English Grammar Rules You Should Know During IELTS Exam

Taking an IELTS test soon? Then it is time to brush up on your knowledge of several grammar rules. Grammar is an important determinant in all four modules of the IELTS Exam. Although it is not apparent in the Reading and Listening sections, it is quite important for your progress in Speaking and Writing modules. So, let’s look at some of the most significant grammar rules which will come in handy for your test.

• Simple Past and Present Tenses

“I went to the park.” – Simple Past

“I go to school every day.” – Simple Present

It is most appropriate to use these tenses in Speaking Part 1 where you will be talking about more general and permanent things about your life, work, family etc. Simple past tense will also be used predominantly in the Writing Part 1 of IELTS Academic as well. Since there you will be asked to describe or analyse the general trend in the graph given to you.

• Present Continuous Tense

“I am singing at a concert today.” – Example

This tense is used typically when you want to talk about something temporary and ongoing. This again is especially useful in the Speaking Part 1 of your IELTS test.

• Simple Past and Present Perfect Tenses

Subject + Had + Past participle = Past perfect tense

“She had met him yesterday.” – Example

This tense is commonly used when the action happened in the past and it remains in the past i.e., it has no connection to the present. In your IELTS Speaking and Writing modules, you will find yourself having to use this tense intermittently.

Subject + Has/Have + Past participle = Present perfect tense

“She has started an online business” – Example

This tense is used when the action happened in the past but it still affects the present. For IELTS test when you are speaking think about whether the events strictly happened in the past or if it still has some relevance in the present. Accordingly, choose the most appropriate tense.

• Modal Verbs for IELTS Exam

It is important to know the meaning of these verbs and its appropriate usage to perform better in your reading and listening modules. In your speaking part 3, you can use modal verbs to describe the possibility of certain actions while expanding your speech. Following are a few common examples of modal verbs.

• Could, might and may are used to establish possible outcomes of an event that are uncertain. In case of might and may, the former is less certain than the latter.

“I could choose a different bus if this is too crowded.” – Example

“It might rain tomorrow.” – Example

“I may change my mind.” – Example

The following form of verbs can also be used to indicate possible events in the present or past.

“They could have mentioned it before.” – Example

“It might have happened after we left the party”- Example

“I may have transferred you to another location.” – Example

• Can, must, cannot are used to describe your ability or to seek permission.

“I can perform well in the upcoming exam.” – Example

“You must write your answers in the answer sheet” – Example

“I cannot risk losing more marks in this semester.” – Example

• Comparatives and Superlatives for IELTS Exam

Using adjectives to compare the general trend is very useful in both your speaking and writing. The ability to use them flexibly indicate your proficiency in the language.

• Most one-syllable adjectives take the form of –er and –est at the end.

“The number of students enrolled is higher than last year”. – Example (Comparative)

“Business school witnessed the highest student enrolment this semester.”

– Example (Superlative)

• Two-syllable adjectives form the comparative and superlative by using –er and –est at the end or by using more and the most.

“This bag is heavier than the last one.” – Example (comparative)

“I get more satisfaction from my work.” – Example (comparative)

“This is the narrowest road I have taken.” – Example (superlative)

If you have read this far, now you know the most important grammar rules to be kept in mind while preparing for the IELTS test. One last tip, remember to not repeat the same mistakes while practicing. Get your answers checked by a professional, keep a tab on your progress. Join our IELTS coaching for more tips and strategies to ace your test in the first attempt. Good luck!