10 Important Grammar Rules for IELTS test

If you are planning to take IELTS, you must be familiar with important grammar rules. Though the Grammar will not be tested directly on the exam, proper grammar is necessary to achieve a high IELTS score. Good Grammar is essential to excel in the IELTS exam. It leverages your four English language skills - reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Grammatical range and accuracy are one of the band descriptors in IELTS writing and IELTS speaking. It serves the best reason to learn about the 10 important grammar rules for IELTS that we have laid out in this guide.

Most of the IELTS test takers think of grammar, in terms of the right usage of tenses. But, it is essential to use a wide range of sentence structures in an error-free manner. When you are preparing grammar for IELTS test, you have to focus on constructing a variety of sentence forms and understanding the prominent grammar rules. Our 10 important grammar rules and practice test help you to develop your grammatical skills. 

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Table of Contents:

• 10 Most Important Grammar Rules for IELTS
• The Simple Aspect
• The Simple Past and Present Perfect Verb Tenses
• The Passive Voice
• Modal Verbs
• The Definite Article
• Adjectives
• Use the Appropriate Possessive Forms
• Comparatives and Superlatives
• Gerunds and Infinitives
• Subject-Verb Agreement
• IELTS Grammar Practice Test
• Conclusion
• FAQ

10 Most Important Grammar Rules to Get a Band 9 Score

We provided the list of 10 key grammar rules along with explanations, examples and pro tips. Get familiarised with the following major rules of grammar and word forms to attain a band 8 score in the IELTS exam. After this section, you will find the IELTS grammar practice test to measure your level of understanding. 

Rule 1: The Simple Aspect

The simple aspect or indefinite aspect refers to any verb used in simple tenses. Mostly, it denotes general, permanent, or habitual actions. In simple aspect sentences, the verb will not be clear unless it is attached to the context and tenses. In the examples, we have given a ‘simple aspect rule’ in the lens of three tenses. 

Examples:

I eat fruits and nuts every day. 
I ate fruits and nuts every day.
I will eat fruits and nuts every day.

( All the sentences indicate the regular act of eating fruits and nuts. Without the word ‘every day’, the verbs given in the sentence are not clear whether it is a completed action or continuous action. )

How is the Simple aspect useful for IELTS?

Generally, the simple aspect is the basic and commonly used word form. It can be used to convey a routine or habitual action, describe a state or an action that is true in general or repeatedly occurred over a period of time. In writing task 1, you are supposed to describe the trends and patterns of a certain period, in this case, you can use simple aspect sentences. 

PRO Tip

Use the right tense or aspect while speaking. If you are talking about actions that you do regularly, use the simple present tense. And, if you talk about the temporary actions or an action that happened at the moment of speaking, you should use the present continuous. Misplacing the tenses leads to confused speech. 

Rule 2: The Simple Past and Present Perfect Verb Tenses

The major difference between simple past and past perfect verb tense is that simple past tense does not have any connection with the present, while present perfect tense denotes the action which has an impact or continues to the present. The following examples can illustrate this point well.

Examples:

The Simple Past Tense:

• I ate breakfast
• I played football yesterday

( Here, both examples indicate ‘only’ the past. It does not have any connection with the present. )

The Present Perfect Tense:

• I have been waiting here for 2 hours.
• I haven’t exercised in the morning, I am feeling tired.

( Here, the action that happened in the past, continues to the present. The former example implies that I already arrived at the place and waited around 2 hours, now. )

How are the simple past and present perfect verb tenses useful for IELTS?

In the IELTS test, you would have to articulate or formulate sentences which happened in the past or had an impact on the present. The simple past and present perfect verb tenses will be helpful to bring out those occasions or circumstances in the form of sentences. You have the time to decide which tense form to choose in the writing test. But, in the speaking test, you need to practice well to use the right tense in a natural way. 

PRO Tip

In the listening test, you could come across the simple past and present perfect. The easy way to remember the difference between simple past and present perfect is to understand the time frame it describes. If it points out the completed action in the past, then it is a simple past tense. And, if an action started in the past, and continues to the present, then it is present perfect tense. 

Rule 3: The Passive Voice

To define, in passive voice, the subject undergoes the action of the specified verb. If you want to sound formal, you can use passive voice since it is used from a neutral or impersonal point of view. You can form the passive voice by using the ‘to be’ in an appropriate tense, with the past participle. 

Examples:

• The gravy was cooked by Mom. 
• The bike was driven by my brother.
• The mistake was made by the manager. 
• The assignment was completed by my friend.

How is the Passive voice useful for IELTS?

Specifically, in the IELTS writing task, you need to write a report in a formal tone. As passive voice sounds neutral and impersonal, it can be used in academic writing tasks. It is well suitable for the academic context. You can also use the passive voice to shift the reader’s attention to the person or thing affected by the action. 

PRO Tip

Do not overuse the passive voice in your writing and speaking tasks. Use it only when you find it appropriate for specific situations. 

