The IELTS Writing test is where examiners look closely at how you use grammar. You are to be rewarded for your accurate and varied use of grammar. If your writing shows strong structure and few mistakes, your score climbs higher. But if your message is clouded by grammatical mistakes, your score gets affected.
To reach a higher band, you must learn to identify and correct your weaknesses. Self-editing becomes your weapon. Many test-takers lose marks not because they lack ideas but because of poor grammar skills. So, let us explore the most common grammar mistakes you must avoid in the IELTS Writing test.
First things first—
Understanding How Grammar Decides Your Band
Grammatical Range and Accuracy form a vital part of your IELTS assessment. Band scores rise or fall depending on your command of these rules.
At the top, from Band 7 to 9, grammar errors appear rarely. Even when they appear, they do not disturb communication. At the middle levels, from Band 4 to 6, mistakes may be frequent but Band 6 writers still express clear ideas. This difference separates an average writer from an excellent one.
Now let’s see some of those grave mistakes.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
The subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. This rule sounds simple, yet many writers stumble over it in moments of haste.
Singular:
- The man owns a rare collection of stamps.
- She dances gracefully on stage.
- He is confident in every decision.
- The head of the committee is present.
- One of my friends is here.
Plural:
- The men work in the same office.
- They dance as partners.
- They are ready for the competition.
- The members of the team are waiting.
- Some of my co-workers are here.
Errors often occur when a sentence hides its real subject. For instance, “The list of names are long” is wrong. The subject is “list,” which is singular. It should read, “The list of names is long.”
A small mismatch can weaken an otherwise strong sentence. Always check whether your subject is singular or plural, then make sure your verb matches it.
2. Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences describe results that depend on specific situations. Each type has its own form and purpose, so mixing them up confuses meaning.
Zero Conditional
Used for scientific facts or universal truths.
Structure: If + Present Simple, Present Simple.
Example: If water reaches 100°C, it boils.
First Conditional
Used for real or likely future situations.
Structure: If + Present Simple, will + Base Verb.
Example: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Second Conditional
Used for imaginary or unlikely situations.
Structure: If + Past Simple, would + Base Verb.
Example: If I had wings, I would fly to every country.
Third Conditional
Used for past situations that did not happen.
Structure: If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle.
Example: If she had practised more, she would have won the contest.
Mixed Conditional
Used when the condition and result happen at different times.
Example: If I had saved more money, I would be travelling now.
3. Word Order
English relies on clear word order to express meaning. Wrong placement of words confuses the reader and reduces coherence. The most natural pattern is: Subject + Verb + Object.
Example:
- I enjoy reading novels.
- She paints landscapes.
When using adverbs of frequency, placement matters.
- Correct: I always wake up early.
- Incorrect: I wake up always early.
For questions, word order changes:
Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Object.
- Correct: Have you finished your homework?
- Incorrect: You have finished your homework?
4. The Use of Commas
Commas tell the reader when to pause or stop. Using them too many or too few are both big mistakes in IELTS writing.
Overuse of commas:
A comma is unnecessary between a main clause and a dependent clause.
- Incorrect: The dog barked, because it was hungry.
- Correct: The dog barked because it was hungry.
Missing commas:
Introductory phrases or dependent clauses require a comma.
- Incorrect: Unfortunately the project failed.
- Correct: Unfortunately, the project failed.
Comma splice error:
This happens when two independent clauses are joined by a comma instead of a full stop.
- Incorrect: I enjoy cooking, I learn new recipes often.
- Correct: I enjoy cooking. I learn new recipes often.
5. Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment lacks a key element. It may miss a subject, a verb, or both. Sometimes, it is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone.
Missing subject:
- Incorrect: Is my favourite subject.
- Correct: English is my favourite subject.
Missing verb:
- Incorrect: The athlete his medal.
- Correct: The athlete held his medal.
Dependent clause:
- Incorrect: After I finish my test.
- Correct: I will relax after I finish my test.
6. Tense Accuracy
Tenses create the timeline of your ideas, so consistency is vital. A wrong tense can distort meaning.
- Incorrect: Yesterday, I go to the park.
- Correct: Yesterday, I went to the park.
Smooth transitions show grammatical control.
7. Article Errors
Articles may appear trivial, yet they play a big role in your communication. Many IELTS writers misuse a, an, and the. To give you a brief idea:
Use a or an for general or unknown nouns.
- A student asked a question.
- An apple fell from the tree.
Use the for specific nouns.
- The student asked the teacher for help.
Avoid articles when talking about things in general.
- Happiness is important for health.
8. Misuse of Prepositions
Prepositions connect ideas. They describe relationships of place, time, and direction. Small changes in preposition choice can alter the whole meaning.
Common mistakes include:
- Incorrect: She depends in her parents.
- Correct: She depends on her parents.
- Incorrect: He arrived to the airport late.
- Correct: He arrived at the airport late.
So, memorise common prepositional phrases such as “interested in,” “good at,” and “afraid of.”
Final Thoughts
Perfection takes time, but progress begins with awareness. Avoiding these common grammar mistakes can transform your IELTS Writing from ordinary to exceptional. Each accurate structure earns you credibility and moves you closer to your desired band score.
Master grammar, and your writing will not only impress examiners, it will also express your thoughts with power and elegance. If you need any extra support, you can always reach out to our instructors at EnglishWise.
