Grammar For IELTS: The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 2)

Grammar plays a vital role in achieving a high band score in the IELTS test. Beyond academic grammar, everyday English structures are equally important. They not only make your sentences more natural but also help improve fluency in Writing and Speaking.

This guide explores some of the most common IELTS Grammar structures and expressions in English, with examples to help you use them effectively in your IELTS preparation and can boost your  IELTS Exam performance.

Useful Grammar Structures for IELTS

1. To Be Good At / Bad At + Noun or Verb-ing

Use this structure to describe strengths or weaknesses in activities or skills.

Examples: 

• She is very good at playing tennis.
• I am bad at English.

2. By Chance = By Accident

This expression means something happened unexpectedly or unintentionally.

Examples:

• I met this dog quite by accident.
• The pilot, whether by chance or design, made the plane do a sharp turn.

3. To Be / Get Tired Of + Noun or Verb-ing

Use this when something becomes boring or annoying.

Examples:

• I was getting tired of doing a lot of Math homework.
• She is tired of watching television.

4. Can’t Stand / Help / Bear / Resist + Noun or Verb-ing

This pattern expresses when you cannot stop yourself from doing something.

Examples:

• I just can’t resist pizza.
• She can’t help leaving the hospital right now.

5. To Be Keen On / To Be Fond Of + Noun or Verb-ing

This is used when you are enthusiastic about an activity or hobby.

Examples:

• I am very keen on travelling.
• She was keen on reading books.

6. To Be Interested In + Noun or Verb-ing

Expresses curiosity or a desire to know more about something.

Examples:

• Because I am really interested in economics, I decided to apply for the University of Economics.
• My father is interested in chess, so he wants to enrol in this course.

7. To Waste + Time / Money + Verb-ing

Used when time or money is spent in a way that is not productive.

Examples:

• My younger brother wastes a lot of money playing video games.
• She is wasting her time finding the answer.

8. To Spend + Time / Money + Verb-ing or On + Noun

This structure describes how you use your time or money.

Examples:

• I spend 1 hour swimming.
• She is spending all of her money on fashion.

9. To Give Up + Verb-ing / Noun

Means to stop doing something, especially something done regularly.

Examples:

• Jack has decided to give up basketball at the end of this season.
• After much advice, she gave up her dream of becoming a singer.

10. Would Like / Want / Wish + To-Infinitive

Use this structure to express desires or preferences.

Examples:

• I would like to come to this EDM party.
• My mother wishes to visit England.

11. Have + Something + To + Verb

Indicates possession of something for a specific purpose.

Examples:

• I have a laptop to help me write the essay.
• She had a dog to watch her house.

12. It + Be + Something / Someone + That / Who

Used to emphasize a specific detail in a sentence.

Examples:

• It is Jack who called you last night.
• It is the dog that I saw in her house.

13. Had Better + Verb (Infinitive)

Similar to “should,” it expresses strong advice or necessity.

Examples:

• You had better go to the hospital.
• She had better have a healthy diet.

14. Common Verbs Followed by Verb-ing

Certain verbs are always followed by the -ing form.

Examples:

• I usually practise listening to English every day.
• She postpones writing the conclusion for her essay.

15. It’s + Adjective + To + Verb (Infinitive)

Use this to describe situations with adjectives.

Example:

• It’s difficult to get a high score.

These common grammar structures are practical tools to express yourself naturally and accurately in IELTS. By mastering them, you can improve both your Writing and Speaking performance. Use them in practice essays and speaking tests to gain confidence and improve your overall band score. For those aiming for top scores, following the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ can further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Linking Words for IELTS Speaking Section
• Top 11 IELTS Vocabulary Books
• Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing: Advanced Grammar in IELTS
• 100+ Advanced Vocabulary Word List for IELTS (PDF Available)
• Especially vs Specially for IELTS Grammar: Lessons, Examples, Usage & Exercises