Rule 4: Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are meant to indicate the degree of certainty or possibility of an action or event to occur. It is a type of auxiliary verb since it supports the main verb. For example, Could, might or may, should, must. These words are used to express certainty and uncertainty.  

Examples:

• I can write better since I am practising writing on a daily basis. 
• I could run faster If I am not tired. 
• He may not come tomorrow.
• She might have won the prize if she had prepared better. 
• You should practise the preparation material to succeed in the IELTS exam. 

How are the Modal verbs useful for IELTS?

Modal verbs can be used to communicate your ideas clearly and precisely. If you are writing a report or writing task 2 essays, you can use the modal verbs to indicate your certainty or uncertainty about your ideas. It will show your grammatical and articulation skills.

Pro Tip

Make sure to use the correct modal verb. If you are using ‘should’ to express uncertainty, it will be erroneous. And, also consider the tense when you are using the modal verb.

Rule 5: The Definite Article

The definite article (the) can be used in three cases. You can use it to mention a specific noun that you have already addressed. To refer to the specific or definite group, you can use ‘the’. And, when you want to indicate something that is unique or popular, you can use the definite article. 

Examples:

• I picked the key chain in the street.
• The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love.
• The Sun was shining. 

How is the Definite Article useful for IELTS?

The IELTS Examiner measures your grammatical accuracy in writing and speaking tests. So, if you use the definite article appropriately, it will add up your score. Using the definite article in a proper place can help you to communicate the intended meaning, which is crucial in the IELTS exam. 

Pro Tip

Make sure you are using ‘the’ for specific things or people or places. Using the definite article for the generic things will be a grammatical error. 

Rule 6: Adjectives

To define simply, adjectives are used to describe the qualities or characteristics of the noun or pronoun. It can also be used to compare nouns or pronouns. You need to have a wide range of vocabulary in order to use adjectives to the fullest extent. 

Examples:

• I think he can solve the problem since he is an intelligent person.
• She is wearing beautiful clothes which attract all the people.
• Jack is smaller than Diya.

How are Adjectives useful for IELTS?

Expressing your thoughts and ideas clearly is an important skill to excel in the IELTS test. Your speech and writing can be more refined by using the adjectives. In the opinion essay, you can express your opinions or feelings about something with the help of adjectives. 

Pro Tip 

Do not overuse the adjectives while you are writing and speaking. Using the accurate adjective to the noun or pronoun will prove that you are grammatically well-versed. 

Rule 7: Use the Appropriate Possessive Forms

Possessive forms are used to indicate ownership or possession. It involves words such as my, your, his. For example, it is my pen. Here, I am saying that pen is mine. Using the possessive form properly is necessary to bring out the right structure of meaning. Another form is adding an apostrophe and ‘s’ in nouns. 

Examples:

• He spent his money on cars and bikes.
• My cat has been sick for four days.
• The men’s coats are well made. 
• The dogs’ place is untidy. 

How are possessive forms helpful for IELTS?

Possessive forms can be used in the IELTS exam in various ways. In the IELTS speaking and writing test, you might have to tell the examiner about the relationship between people and things. For example, on the cue card, you might be asked to describe your country. In this case, you have to start the speech from the angle of ‘my country’. 

Pro Tip

When you use the possessive form (s) in a sentence, you need to use it in a specific way for singular nouns and plural nouns. In singular nouns, you have to add ‘s’ after the apostrophe ( boy’s). On the other hand, using an apostrophe after the plural nouns is the proper way (boys’). 

Rule 8: Comparatives and Superlatives

You can use the comparatives when you want to compare two things. To express the height of the palm tree is tall compared to the mango tree, you can tell ‘Palm tree is taller than the mango tree’. And, superlatives will be used if you are describing something of higher quality than others. For example, Sid is the funniest among us. 

Examples:

• Today, the rain is heavier than yesterday.
• My proficiency in French is better than in German.
• My house is the smallest one in this area.
• Liza is the fastest runner in our school. 

How are comparatives and superlatives useful for IELTS?

Comparatives and Superlatives can be used to emphasize something is better than other things. In writing task 1, you will come across charts and graphs which you have to describe. In the process of describing, you need to compare two years and arrive at some sort of conclusion, where you can use comparative and superlative. 

Pro Tip

You can remember the comparative and superlative in the following way. In comparatives, you are supposed to add ‘er’ in an adjective and ‘than’ succeedingly. And, to use the superlative, you have to add ‘est’ with an adjective. 

Rule 9: Gerunds and Infinitives

To use the gerunds, you will add ‘ing’ to the verb such as walking, talking etc. But, it should not be confused with present or past continuous tense. It is a verb form used as a noun. An infinitive is a verb form, where you have to add ‘to’ with a verb such as to walk, to talk etc. It can also be used as an adverb to describe the main verb. 

Examples:

• Walking in the morning is my favourite pastime. 
• He is afraid of swimming.
• He has too many things to carry.
• I don’t know how much time I need to prepare to pass the test. 

How are gerunds and infinitives useful for IELTS?

