Introduction
Grammar accounts for 25% of your IELTS Writing Task 2 score. Many candidates lose marks not because of weak ideas, but because of avoidable grammar errors — such as mismatched verbs, overused passive voice, and inconsistent tenses.
This page will help you:
- Identify the most common grammar mistakes made by Band 6–6.5 students
- Learn how to correct them with Band 7–8 structures
- Improve both accuracy and grammatical range
This guide is part of our IELTS Grammar Series. You may also be interested in:
- IELTS Sentence Types for Task 2
- Linking Words for Band 8
- IELTS Band Descriptors Explained
- How to Write a Band 8 Thesis Statement
- IELTS Essay Structures and Model Answers
Why Grammar Mistakes Matter
According to the IELTS Band Descriptors:
- Band 6: Makes frequent grammar errors and only limited control of complex structures
- Band 7: Uses a variety of complex structures with some accuracy
- Band 8: Uses a wide range of structures flexibly and accurately, with rare minor errors
Common Grammar Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2 (And How to Fix Them)
1. Subject–Verb Agreement Errors
Wrong:
The number of students have increased.
Correct:
The number of students has increased.
Rule: Use singular verbs with “the number of…” and ensure the subject and verb agree in number.
2. Misusing Articles (a, an, the)
Wrong:
Government must provide support.
Correct:
The government must provide support.
Rule: Use “the” for known institutions or systems like “the government,” “the environment,” “the internet.”
3. Inconsistent Verb Tense
Wrong:
People are believing that online learning replaced classrooms.
Correct:
People believe that online learning replaces classrooms.
Rule: Use present simple for general truths and arguments. Avoid switching tense unnecessarily.
4. Overusing Passive Voice
Wrong:
It is said that measures were taken and decisions were made.
Better:
Many leaders took action and made key decisions.
Tip: Passive voice is fine when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. Otherwise, active voice makes writing clearer and more natural.
5. Sentence Fragments or Run-ons
Wrong:
Because education important.
Correct:
Because education is important, governments should fund it.
Fix: Every sentence needs a subject and a verb. Avoid incomplete clauses and comma splices.
6. Preposition Errors
Wrong:
People are concerned on their health.
Correct:
People are concerned about their health.
Watch out for:
- at risk of
- responsible for
- involved in
- focus on
7. Only Using Simple Sentences
Weak:
Technology is helpful. It saves time. It is fast.
Stronger:
Technology is helpful because it saves time, increases efficiency, and improves communication.
Tip: Use compound and complex sentences to demonstrate range and fluency.
Band Upgrade Table: Grammar Transformations
| Band 6 Sentence | Band 8 Alternative |
|---|---|
| It is good. | It is highly beneficial for both individuals and society. |
| Many people think this. | This view is widely supported due to its practicality. |
| It causes problems. | It leads to a number of long-term challenges, particularly in urban areas. |
Grammar Focus: Inversion (for Emphasis)
Inversion helps create formal emphasis and boost your Band score for range.
Structure:
Negative adverbial + auxiliary + subject + verb
Examples:
- Rarely has this issue received proper attention.
- Not only does the policy reduce emissions, but it also encourages innovation.
Use inversion once per essay for rhetorical strength.
Internal Links for Further Study
- IELTS Grammar for Task 2
- IELTS Sentence Structures
- Band 8 Essay Samples
- IELTS Writing Band Descriptors Explained
- IELTS Vocabulary Mistakes to Avoid
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For more advanced grammar help:
- Download: “25 IELTS Grammar Fixes That Add Half a Band Score”
- Explore: Band 8 Essay Samples by Type (Opinion, Discussion, Problem–Solution)
- Practice: Grammar Correction Tasks with Real IELTS Questions
- Join: The IELTS Power Writing System – your complete toolkit for Band 7 and 8 success
This page is part of our complete writing series built by a veteran IELTS instructor with over 25 years of experience helping students reach their goals with clear grammar, structure, and control.
IELTS 5 to 6 