There are four modules of the IELTS test - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, out of which the IELTS Writing module is an essential component of the test that requires you to demonstrate your language proficiency and writing skills. When you write in English, there are many rules for grammar that you need to follow. Sometimes, you might make mistakes, and certain mistakes happen more often than others. Before you take the IELTS Writing test, it's important to know about some common grammar mistakes that you should watch out for. To do well in this section, it is important to avoid common grammar mistakes. Proper grammar usage improves the clarity and coherence of your writing, enabling you to effectively convey your ideas to the examiner. By steering clear of these errors, you can improve your chances of achieving a higher score.
Subject-verb agreement
In a sentence, the subject (who or what the sentence is about) and the verb (the action or state of being) must match or agree. When the subject is singular (referring to one person or thing), the verb must also be singular. When the subject is plural (referring to more than one person or thing), both the subject and verb must be plural.
Examples of singular:
The man has 10,000 books in his library. (The subject "man" is singular, so the verb "has" is also singular.)
She dances in the competition. (The subject "she" is singular, so the verb "dances" is also singular.)
He is the strongest athlete. (The subject "he" is singular, so the verb "is" is also singular.)
The head of the committee is 37 years old. (The subject "head" is singular, so the verb "is" is also singular.)
Examples of plural:
The men have a bet going on at work. (The subject "men" is plural, so the verb "have" is also plural.)
They dance as a couple. (The subject "they" is plural, so the verb "dance" is also plural.)
They are a stronger team. (The subject "they" is plural, so the verb "are" is also plural.)
The members of the committee are in the meeting room. (The subject "members" is plural, so the verb "are" is also plural.)
Conditionals
Mistakes can occur when using conditionals, so it's important to understand the different structures. Here are few examples for you:
Conditions | Tense | Example |
|---|---|---|
Zero conditional | Present simple + present simple | "If water reaches 100°C, it boils." or "If it rains, things get wet." |
First conditional | Present Simple + "will" or "won't" | "If you take too long, you will miss the bus." or "I won't participate if it's not fair." |
Second conditional | Past Simple tense + "would" or "wouldn't" | "If I were a cat, I would sleep all day." or "I would travel around the world if I won the lottery." |
Third conditional | Past Perfect tense + "would" or "wouldn't have" + Past Participle | "If she had studied harder, she would have passed the test." or "If the team had worked together, they wouldn't have lost the finals." |
Mixed conditional | Past Perfect tense + "would" or "wouldn't" | "If she had received the certificate, she would be an instructor now." or "I would be in the middle of nowhere now if I hadn't checked the GPS." |
Word order
When we write a sentence, it's important to put the words in the right order. This helps the sentence make sense and be easy to understand.
Sentence structure
Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Verb + Object
Incorrect: I have played for six years basketball
Correct: I have played basketball for six years
Question structure
Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Verb + Object
Incorrect: You have played basketball?
Correct: Have you played basketball?
Using commas
Commas are often used incorrectly. They can be used too much, too little, or not at all.
Overuse of commas
You don't need a comma when there is an independent and dependent clause in the same sentence.Example: The house plant died because I didn't water it. A comma is not necessary when two parts of a sentence complete each other. Example: You either follow my rules or you leave my house.
Missing commas
There should be a comma after a transitional word, phrase, or clause.Example: Unfortunately, it didn't work out. On the other hand, social media has some benefits. Once the timer has finished, please put down your pencil.Commas are necessary when separating two independent clauses in a compound sentence.Example: The woman jumped on the scooter, and she drove towards the station.
Comma splice
A comma splice happens when two complete sentences are joined together with just a comma. Instead, we should separate two complete sentences with a period.
Incorrect: I go shopping every Saturday, I buy clothes from different stores
Correct: I go shopping every Saturday. I buy clothes from different stores
Sentence fragments
Sometimes, sentences can be incomplete and are called sentence fragments. It means something is missing from the sentence.
Missing a subject
Incorrect: Shut the window on his hand
Correct: The boy shut the window on his hand
Missing a verb
Incorrect: Displaying his trophy
Correct: The Olympian was displaying his trophy
Dependent clause
Incorrect: After I start university
Correct: I'll come home less often after I finish university
Grammar mistakes in IELTS Writing tests can happen easily, but they can also be fixed. Always double-check your content when taking the IELTS Writing test as fewer mistakes could lead to a higher band score. Additionally, if you are looking forward to taking an IELTS test and want to know more about it, you can visit your nearest IDP IELTS test centres for the same.