Gerunds and infinitives are basic grammatical forms. You can prove your grammatical skills to the examiner in the writing and speaking test by using gerunds and infinitives appropriately. 

Pro Tip

Do not overuse gerunds and infinitive forms since you need to use various grammatical forms and structures. 

Rule 10: Subject-Verb Agreement

The fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement or ‘subject-verb concord’ is that the singular verb must match with the singular subject, while the plural verb must match with the plural subject. The meaning of the sentence will be confused if the subject did not agree with the verb or vice versa.

Examples:

• A cat rolls in the mud (singular noun and singular verb)
• Cats roll in the mud (plural noun and plural verb)

How will the following subject-verb agreement be helpful for IELTS?

Better communication is the key to success in the IELTS test. If the subject does not agree with the verb, the meaning will be distorted since it is not agreed with grammatical rules. Following the subject-verb agreement rule can be helpful to add up the band score. 

Pro Tip

Do not confuse descriptions or explanations of subjects when it comes to choosing the verb. The rule is that verbs must agree with the subject, that’s all.

Download the IELTS grammar rules pdf for your future reference

IELTS Grammar Practice Test 

We have designed the following 27 questions based on the 10 grammar rules that you have read. Complete the practice test and check the answers with our answer key. 

1. He ______ French like a native speaker.
2. My friends ______ football every weekend.
3. We _____ our beach house once a week.
4. Rohan _____ (call) me yesterday evening. 
5. We _______ (travel) to Canada the previous month.
6. She _______ (do) the artwork for 5 hours.
7. This sweet _____ (make) by my father.
8. The report _______ (prepare) by the journalist.
9. The cycle _______ (repair) by my neighbour. 
10. Students ____ study sincerely in order to succeed in the future
11. He _____ pick up the bag even if it is heavier. 
12. He ____ come to the office on Tuesday. 
13. _____ (a/an/the) Pigeon is a beautiful bird that I have ever seen
14. My brother, ____  (a/an/the) engineer, earns well.
15. He made a ______  cake for my birthday
16. I found a _______ shell near the sea
17. I think George Shepherd is a ________ dog.
18. My ______ (grandma) house seems very damaged
19. ________ (chocolates) worth is very high.
20. Nowadays, the _____ (pencil) quality is becoming bad.
21. Rabbit loses the game even though it is _____ (smart) than a turtle
22. I believe the petrol price is ______ (low) than the diesel price.
23. Mount Everest is the _____ (tall) of all the mountains
24. Rohan wakes up early in the morning ______ (walk).
25. _______ (ban) plastic bags does not improve the world at an environmental level.
26. The teacher _______ (spoil) the mood of the students by scolding them.
27. Birds ____ (fly) to migrate from colder regions to warmer regions.

Answer Key

1. speaks
2. play
3. visit 
4. called
5. travelled
6. has been doing 
7. was made 
8. was prepared
9. was repaired 
10. must
11. can
12. may
13. The
14. the
15. delicious
16. beautiful
17. courageous
18. grandma's
19. Chocolates'
20. pencil's
21. smarter
22. lower
23. tallest
24. to walk
25. Banning
26. spoils
27. fly

Also read: IELTS Preparation

Conclusion

Applying our 10 major IELTS grammar rules in your writing and speaking test can dramatically improve your band score. During your IELTS preparation, make sure to use it in an appropriate way while doing practice. Don't forget, good grammar is necessary to achieve a 25% score in grammatical range and accuracy. 

FAQ

1. What could be the major way to perform well in a writing test, apart from grammar rules?

While you are writing, don't make spelling errors which lead to score deduction. 'Attentiveness' is the key to better writing. 

2. What is the IELTS Grammar Syllabus? 

There is no specific syllabus or module fixed by IELTS. But, it is essential to cover topics such as modal verbs, and subject-verb agreement in order to be good at writing and speaking tests. Also, for Reading and Listening tests, you need to have good grammatical knowledge to understand and answer the questions. 

3. What are the best resources and books to get a good band score to learn grammar for IELTS? 

There are several must-read books to improve your grammar skills and knowledge, 

• Basic English Grammar, B. Azar 
• Grammar for IELTS, D. Hopkins, P. Cullens
• Oxford Practice Grammar Advanced, G.Yule 
• Oxford Practice Grammar Intermediate, J.Eastwood
• English Grammar in Use, R.Murphy 
• Collins Grammar For IELTS [Advanced]
• Achieve IELTS Grammar and Vocabulary
• Get IELTS Band 9 Grammar Secrets
• Cobuild English Grammar [Advanced]

4. How is grammar measured for IELTS writing? 

In the four band descriptors, lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy majorly contribute to grammar. Simply, the examiner expects you to control the lexical features, use a wide range of grammatical structures and the ability to use grammar flexibly and accurately. 

5. What is the major tip for using grammar well for IELTS? 

You have to balance the range and accuracy of grammar. If you are using a wide range of grammar rules but not applied appropriately, then it's useless. Though you accurately use grammatical rules but are able to bring out the variety of structures, then it will show that you are having less grammatical knowledge.