Introduction
The IELTS Writing test is one of the most challenging sections for candidates. While vocabulary, task response, and coherence are important, grammar plays a crucial role in determining your band score. Examiners expect candidates to demonstrate a wide range of grammatical structures with accuracy. Even if you have brilliant ideas, frequent grammar mistakes can push your band score down from 7 to 6 or even lower.
In this post, we will look at the most common grammar mistakes that lower IELTS Writing scores, explain why they matter, and provide clear examples with corrections.
1. Subject–Verb Agreement Errors
One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to match the subject with the correct form of the verb.
Wrong:
- People in this country likes to travel abroad.
- The advantages of online learning is clear.
Correct:
- People in this country like to travel abroad.
- The advantages of online learning are clear.
Tip: Always identify whether your subject is singular or plural before choosing the verb form.
2. Incorrect Tense Usage
Using the wrong tense confuses the reader and makes your writing unclear.
Wrong:
- Last year, many students are choosing online classes.
- In the future, technology changed education completely.
Correct:
- Last year, many students chose online classes.
- In the future, technology will change education completely.
Tip: Be consistent with tense according to the time reference (past, present, or future).
3. Article (a, an, the) Mistakes
Articles are tricky for many candidates, especially those whose first language does not use them.
Wrong:
- Government should provide free education to poor.
- The pollution is increasing in big cities.
Correct:
- The government should provide free education to the poor.
- Pollution is increasing in big cities.
Tip: Use “the” for specific nouns, “a/an” for general singular countable nouns, and no article for uncountable/general plural nouns.
4. Misuse of Prepositions
Prepositions are small words, but their misuse creates big errors.
Wrong:
- They discussed about the problem.
- He is married with a teacher.
Correct:
- They discussed the problem.
- He is married to a teacher.
Tip: Memorize common preposition patterns (e.g., interested in, good at, married to).
5. Fragmented and Run-On Sentences
Writing incomplete sentences (fragments) or combining too many ideas without punctuation (run-ons) lowers coherence.
Wrong (fragment):
- Because technology is improving every day.
- Such as online learning and virtual classrooms.
Wrong (run-on):
- Education is important it helps people get better jobs and it reduces poverty.
Correct:
- Because technology is improving every day, new learning methods are being introduced.
- Education is important because it helps people get better jobs, and it also reduces poverty.
Tip: Use full sentences with proper subject and verb. Break long sentences into two if necessary.
6. Wrong Word Forms
Sometimes candidates use the wrong form of a word (noun, verb, adjective, or adverb).
Wrong:
- The government should take an effective to solve the problem.
- Many people believes strongly in environment protect.
Correct:
- The government should take an effective measure to solve the problem.
- Many people strongly believe in environmental protection.
Tip: Always check the grammar form required for the sentence (adjective before a noun, adverb before a verb, etc.).
7. Overuse or Misuse of Passive Voice
Passive voice is useful, but overusing it makes writing less clear.
Wrong:
- It is believed by many people that online learning is preferred by students because it is chosen by them.
Correct:
- Many people believe that students prefer online learning because it is convenient.
Tip: Use passive only when the doer is unknown or unimportant. Otherwise, prefer the active voice.
8. Wrong Use of Comparative and Superlative Forms
Errors in comparison lower clarity.
Wrong:
- This method is more easier than the traditional one.
- This is the most unique idea.
Correct:
- This method is easier than the traditional one.
- This is a unique idea.
Tip: Do not use double comparatives (more easier, more better) and avoid illogical superlatives (most unique).
9. Misplaced Modifiers
Placing words incorrectly changes meaning or creates confusion.
Wrong:
- The students almost studied for six hours. (Means they didn’t study at all)
- He wrote the essay for his teacher perfectly. (Means the essay was for the teacher, not the writing style)
Correct:
- The students studied for almost six hours.
- He wrote the essay perfectly for his teacher.
Tip: Place modifiers (like almost, only, just) close to the word they describe.
10. Punctuation Errors
Many candidates ignore punctuation, but it affects coherence and accuracy.
Wrong:
- If education is free people will benefit but governments will face challenges
Correct:
- If education is free, people will benefit, but governments will face challenges.
Tip: Use commas for complex sentences, and avoid writing everything in one long sentence.
How Grammar Mistakes Affect Band Scores
According to the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, grammar influences the “Grammatical Range and Accuracy” criterion. Here’s how:
| Band | Grammar Performance |
|---|---|
| 9 | Wide range, error-free sentences |
| 8 | Wide range, very few errors |
| 7 | Some errors but meaning clear |
| 6 | Frequent errors, limited range |
| 5 | Many errors, difficult to understand |
| 4 | Errors dominate, very limited range |
Conclusion
Grammar is more than just rules; it’s the foundation of clear communication. Even brilliant ideas lose impact if expressed with frequent grammatical mistakes. To achieve Band 7+ in IELTS Writing, candidates must:
- Use a range of grammar structures (simple, compound, complex).
- Avoid repeated basic mistakes.
- Practice with corrections and feedback.
By focusing on these common grammar mistakes, you can improve accuracy, clarity, and ultimately boost your IELTS Writing score.
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