The fact that you don't need to fill your essay with sophisticated words or uncommon expressions when going from IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 6 to Band 7 is that most candidates' real difficulty isn't vocabulary—it's grammar. More precisely, Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) accounts for a quarter of your Writing score.
Why grammar matters more than you think
According to the official IELTS band descriptors, a writer who has achieved a Band 6 makes use of complex sentences but is prone to frequent mistakes in grammar and punctuation. In order to attain a Band 7, the majority of your sentences must be free of errors. Even if your vocabulary appears sophisticated, continual grammar errors throughout your essay will prevent you from being placed at Band 6.
The 8 most common grammar traps (and how to fix them)
1. Comma splices and run-on sentences
A comma splice uses only a comma to link two entire phrases. A run-on does the same without any punctuation. Both signal weak control over sentence structure.
Incorrect: Many young professionals prefer working remotely, it gives them greater flexibility.
Fix with subordination: Because remote work offers greater flexibility, many young professionals prefer it.
Fix with a semicolon: Many young professionals prefer working remotely; it gives them greater flexibility.
2. Subject–verb agreement in long sentences
Simple agreements like “she works” are easy. Long phrases that divide the subject from the verb cause issues.
Incorrect: The excessive release of greenhouse gases from private vehicles and heavy industrial factories contribute to urban warming.
Correct: The excessive release of greenhouse gases from private vehicles and heavy industrial factories contributes to urban warming.
Tip: When editing, mentally cross out phrases starting with of, in, or with to find the real subject.
3. Misplaced and dangling modifiers
Introductory phrases should describe the noun that comes right after the comma. If that noun isn’t doing the action, the modifier dangles.
Incorrect: By investing in renewable energy, carbon footprints can be reduced by local councils.
Correct: By investing in renewable energy, local councils can substantially lower their carbon emissions.
4. Forcing intransitive verbs into passive voice
Passive voice can sound academic, but some verbs—like occur, happen, arise, and consist—can’t be used in the passive.
Incorrect: Traffic congestion is occurred during rush hours in most metropolitan hubs.
Correct: Traffic congestion occurs during rush hours in most metropolitan hubs.
5. Mixed conditional tenses
Conditionals show range, but mixing tenses breaks logic.
Incorrect: If governments will hike fuel taxes, commuters would switch to public transit.
Correct (real): If governments hike fuel taxes, commuters will switch to public transit.
Correct (hypothetical): If governments hiked fuel taxes, commuters would switch to public transit.
6. Overusing “the” with general nouns
Many writers add the article where it’s not needed, especially with abstract or plural nouns used generally.
Incorrect: The society must ensure that the education is accessible to all the children.
Correct: Society must ensure that education is accessible to all children.
Rule: Use the only for specific groups: “The education offered in underfunded regional schools requires urgent reform.”
7. Fragment sentences from floating subordinators
Words like Although, Because, While, and Since start dependent clauses. If you end the sentence there, it’s incomplete.
Incorrect: Although automation improves manufacturing efficiency. Many assembly workers face sudden job losses.
Correct: Although automation improves manufacturing efficiency, many assembly workers face sudden job losses.
8. Broken parallelism in lists and pairs
When listing items or using pairs like not only… but also, keep the structure consistent.
Incorrect: Regular exercise helps employees relieve stress, build stamina, and improving mental clarity.
Correct: Regular exercise helps employees relieve stress, build stamina, and improve mental clarity.
With correlatives: Policymakers should focus not only on upgrading commuter rail systems but also on subsidizing seasonal transit passes.
A quick 4-minute proofreading routine
Use the last 4 minutes of your writing time for three focused checks:
Sentence boundaries: Scan every comma and period. Fix splices and fragments.
Nouns and verbs: Match each verb to its true subject. Remove unnecessary the before general nouns.
Connectors: Ensure conditionals match in tense and that lists stay parallel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Band 7 with some grammar errors?
Yes—Band 7 allows occasional minor mistakes, as long as they don’t confuse the reader. But repeated errors will cap your GRA at Band 6.
Should I stick to short, simple sentences?
No. Playing too safe limits your Grammatical Range to Band 5 or 6. Aim for complex structures—but learn to control them.
Do punctuation marks really affect my score?
Absolutely. Punctuation is part of GRA. Frequent comma splices or missing periods directly lower your band.
Are contractions allowed in Task 2?
No. Task 2 requires formal academic English. Write do not, cannot, and it is instead of don’t, can’t, or it’s.