IELTS grammar and sentence structures

How the examiner marks grammar, the sentence types worth knowing, and the common mistakes to fix first.

The first page of the IELTS grammar guide PDF

What's in the guide

6 pages in 6 parts. Find the part you need, then turn to its page.

How IELTS marks grammar
Range and accuracy, and why both count.
Page 2
Long sentences
Why more clauses can cost marks, and when a complex sentence helps.
Page 2
Useful sentence structures
Five structures for reasons, contrasts, conditions, extra detail and the passive.
Page 3
Common mistakes
Agreement, articles, tenses, half sentences and sentences that run on.
Page 4
Writing and speaking
How grammar is marked when you have time to plan, and when you don't.
Page 5
How to improve
A five-step routine and the questions to ask yourself.
Page 5

Tips from the guide

Mix short and long sentences. A short one after a long explanation helps the reader.
No sentence structure earns a fixed band. What counts is using it correctly in a full answer.
If articles or verb forms keep going wrong, practise that one thing for a while instead of another general grammar sheet.

Five mistakes to fix first

Many students study advanced grammar and keep making the same basic mistakes. These five are worth fixing first.

From page 4 of the guide.

Subject and verb agreement
Mistake
“The number of students are increasing.”
Better
“The number of students is increasing.”
Articles
Mistake
“Government should invest more in public transport.”
Better
“The government should invest more in public transport.”
Verb tenses
Mistake
“Last year, I have visited Sydney.”
Better
“Last year, I visited Sydney.”
Half sentences
Mistake
“Because many students struggle with time management.”
Better
“Many students experience difficulties because they struggle with time management.”
Sentences that run on
Mistake
“Technology is developing rapidly it has changed the way people communicate.”
Better
“Technology is developing rapidly, and it has changed the way people communicate.”

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常见问题

Do I need complex sentences for Band 7?

You need a range of structures that you control. Making every sentence long adds mistakes and makes your meaning harder to follow. Use a complex sentence when it shows how two ideas link.

How is grammar marked in IELTS?

Grammatical range and accuracy is one of four criteria in Writing and in Speaking, and each counts the same. The examiner looks at the variety of structures you use and how well you control them.

Is the PDF free?

Yes. Enter your email and it downloads at once. Your email also opens a free Leap English Pathways account, where you can practise IELTS and get a band for every reading and listening test. Every PDF on this site is open to that account. Pro adds feedback on every speaking and writing answer.