IELTS Writing for First-time IELTS test takers: How to Fix Subject-verb agreement mistakes

Find the real subject of each verb and make the verb match it in number. Watch for long subjects, 'the number of', 'a variety of' and subjects after phrases such as 'as well as'.

At a glance

For: First-time IELTS test takers
Problem: Subject-verb agreement mistakes
Scoring criterion: Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Task affected: Task 1 and Task 2
IELTS test: Academic or General Training (check your requirement)
Typical effort: one to two weeks
First step: Underline the subject and verb of each sentence in your essay.

Why this happens to first-time IELTS test takers

Agreement slips happen when other words come between the subject and verb. They are small errors, but they appear in every paragraph for many candidates and limit the accuracy score.

Why this affects first-time IELTS test takers: new candidates often practise grammar and vocabulary and skip timed, whole-essay practice.

Accuracy varies widely under timed conditions.

A strength to build on: Fresh candidates can build good habits for timing and structure from the start.

Fix it in four steps

Underline the subject and verb of each sentence in your essay.
Cross out any phrase between them and check the verb matches the subject alone.
Remember: the number of is singular, a number of is plural.
Check each 'there is' or 'there are' against the noun that follows.

Before and after

Before

The number of cars in cities are increasing.

After

The number of cars in cities is increasing.

Ten-minute drill: Write ten sentences with a long subject and check agreement. Swap with a different sentence set the next day.

Questions and answers

What is the fastest way for first-time IELTS test takers to fix subject-verb agreement mistakes?

Find the real subject of each verb and make the verb match it in number. Watch for long subjects, 'the number of', 'a variety of' and subjects after phrases such as 'as well as'. Accuracy varies widely under timed conditions.

How long does it take first-time IELTS test takers to fix subject-verb agreement mistakes?

Most learners need one to two weeks. Allow time for at least four timed essays with feedback before the test.

Which structures cause most agreement errors?

Long subjects, 'a number of' versus 'the number of', collective nouns and 'there is/are'.

Are agreement errors serious?

A single error is minor, but frequent errors show weak accuracy and can hold the Grammar score at Band 6.

What does a good practice drill look like for first-time IELTS test takers?

Write ten sentences with a long subject and check agreement. Swap with a different sentence set the next day. Allow time for at least four timed essays with feedback before the test.

How can first-time IELTS test takers tell they have fixed subject-verb agreement mistakes?

A verb-only proofread finds no agreement errors in three consecutive essays.

What should first-time IELTS test takers know about their IELTS Writing target?

First-time candidates need to learn the format, timing and criteria before polishing language.

Should first-time IELTS test takers practise this on Task 1, Task 2 or both?

It shows up in both tasks. Fix it in Task 2 first, because Task 2 carries about twice the weight of Task 1, then check Task 1 with the same checklist. Fresh candidates can build good habits for timing and structure from the start.

Can an AI checker help first-time IELTS test takers with subject-verb agreement mistakes?

An AI checker can show where this pattern appears in your own essay and which criterion it affects, which makes the fix concrete. It gives a practice estimate, not an official IELTS score, so use it to choose the next revision, rewrite, and check again. The first check on this site is free.

Check your own essay

See where subject-verb agreement mistakes appears in your own writing and which criterion it affects, then rewrite the weakest paragraph.

Run a free first check

Feedback is a practice estimate, not an official IELTS score. Last reviewed 2026-11-11. Score requirements change, so confirm them with the organisation that will read your result.