Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 1)

Many IELTS learners believe that the test only requires academic English and that basic grammar is limited to daily communication. However, this is a misconception. In reality, mastering common grammar structures is a powerful tool that helps you perform better across all IELTS modules: Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening.

Below, we’ll explore some of the most useful IELTS Grammar structures with explanations and examples that can boost your  IELTS Examperformance.

Why Grammar is Important in IELTS?

Strong grammar helps you build clear, accurate, and natural sentences. Whether you’re writing an essay in the IELTS Writing test, speaking in the IELTS Speaking test, or understanding complex passages in IELTS Reading and IELTS Listening, these grammar patterns make your communication more precise and effective.

Essential Grammar Structures for IELTS

1. Too + Adjective/Adverb + (for someone) + to do something

Used when something is more than acceptable or possible for someone to handle.

Examples:

• The IELTS Writing Task 2 topic is too easy for me to get band 7 score.
• She plays too well for me to beat her.

2. So + Adjective/Adverb + that + Clause

Used to describe something extreme, leading to a consequence. Subject 1 + Verb/(to be) + so + adjective/adverb + that + Subject 2 + Verb: more than is acceptable or possible for someone and they cannot afford it or they have to do something else to get it.

Example:  

• This house is so expensive that I have to sell my car to buy it.
• The Math test is so difficult that I cannot do anything.

3. Such + (a/an) + Noun + that + Clause

Similar in meaning to “so…that,” but emphasizes the noun.

Example:  

• It is such an interesting show that I cannot shut it down.
• It is such a heavy box that I cannot lift it up.

4. Adjective/Adverb + enough + (for someone) + to do something

Used when something has the necessary degree or level.

Examples:

• He is tall enough to apply for this job.
• She studies hard enough to pass the exam.

5. Have/Get + Something + Past Participle

Used when someone arranges for another person to do something.

Examples:

• I have my fridge repaired.
• She had her hair cut yesterday.

6. It + be + time + Past Tense

Used to say it is the right time (or overdue) to do something.

Examples:

• It is time you went to bed.
• It’s time for me to leave.

7. It + takes/took + someone + amount of time + to do something

Describes how long an action requires.

Examples:

• It takes me two hours to finish my report.
• It took my mother 20 minutes to do a lunch for my family.

8. Prevent/Stop + Someone + From + V-ing

Used to express stopping someone from doing something.

Examples:

• I can’t prevent him from eating so much fat.
• I can’t stop her from smooking.

9. Find + it + Adjective + to do something

Expresses opinion about an activity.

Examples:      

• She finds it very healthy to do exercise every early morning.
• They found it difficult to led a conclusion.

10. Prefer + Noun/V-ing + to + Noun/V-ing

Used to show preference between two activities or things.

Examples:

• I prefer watching movie at cinema to watching at home.
• He prefers cofee to soda.

11. Would rather + Verb (infinitive) + than + Verb (infinitive)

Expresses a preference for one activity over another.

Examples:

• Jack would rather cook by himself than go to restaurant.
• He’d rather learn Math than learn English.

12. Be/Get Used to + V-ing

Means becoming accustomed to a habit or situation.

Examples:

• She is used to waking up early every Sunday.
• I get used to exercising every day.

13. Used to + Verb (infinitive)

Refers to a past habit that no longer happens.

Examples:

• I used to go to library when I was highschool student.
• He used to drink beer a lot when he was in Germany.

14. To be amazed at / To be surprised at + Noun/V-ing

Used to express surprise or amazement.

Examples:

• We were greatly surprised at the news
• You’d be amazed how much money you can save.

15. To be angry at + Noun/V-ing

Expresses anger towards something.

Examples:

• My father was angry at this story
• I was angry at receiving this report.

By mastering these sentence structures, you not only improve your accuracy but also enhance your fluency and flexibility in IELTS Speaking and Writing. These patterns are simple yet powerful, making your English more natural and effective.

Keep practicing these grammar structures in your IELTS preparation, and you’ll notice significant improvement in your test performance. 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