Grammar- One of the Secret Behind a High IELTS Score
You might know thousands of English words, read fluently, and understand complex ideas, but when it comes to writing or speaking in IELTS, small grammar slips can cost big marks.
Maybe you said “He go to work” instead of “He goes to work,” or forgot an article in your essay. These tiny errors might seem harmless in conversation, but in IELTS, they directly affect your band score.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most important grammar areas for IELTS Writing and Speaking, show you real examples, and share practical ways to improve every day.
And if you’d like a structured approach to practice these skills, you can explore the English Partner IELTS for guided lessons and test strategies.
Why Grammar Matters in IELTS
When IELTS examiners evaluate your Writing and Speaking tasks, grammar is more than just a checklist item- it’s part of your core score.
Two of the official IELTS band descriptors directly relate to grammar:
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy – how well you use a variety of structures correctly.
- Fluency and Coherence – how smoothly your grammar supports your flow of ideas.
That means grammar doesn’t stand alone, it works with your vocabulary, pronunciation, and coherence to show your overall English control.
Let’s look at a simple example:
- He go to office every day. → (incorrect)
- He goes to the office every day. → (correct and natural)
It’s a small change, but it completely affects your impression. The first sentence sounds unnatural and would likely lower your score for accuracy. The second shows clarity and confidence, two traits of a Band 7+ speaker or writer.
Good grammar also helps you express complex thoughts smoothly:
“Although many people believe that technology makes life easier, it has also created new challenges.”
This kind of sentence shows you can connect ideas logically — exactly what examiners look for.
So, when you practice IELTS, remember: vocabulary shows what you know, but grammar shows how well you can express it.
The Grammar You Must Master for IELTS
You don’t need to be a grammar genius to score high in IELTS. But you do need to master a few key areas that affect both your Writing and Speaking scores directly. These areas help you express ideas clearly, avoid basic mistakes, and sound more confident during the test.
1. Sentence Structures — The Framework of Expression
IELTS examiners love to see variety. Mixing short and long sentences shows you can organize your thoughts naturally.
Examples:
- Simple: “I enjoy reading.”
- Compound: “I enjoy reading, and I also like watching documentaries.”
- Complex: “I enjoy reading because it helps me relax after a busy day.”
2. Tenses — Keep Your Timeline Clear
Tenses tell the examiner when things happen. Using the wrong tense can make your writing sound confusing or inaccurate.
- Present Simple: “Many people prefer online shopping.”
- Past Simple: “The population increased in 2010.”
- Present Perfect: “Technology has changed communication in the past decade.”
- Present Simple: “Many people prefer online shopping.”
- Future Forms: “This trend will continue in the coming years.”
Rule of thumb: Keep tenses consistent. Don’t jump between past and present unless the meaning requires it.
3. Articles and Prepositions — Small Words, Big Difference
Even advanced learners lose marks for missing these!
Examples:
- Wrong:“Pollution is increasing in city.”
- Correct: “Pollution is increasing in the city.”
- Wrong: “People depend of technology.”
- Correct: “People depend on technology.”
4. Subject–Verb Agreement — Get the Basics Right
This is one of the easiest ways to lose marks if ignored.
Examples:
- Wrong:“He don’t like coffee.” → Correct: “He doesn’t like coffee.”
- Wrong: “People is happy.” → Correct: “People are happy.”
These small slips are common under pressure, especially in the Speaking test. Slow down and focus on saying complete, balanced sentences.
5. Linking Words — The Flow of Ideas
Linking words make your writing and speech sound logical and connected.
Function | Linking Words |
Adding ideas | and, also, moreover, in addition |
Showing contrast | but, however, although, while |
Giving examples | for example, such as, for instance |
Showing results | therefore, as a result, so |
In short: Grammar in IELTS isn’t about memorizing rules, it’s about using structure to make your ideas shine.
Once you have these five pillars strong, you’ll see an immediate improvement in both your Writing and Speaking responses.
Grammar in IELTS Writing
When it comes to IELTS Writing, grammar is your backbone. It’s what turns your ideas into clear, logical sentences that examiners can easily follow. A well-structured answer shows not just your language knowledge but also your ability to organize and express thoughts effectively.
The Writing test has two parts — each testing grammar differently.
Writing Task 1: Grammar for Describing Facts and Trends
In Task 1, you describe visual information — charts, graphs, maps, or processes.
That means accuracy is more important than creativity.
Use the right tense for the time frame:
- Present simple for facts → “The chart shows that most students prefer online learning.”
- Past simple for data in the past → “The population increased in 2010.”
- Present perfect for recent changes → “Sales have risen since 2018.”
Also, use comparative structures to show relationships:
- “The number of car users is higher than the number of bus users.”
- “Electricity use increased sharply, while gas use declined gradually.”
Tip: Avoid repeating short, simple sentences. Combine them smoothly:
“Car use increased in 2010. Bus use decreased.”
Correct : “While car use increased in 2010, bus use decreased.”
This small change demonstrates both range and coherence — a clear Band 7+ skill.
Writing Task 2: Grammar for Expressing Opinions and Arguments
In Task 2, you write essays about social or general topics. Here, grammar helps you sound formal, logical, and fluent.
Use a mix of complex sentences, conditionals, and connectors to show grammatical range:
- “If governments invested more in public transport, traffic would reduce.”
