IELTS Grammar for Writing Task 2: 5 Structures That Get Band 7+
The grammar structures that move your IELTS Writing Task 2 to Band 7: complex sentences, conditionals, passive voice, and more — with examples and common errors.
Band9Prep Team
IELTS Preparation Experts
Grammatical Range and Accuracy is one of the four IELTS Writing criteria. To reach Band 7, you don't need perfect grammar — you need a variety of complex structures used with good control.
That means using simple and complex sentences together, accurately, not cramming every sentence with sub-clauses. Here are the 5 structures that matter most, with examples and the errors to avoid.
1. Complex Sentences with Subordinators
A complex sentence joins a main clause with a subordinate clause using words like although, because, whereas, while, since, if.
Band 6 (two simple sentences):
Many students work while studying. This is very stressful.
Band 7 (complex):
Although many students work while studying, they often find the added pressure overwhelming.
Key: one subordinator per sentence is enough. Adding two or three makes the sentence hard to follow.
2. Conditionals
Conditionals are powerful for Task 2 because they express cause, consequence, and hypothetical situations — perfect for discussing policy and outcomes.
Zero / first conditional (real):
If governments invest in public transport, congestion will fall.
Second conditional (hypothetical):
If more people used public transport, cities would be cleaner.
Common error: mixing the tenses — "If the government invests, pollution would fall." Keep the conditional pattern consistent.
3. The Passive Voice (Used Intentionally)
The passive is correct and useful when the actor is obvious or unimportant:
The test is marked by trained examiners. Remote work is being adopted by more companies.
It adds variety and an academic tone. Use it 2-3 times per essay — overusing it sounds stiff, and forming it wrongly (e.g., "the essay is wrote") costs accuracy marks.
4. Participle Clauses
Participle clauses (using -ing and -ed forms) let you combine ideas concisely:
Having considered both sides, I believe the benefits outweigh the costs. Encouraged by these results, the government expanded the scheme.
Careful: a participle clause must share the same subject as the main clause. "Walking to work, the pollution was heavy" is wrong — the pollution isn't walking.
5. Relative Clauses (Who, Which, That)
Relative clauses add detail without a second sentence:
Students who receive feedback improve faster. The policy, which was introduced last year, has reduced unemployment.
Common error: a missing relative pronoun, or a comma where none belongs. Use which for extra (non-defining) clauses and that/who for defining ones.
The Band 7 Rule: Variety + Accuracy, Not Length
The single biggest misunderstanding is that long sentences equal high grammar. They don't.
- Variety — mix simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Control — the complex structures you use are mostly correct.
- No comma splices — never join two full sentences with just a comma.
A short, correct sentence scores higher than a long, broken one.
Fix Your Own Errors Faster
Grammar exercises help, but the fastest way to move your band is feedback on your actual essays. Identify your 2-3 most repeated error types and fix them deliberately in the next essay.
- Use AI feedback on Task 2 essays to see exactly which structures you misuse.
- Learn the essay structure so grammar supports a clear argument — see Task 2 essay structure.
- Pair grammar with topic vocabulary — see Writing vocabulary by topic.
- See how grammar fits the wider push from 6.5 to 7 in Writing.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What grammar do I need for IELTS Writing Band 7?
You need a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences used accurately. Band 7 asks for a variety of complex structures with good control — meaning you can use subordinate clauses, conditionals, and passives mostly without error. Accuracy matters more than complexity.
How many complex sentences should I write in Task 2?
Aim for a natural mix — roughly 4-6 complex sentences in a 5-paragraph essay, not every sentence. Using a complex structure in every sentence makes writing hard to read and increases errors. Variety and accuracy beat density.
Is using the passive voice good for IELTS Writing?
Yes, used correctly. The passive is useful when the actor is obvious or unimportant (e.g., "the test is marked by examiners") and adds variety. Overusing it, or forming it wrongly, costs marks — so use it intentionally.
What is the most common grammar mistake in IELTS Writing?
The most damaging is comma splicing and run-on sentences — joining clauses with a comma instead of a subordinator or full stop. Subject-verb agreement and article errors are also very common and easy to fix with targeted feedback.
Should I write long sentences to get a high grammar band?
No. Long, error-filled sentences lower your score. A shorter sentence written accurately is better than a long one with mistakes. Band 7+ is about controlling a variety of structures, not maximising sentence length.
How can I improve my IELTS writing grammar quickly?
Get feedback on your actual essays rather than only doing grammar exercises. Identify your 2-3 most repeated error types and fix them deliberately in the next essay. AI feedback on writing catches these patterns and lets you correct them fast.