive.

Express an imaginary situation that exists only in the mind of the one who thinks it.

Example:

If you worked more, you would earn more money.

 If you worked more, you would earn more money.

Notes:

1. Notice how it is important to remember that the time that goes with 'IF' in Spanish is a
"subjunctive" and in English it is ALWAYS a past tense.

2. Furthermore, in the case of the verb 'to be', 'were' is used for ALL persons, although even the
Natives use 'was' in some cases. For example: If I were rich. If I were rich.

How are past conditional sentences formed?

If + subject + past perfect verb + subject + would + have + past participle of main verb.

Express a situation that happened in the past and that cannot be changed now.

If you had worked more, you would have earned more money.

If you had worked more, you would have earned more money.

Besides 'if', what other words express condition?

Whether: If when there are two possible.

Unless: A menos que
Provided (that): As long as
As long as

K) Change 'relative clauses'.

Example:

There’s the man. His house was burnt.

There's the man whose house was burnt.
We use relative pronouns to refer to a noun (a person or a
thing) mentioned before and to which we want to add more information or modify. The
relative pronouns can refer to something or someone in singular or plural. Some
relative pronouns can be used only with people, some only with things and some with
Both. Below, you have a list of relative pronouns.
 Pronoun Person What

that x x

which x

who x

whom x

whose x x

Grammatical Rules
The relative pronoun is found in place of a noun. This noun usually appears
previously in the sentence.

That

"That" is the most commonly used relative pronoun in spoken English, as it can be used
both with people and with things. It is used to replace 'which', 'who' or 'whom' in
clauses that define the noun.
Examples:

This is the book that won the Pulitzer Prize last year.
past.)

This is the restaurant that received excellent reviews in the newspaper.

received excellent reviews in the newspaper.

Which

"Which" can only be used with things.

Examples:

My new job, which I just started last week, is already very stressful.
start last week, it is already very stressful.

The house we lived in when we were children burned down last week.
When we were children, it burned down last week.

Who

Only 'who' can be used with people.

Examples:
My sister, who just moved in with me, is looking for a job.
he/she is looking for a job.

I have never met someone who doesn't like music.

Whom

"Whom" is used to refer to the indirect object of the verb, but we do not use it.
a lot in colloquial English. More often we use 'who' instead of 'whom'.
Examples:

The woman with whom I was talking was my cousin.

This is Peter, whom I met at the party last week.

past.)

Whose

The use of 'whose' indicates possession, both for people and things.
Examples:

That is the girl whose parents got divorced last year.

past.)

Paul, whose wife just had a baby, will not be at work for a few weeks.
baby, he won't be going to work for a few weeks.

When and where, why

These relative adverbs are sometimes used instead of a relative pronoun to make the
easier to understand phrase. These adverbs refer to expressions of time, places or
reasons.
Examples:

The university where I teach is an excellent school.

excellent.)

Can you tell me when is the best time to call?

Note: The relative pronoun can be omitted when it is the object of the sentence.

Examples:

The exam that I took this morning won't be corrected and returned until next week.
This morning it will not be corrected or returned until next week.)

The woman I’m dating is a teacher.

Relative Clauses
Relative pronouns are used to connect two or more clauses, thus forming what
we call them 'relative clauses'. There are two types of relative clauses: those that add
additional information and those that modify (or define) the subject of the sentence.

Non-defining Relative Clauses

These clauses add additional information. Commas are used to separate the clause.
relative of the rest of the sentence. You cannot use 'that' instead of 'which' or 'who' in
this type of clause.
Examples:

My friend Tony, who is an excellent writer, is helping me with my English paper.

an excellent writer is helping me with my English studies.

The report,whichmy boss asked me to write last week, still isn’t finished.(El informe, que mi jefe me pidió
What I wrote last week is still not finished.

Defining Relative Clauses

These clauses define the noun and identify to what thing or person we are referring.
You use commas with this type of clause.
Examples:

I wrote the report that you asked for.

She never met the man who saved her father's life.
father.)

Note: The meaning of the phrase changes depending on what type of relative clause is used.

Examples:

The employees who worked long hours completed their projects on time.
long hours finished their projects on time.
Note: Only those who worked many hours finished the projects on time.

The employees, who worked long hours, completed their projects on time.
Many hours, they finished their projects on time.) Note: All employees completed the projects on
time.
L) Change sentences from direct style to indirect style (reported)
speech).
Example:

Mary said: I won't go to the party.

Mary said that she wouldn't go to the party.

Direct Speech
When we want to report exactly what another person has said, we use direct style.
With this style, what the person has said is placed in quotation marks ('...') and must be word for word.
word.

Examples:

I am going to London next week,

Do you have a pen I could borrow?" he asked.

he/she asked.

Alice said, 'I love to dance.'

Chris asked, “Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
with me tomorrow night?)

Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)

Indirect style, unlike direct style, does not use quotation marks and does not need to be word for word.
word. In general, when the indirect style is used, the verb tense changes. Below you have
an explanation of the changes that verb tenses undergo.