- “Although technology improves communication, it can also lead to isolation.”
- “In conclusion, stricter laws should be implemented to protect the environment.”
Grammar in IELTS Speaking
In the IELTS Speaking test, grammar isn’t about perfection — it’s about control. Examiners listen for how clearly and naturally you use grammar to express ideas, not whether every sentence sounds like a textbook.
Your goal is to sound accurate, flexible, and confident, even if a few small slips happen.
1. Balance Accuracy and Fluency
Some students pause too often because they’re scared of making mistakes. Others speak fast but make too many errors. The secret is to find balance.
Example:
Instead of saying, “Umm… I… go… yesterday park,”
say confidently, “I went to the park yesterday. It was really relaxing.”
Clarity always scores better than hesitation.
2. Use a Mix of Short and Long Sentences
In real conversation, we switch between quick answers and longer thoughts — IELTS examiners expect the same.
- Short: “Yes, I do.”
- Extended: “Yes, I do. I think reading in English helps me learn new words and understand grammar naturally.”
This natural rhythm shows grammatical range and fluency.
3. Master Everyday Grammar Patterns
Focus on grammar that helps you express, not impress:
- Questions: “Have you ever travelled abroad?”
- Conditionals: “If I had more time, I’d learn guitar.”
- Modal Verbs: “I would say it’s important to stay active.”
- Comparatives: “I prefer reading to watching TV because it’s more peaceful.”
These are the real tools of fluent communication — and they impress examiners more than memorized templates.
4. Learn to Self-Correct Smoothly
Even native speakers make small grammar slips. What matters is how you handle them.
Example:
“I has—sorry, I have always wanted to visit Japan.”
This kind of quick correction shows awareness and control, which examiners appreciate.
5. Keep It Natural
Don’t overload your answers with complex grammar you’re not comfortable using. A simple, accurate response is better than a forced, confusing one.
Advanced Grammar for Higher Bands
Once you’re confident with the basics — sentence structure, tenses, and agreement, it’s time to level up.
For higher IELTS bands (7.0 and above), examiners look for your range, how flexibly and accurately you can use different grammar forms to express ideas.
That doesn’t mean sounding complicated. It means showing that you can use grammar naturally, the same way fluent speakers do.
1. Conditionals – Showing Logic and Imagination
Conditionals help you express possibilities, results, and opinions. They’re common in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
Examples:
- “If people recycled more, pollution would decrease.”
- “If I had more free time, I’d learn another language.”
- “If governments took stronger action, the problem could be reduced.”
2. Passive Voice – For Formal and Objective Tone
In IELTS Writing, the passive voice helps make your answer sound formal and neutral — perfect for Task 1 reports or academic essays.
Examples:
- “The data was collected from three major cities.”
- “A new bridge was built in 2015 to improve transport.”
3. Relative Clauses – Adding Information Smoothly
Relative clauses make your sentences richer and more connected.
Examples:
- “Students who study abroad gain global exposure.”
- “The city, which was once a small village, has developed rapidly.”
4. Modal Verbs – Expressing Attitude and Opinion
Modal verbs make your opinions sound balanced and formal — a must for Task 2 essays and Part 3 discussions.
Examples:
- “Governments should invest more in public healthcare.”
- “This policy could help reduce unemployment.”
- “We must take steps to protect the environment.”
5. Complex Connectors – Sounding Professional
Advanced connectors help you organize thoughts clearly.
Function | Connector Examples |
Contrast | Although, Even though, Whereas |
Cause | Because, Since, As |
Effect | Therefore, Consequently, Thus |
Emphasis | In fact, Indeed, Particularly |
Example:
“Although many people agree that technology improves life, it has also created new social challenges.”
6. Nominalization – Writing Like an Academic
Nominalization means turning verbs into nouns to make writing more formal.
Examples:
- “People decided to act.” → “A decision was made to act.”
- “The company failed to respond.” → “The company’s failure to respond caused concern.”
Use it wisely: It’s great for formal writing, but too much can make sentences heavy.
Wrapping Up
Grammar isn’t just a set of rules, it’s how you turn thoughts into powerful, clear English.
The more naturally you use it, the higher your IELTS score will go.
Remember: The goal isn’t to sound perfect, but to sound clear, confident, and natural.
If you keep practicing a little every day, grammar will stop feeling like a barrier — and start becoming your biggest strength.
For more guided grammar practice, mock sessions, and test preparation tips, you can explore the IELTS learning section anytime to keep improving with structured lessons.
Vishaleni
Frequently Asked question?
Start small — talk about daily routines, play games, or sing songs in English. When learning feels like play, your child naturally absorbs new words and phrases. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s participation.
Absolutely! Mixing languages (called “code-switching”) is a natural part of learning. It shows your child is thinking in English. With time and practice, they’ll start using more English naturally.
Even 10 to 15 minutes a day is enough — as long as it’s consistent and enjoyable. The key is regular exposure through conversation, music, and play.
Start with safe spaces — at home or with close friends. Ask open-ended questions, read stories together, or join group learning sessions like English Partner’s Edge Kids Program where teachers encourage every child to speak confidently.
Unlike traditional grammar-based learning, English Partner focuses on real communication through games, phonics, storytelling, and interactive speaking practice. Kids don’t memorize — they experience English.
Like what you read? Share with a friend
Explore More Related Articles
