Grammar is 25% of your Writing score. Even small errors can prevent you from reaching Band 7.
Rare minor errors
Mostly accurate
Some errors
Frequent errors
The number of students increase every year.
The number of students increases every year.
"The number" and "the amount" are singular. Use singular verbs (increases, is, was).
The population of the UK is 67 million.
The population of the UK is 67 million.
But: Population of UK... (when not specific)
Use "the" before country names with "of" (the UK, the USA, the Netherlands). Don't use "the" before country names without "of" (France, Japan, Germany).
Last year, the population increases significantly.
Last year, the population increased significantly.
Use Past Simple for completed actions in the past. Use Present Perfect for trends from past to present.
This depends of the government.
This depends on the government.
Depends → on
Lead → to
Result → in / from
Account → for
Increase → by / to
Compare → with / to
This is not uncommon to see.
This is common to see. / not unusual
Avoid using two negative words in the same clause. One negative is enough to express a negative meaning.
There was a significant increase the population.
The population increased significantly.
Or: There was a significant increase in the population.
Be careful with word forms. "Increase" can be a verb or noun, but the structure changes: verb + object OR noun + "in" + object.
❌ The data is useful for researchers.
✅ The data are useful / The information is useful.
💡 Data is plural (data = pieces of information)
❌ Students should study hard because they need it for their future.
✅ Students should study hard because it will benefit their future.
💡 Pronouns should clearly refer to specific nouns
❌ The city which I visited was beautiful.
✅ The city that I visited... / The city I visited...
💡 Use 'that' or no pronoun for essential information
❌ To work hard and being successful are important.
✅ Working hard and being successful are important. / To work hard and to be successful...
💡 Keep the same grammatical form in lists
Grammar
IELTS Writing Vocabulary List for Band 7 (With Usage Tips)
Use stronger lexical patterns naturally and avoid forced word choices that reduce clarity.
Grammar
10 Common Grammar Mistakes in IELTS Writing
A clear error-by-error guide with examples and corrections for grammar issues that reduce Writing band score.
Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 Checker (Free) - Instant Score & Feedback
Learn how to use Task 2 checker feedback correctly: diagnose criterion gaps, rewrite, and re-check for score growth.