Sometimes 'that' is used in affirmative and negative sentences to introduce what has been said by the other.
person. On the other hand, in interrogative sentences, you can use 'if' or 'whether'.

Note: Also keep in mind that time expressions change in the indirect style. Pay attention to
the changes in time in the examples below and then, you will find a table with more
explanations of the changes in tense in indirect style.

Direct Speech Reported Speech

Present Simple Past Simple

“HeisAmerican,” she said. She said he was American.

 I am happy to see you, Mary said that she was happy to see me.

He asked, 'Are you busy tonight?' He asked me if I was busy that night.

Present Continuous Past Continuous

Danis is living in San Francisco, She said Dan was living in San Francisco.

He said, “I’m making dinner.” He told me that he was making dinner.

“Whyareyouworkingso hard?” they asked. They asked me why I was working so hard.

Past Simple Past Perfect Simple

He told me theyhad goneto the moviesthe night

We went to the movies last night," he said.
before.

Greg said that he hadn't gone to work that day.

Greg said, 'I didn't go to work yesterday.'
before.

“Did you buy a new car?” she asked. She asked me if I had bought a new car.

Past Continuous Past Perfect Continuous

Vicki told me she'd been working late the night

"I was working late last night," Vicki said.
before.

They said, 'we weren't waiting long.' They said that they hadn't been waiting long.

He asked, 'Were you sleeping when I called?' He asked if I'd been sleeping when he called.

Present Perfect Simple Past Perfect Simple

Heather said, “I’ve already eaten.” Heather told me that she'd already eaten.

We haven't been to China, They said they hadn't been to China.

Have you worked here before? I asked her whether she had worked there before.

Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous

I've been studying English for two years, He said he’d been studying English for two years.

Steve said, "we've been dating for over a year" Steve told me that they’d been dating for over a
now. year.
 “Have you been waiting long?” they asked. They asked whether I’d been waiting long.

Past Perfect Simple Past Perfect Simple (NO CHANGE)

“I had been to Chicago before for work,” he said. He said that he had been to Chicago before for work.

Past Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous (NO CHANGE)

She said, “I’d been dancing for years before the She said she'd been dancing for years before the
accident. accident.

Note: When we talk about something that has not changed (that remains true) or about something in the future, it is not
it is necessary to change the verb tense.

Examples:

She said she is 30 years old.

Dave said Kellyissick.

They said they are going to Tokyo next week.

Nina said she is cutting her hair tomorrow.

Modal Verbs

The verb tense changes in indirect speech also with some of the modal verbs.

Note: With 'would', 'could', 'should', 'might' and 'ought to', the tense does not change.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Will Would

I'll go to the movies tomorrow, John said he would go to the movies the next day.

"Will you help me move?" she asked. She asked meifIwould helpher move.

Can Could

Debra said, 'Allen can work tomorrow.' Debra said Allen could work the next day.

Can you open the window, please? He asked me if I could open the window.

Must Had to
 You must wear your seat belt,” mom said. My mom said I had to wear my seat belt.

She said, "You must work tomorrow." She said I had to work the next day.

Shall Should

"Shall we go to the beach today?" Tom asked. Tom asked if we should go to the beach that day.

What shall we do tonight? She asked me what we should do that night.

May Might/Could

Jane said, 'I may not be in class tomorrow.' Jane said she might not be in class the next day.

“May I use the bathroom, please?”, the boy asked. The boy asked if he could use the bathroom.

Note: Below you have a table where you can observe the changes that the expressions undergo.
time when we use indirect style.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

today that day

tonight that night

this week/month/year that week/month/year

tomorrow the next day

next week/month/year the following week/month/year

yesterday the day before or the previous day

the week/month year before or the previous

lastweek/month/year
week/month/year

now then/at that moment

Other changes

here there
M) Change 'connectors'.
Example:

Although we were hungry, we didn't eat.

In spite of being hungry, we didn't eat.

Connectors or conjunctions are words that we use to join two or more sentences or two words.
within the same sentence. Here are the most common connectors grouped into categories.

Copulativeand, not only ... but also ..., not only ... but ... as well, both ... and ..., no
sooner ... than
Disjunctiveor, either ... or ..., neither ... nor ..., whether ... or ..., else, otherwise
Conditionals{"if":"if","whether":"whether","unless":"unless","provided":"provided","providing":"providing","as long as":"as long as","in case":"in case","in case of":"in case of"}
Concessive["although","though","even though","even if","despite","in spite of","not even if","regardless"]
of
Conclusive["therefore","hence","thus","so","consequently"]
Continuing["then","moreover","furthermore","besides","in addition to"]
Adversativesbut, however, nonetheless, yet, still, on the other hand, instead, instead of, on
the contrary
Causalities["because","for","because of","as a result of","due to","owing to","since","as"]
Comparativesas, as ... as ..., not as ... as ..., not so ... as ..., just as ... so ..., as if, as
though
Functional["so","so that","so as to","so as not to","in order to"]