5 Key Grammar Rules for IELTS

To achieve a high band score on your IELTS test, your grammar needs to be exceptional. This doesn’t mean using an overly complex vocabulary; it means everything you write or say should be grammatically correct according to standard English conventions.

This includes your ability to use both simple and complex sentences correctly, without mixing tenses or breaking the rules of subject-verb agreement.

Additionally, 25% of your score in the writing and speaking modules of IELTS comes from making error-free English expressions. Therefore, a thorough understanding of grammar rules is essential to guide your writing and speaking.

Let’s dive in.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most fundamental rules of English grammar is ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. This means that a singular subject should be paired with a singular verb, and a plural subject should be paired with a plural verb.

Examples:

• Correct: She writes every day.
• Incorrect: She write every day.
• Correct: They are going to the market.
• Incorrect: They is going to the market.

On the IELTS exam, errors in subject-verb agreement can cost you points, especially in the Writing and Speaking sections. Pay close attention to the subject of each sentence and ensure it matches the verb form.

2. Use of Tenses

Proper use of tenses is crucial in demonstrating your ability to convey time and sequence of events accurately. The IELTS exam tests your knowledge of various tenses, including present, past, future, and their continuous and perfect forms.

Examples:

• Present Simple: I study English every day.
• Past Simple: I studied English yesterday.
• Future Simple: I will study English tomorrow.
• Present Perfect: I have studied English for three years.

Mixing up tenses or using the wrong tense can confuse the reader or listener and result in a lower score. Practice using different tenses correctly to describe events, routines, and experiences.

3. Articles: A, An, The

Articles can be tricky for non-native speakers, but their correct use is essential in English grammar. The articles “a” and “an” are used for indefinite nouns, while “the” is used for definite nouns.

Examples:

• Indefinite: I saw a dog in the park. (Any dog, not specific)
• Definite: I saw the dog in the park. (The specific dog we both know about)

“A” is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, and “an” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

Examples:

• A cat, a house, a university (university starts with a consonant sound: “yoo”)
• An apple, an hour (hour starts with a vowel sound: “ow”)

Mastering the use of articles will help you express yourself more clearly and accurately.

4. Complex Sentences

Using complex sentences effectively can showcase your grammatical range and proficiency. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, connected by subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” “if,” “when,” and “since.”

Examples:

• Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
• Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

Complex sentences allow you to express more detailed and nuanced ideas, which is particularly valuable in the Writing section of the IELTS exam.

5. Prepositions

Prepositions are small words that show the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other parts of the sentence. Common prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “with,” “about,” “for,” and “to.”

Examples:

• In: She lives in New York.
• On: The book is on the table.
• At: We will meet at 3 PM.
• By: The letter was written by him.
• With: She arrived with her friend.
• About: We talked about the movie.
• For: This gift is for you.
• To: He went to the store.

Incorrect use of prepositions is a common mistake that can lead to confusion. Practice using prepositions in different contexts to improve your accuracy.

Conclusion

Mastering these five key grammar rules will significantly enhance your performance on the IELTS exam. Subject-verb agreement ensures clarity and correctness in your sentences. Proper use of tenses allows you to convey time accurately. Correct use of articles helps specify nouns clearly. Complex sentences demonstrate your ability to handle intricate ideas, and the accurate use of prepositions shows your attention to detail in describing relationships.

Remember, practice is essential. Regularly read, write, speak, and listen to English to internalize these grammar rules. With dedication and consistent effort, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. Good luck!