IELTS Writing · Band 7+ Grammar
IELTS Writing Grammar Guide
8 grammar rules that separate Band 6 from Band 7, hedging language, cohesive devices, Task 1 vocabulary, and a 10-question Band-level quiz.
What Grammar Gets You Each Band
Mostly simple sentences. Errors in complex structures. Limited range. Frequent errors in verb tense and agreement.
Mix of simple and complex sentences. Some errors in complex structures. Attempts at linking devices — sometimes incorrect.
Good range of complex structures. Most sentences are error-free. Occasional errors in complex grammar. Uses cohesive devices accurately.
Wide range of structures. Most sentences are error-free. Inversions, participle clauses, non-defining relative clauses used correctly.
8 Grammar Rules — Ranked by Band Impact
Each rule shows the band it unlocks and the exact transformation needed.
IELTS Task 2 requires academic/formal register. Contractions, colloquialisms, and first-person opinions must be replaced with formal alternatives.
Avoid
I think this is a big problem. / It's really bad. / Lots of people...
Use Instead
This issue poses a significant challenge. / A large proportion of the population...
Never state an unsupported claim as absolute fact. Use hedging to signal your claim is an argument, not a law of nature. This shows sophistication.
Avoid
Technology always helps education. / Crime definitely increases with poverty.
Use Instead
Technology tends to enhance learning outcomes. / Poverty may be associated with higher crime rates.
Band 7 requires a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Subordinate clauses (although, while, because, if, since, unless) add grammatical range.
Avoid
Urbanisation causes pollution. It also causes traffic congestion. Both are problems.
Use Instead
Although urbanisation drives economic growth, it simultaneously exacerbates pollution and strains urban infrastructure.
Passive voice is used in Task 1 to describe data without a subject, and in Task 2 to achieve impersonal register when 'it is' constructions fit.
Avoid
We can see from the graph that sales rose. / People should address this issue.
Use Instead
The data reveals a steady rise in sales. / It is widely acknowledged that this issue must be addressed.
'Not only' triggers subject-auxiliary inversion in the first clause. This is a Band 7+ structure that demonstrates grammatical range.
Avoid
Not only urbanisation causes pollution, but it also strains infrastructure.
Use Instead
Not only does urbanisation cause pollution, but it also strains urban infrastructure.
Non-defining relative clauses (set off with commas) add information about a noun without restricting it. They use 'which' for things, 'who' for people — never 'that'.
Avoid
The policy which the government introduced is controversial. (defining — no commas, 'that' possible)
Use Instead
The new policy, which was introduced in 2024, has generated significant debate.
Participial phrases must share their implied subject with the main clause. If they don't, they 'dangle'. This is a key Band 7+ error to eliminate.
Avoid
Having analysed the data, the trend is clear. (who analysed? — the trend?)
Use Instead
Having analysed the data, researchers identified a clear upward trend.
Wrong cohesive device is worse than none. Match the device to its logical function: addition, contrast, result, example, or concession.
Avoid
Furthermore, this has drawbacks. (furthermore = addition, not contrast)
Use Instead
Nevertheless, this approach has significant drawbacks. (nevertheless = contrast/concession)
Cohesive Devices — By Function
The examiner checks that you use the right device for the right logical relationship — not just that you used any device.
| Function | Devices to use |
|---|---|
| Addition | Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally, Also |
| Contrast | However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, On the other hand, In contrast, Yet |
| Concession | Although, While, Even though, Despite the fact that, Admittedly |
| Result/Conclusion | Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Hence, Thus |
| Example | For instance, For example, Such as, To illustrate |
| Emphasis | Indeed, In particular, Notably, Significantly |
| Summary/Conclusion | In conclusion, To summarise, Overall, In brief |
Hedging Language Reference
Task 1 — Data Description Vocabulary
Replace vague words ('go up', 'go down') with precise academic vocabulary:
| Phrase / Structure | Example use |
|---|---|
| show a significant increase | The graph shows a significant increase in... |
| remain relatively stable / plateau | Sales remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2020. |
| peak at / reach a peak of | Exports peaked at 5 million units in 2022. |
| fluctuate | Temperatures fluctuated throughout the year. |
| account for X% | Renewable energy accounted for 35% of production. |
| witness / experience a decline | The country witnessed a sharp decline in birth rates. |
| by contrast / comparatively | By contrast, urban areas saw steady growth. |
5 Most Common Task 2 Grammar Errors
Error 1: Starting sentences with 'I think' or 'I believe'
Use 'It is argued that...', 'It is widely believed that...', or state it as a claim without 'I think'.
Error 2: Using 'furthermore' for contrast
'Furthermore' adds a similar point. For contrast, use 'However', 'Nevertheless', 'On the other hand'.
Error 3: 'Not only' without inversion
After 'Not only', always invert: 'Not only does [subject] [verb]...', not 'Not only [subject] [verb]...'.
Error 4: Dangling participle clauses
The subject of the participle phrase must match the main clause subject. 'Having analysed the data, I found...' — not '...the trend is clear.'
Error 5: Concluding with 'In conclusion, this essay has discussed...'
Don't describe your essay in the conclusion — state your final position. 'In conclusion, [your stance] because [reason].'
Practice Quiz — 10 Questions
Each question reveals your IELTS Writing band readiness.
Related Guides
Modal Verbs Guide
Can/Could, Must/Have to, Modal Perfects — IELTS common
Tense & Conditionals Chapter
Type 1/2/3 conditionals — essential for Task 2 arguments
Articles Chapter
a/an/the/zero article — most IELTS Writing errors are here
Active-Passive Voice Chapter
Passive voice for Task 1 data description
Why 'Myself [Name]' is Wrong
Reflexive pronouns — affects IELTS Speaking score
SSC CGL English Strategy Guide
Complete Indian competitive exam strategy
Test all your grammar in one go
The full Grammar Rulebook covers all 8 chapters — articles, tense, prepositions, voice, and more.