If you’ve been preparing for the IELTS exam for a while, you’ve probably realized that grammar can make or break your writing score. You might have strong ideas and great vocabulary, but even small grammar slips can lower your band. The IELTS examiners pay close attention to accuracy, range, and clarity, and that’s exactly why grammar matters so much.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common grammar mistakes IELTS test-takers make, how to avoid them, and some easy strategies to boost your score. Whether you’re just starting your prep or working toward Band 8 or higher, these insights can help you write with confidence.

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1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

One of the most frequent grammar issues in IELTS writing is subject-verb disagreement. It sounds simple, but even advanced learners slip here, especially when the subject and verb are far apart in the sentence.

Example:
❌ The number of students taking IELTS have increased.
✅ The number of students taking IELTS has increased.

Tip: Always identify the real subject of the sentence and make sure the verb matches it in number (singular/plural). Words like each, everyone, and everybody are always singular.

2. Tense Inconsistency

Many test-takers start an essay in one tense and unknowingly shift to another. This creates confusion and affects grammatical accuracy.

Example:
❌ In the past, people used typewriters, but now they are using computers and they prefer it because it was fast.
✅ In the past, people used typewriters, but now they use computers and prefer them because they are fast.

Tip: Use past tense for historical references and present tense for general truths or current trends. Consistency is key.

3. Articles (‘a,’ ‘an,’ ‘the’) Misuse

Articles cause trouble even for native speakers! Many IELTS candidates either omit articles or use them unnecessarily.

Example:
❌ The pollution is increasing in cities because of a traffic.
✅ Pollution is increasing in cities because of traffic.

Tip: Learn the rules for using “the” with specific nouns, “a/an” with singular countable nouns, and no article for general or uncountable nouns. Practicing this daily can improve your writing clarity drastically.

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4. Overuse of Complex Sentences

You might have heard that complex sentences earn higher scores. That’s true but only when they’re used correctly. Many students make their writing harder to read by overloading clauses.

Example:
❌ People who are living in cities which are growing fast and who have jobs that are stressful often do not have time that is enough for their families.
✅ People living in rapidly growing cities often struggle to find enough time for their families.

Tip: Simplicity is elegance. Use a mix of simple, complex, and compoundsentences to maintain flow and readability.

5. Preposition Problems

Prepositions are tiny words that cause big confusion! Many students use the wrong preposition, especially after verbs and adjectives.

Example:
❌ They discussed about the problem.
✅ They discussed the problem.

Tip: Read native-level materials like newspapers or blogs to notice patterns in how prepositions are used. There’s no shortcut practice and exposure help you master this area.

6. Using Wrong Word Forms

Sometimes, the word choice is correct but the form isn’t such as using a noun instead of an adjective.

Example:
❌ The government should take action to reduce pollutional activities.
✅ The government should take action to reduce polluting activities.

Tip: Expand your vocabulary and learn different forms of common words for instance, decide (verb), decision (noun), decisive (adjective). This improves lexical resource and grammar range at the same time.

7. Missing or Misplaced Commas

Punctuation plays a subtle but powerful role in IELTS writing. Misusing commas can change the meaning of your sentence or make it awkward.

Example:
❌ If people exercise regularly they will improve their health.
✅ If people exercise regularly, they will improve their health.

Tip: Use commas after introductory phrases and to separate clauses, but avoid overusing them. Clarity and rhythm matter more than decoration.

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8. Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

Some test-takers write incomplete sentences or join multiple ideas without proper punctuation.

Example (fragment):
❌ Because technology is improving every day.
✅ Technology is improving every day.

Example (run-on):
❌ People are working longer hours they have no time for leisure activities.
✅ People are working longer hours, so they have no time for leisure activities.

Tip: Always check if each sentence expresses a complete thought. Reading your essay aloud helps you spot run-ons easily.

9. Confusing Singular and Plural Nouns

IELTS students often mix up singular and plural forms, especially with uncountable nouns.

Example:
❌ Informations are important for making decisions.
✅ Information is important for making decisions.

Tip: Learn which nouns are uncountable (like advice, furniture, information, knowledge) these never take an “s.”

10. Overusing Passive Voice

While passive voice isn’t wrong, overusing it can make your essay sound robotic.

Example:
❌ It is believed that the pollution is caused by the vehicles which are used by people.
✅ Many people believe that vehicles cause pollution.

Tip: Use passive voice only when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Otherwise, keep your writing active and lively.

Improving your grammar isn’t about memorizing every rule it’s about understanding patterns, practicing regularly, and getting feedback. Read high-scoring sample essays, write daily, and review your mistakes. Over time, grammar accuracy will become second nature.

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