How to Use Commas Correctly in an IELTS Test?

One of the most common reasons IELTS aspirants fail to achieve a high band score in the Writing section is the incorrect use of punctuation—especially commas. While vocabulary and grammar often receive most of the attention, punctuation plays an equally important role in conveying meaning clearly and accurately. Even a well-structured sentence can lose its impact if commas are misplaced or omitted.

In the IELTS exam, clarity and coherence are key assessment criteria. Correct comma usage helps examiners understand your ideas effortlessly, whereas incorrect punctuation can confuse the reader or even change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Therefore, learning how to use commas correctly is essential for achieving a high band score in both IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2.

Why Are Commas So Important?

The presence or absence of a comma can completely alter the meaning of a sentence. Consider the following examples:

• Let’s eat grandma.
  (This sentence suggests eating grandma—clearly not what is intended.)
• Let’s eat, grandma.
  (This sentence politely invites grandma to eat.)

This simple example highlights how powerful commas can be. Now, let’s explore the most important rules for using commas correctly in the IELTS test.

1. Using Commas to Separate Words and Phrases in a List

When a sentence contains three or more items with the same grammatical structure and purpose, commas are used to separate them. This is one of the most common comma rules tested indirectly in IELTS Writing.

Examples:

• Do you want some cakes, candies, or ice creams?
• Barkha, Rita, and Parul went to the meeting.
• Glen completed his homework, packed his bags, polished his shoes, and went to sleep.

Using commas correctly in lists improves readability and shows grammatical control, which positively impacts your band score.

2. Using Commas After Linking Words and Phrases

Linking words and phrases are widely used in IELTS essays to improve coherence and cohesion. When a sentence begins with connectors such as however, moreover, in my opinion, or to sum up, a comma should always follow them.

Examples:

• However, in my opinion, most people prefer to spend their holidays travelling.
• Moreover, some people argue that technology has improved communication.
• Likewise, it creates the same level of enthusiasm.
• To sum up, it is necessary to take immediate action.
• Firstly, I believe that education should be free.
• Secondly, some people feel that practical skills are more important.

Correct punctuation after linking words helps your ideas flow smoothly and makes your writing easier for the examiner to follow.

3. Using Commas to Separate Independent Clauses

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. When two independent clauses are joined using coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, so, yet, or, nor, or for, a comma should be placed before the conjunction.

Examples:

• She walked down the street, and then she turned the corner.
• It’s an old car, but it is very reliable.
• I was feeling hungry, so I made a sandwich for myself.

This rule is especially useful in IELTS Writing Task 2, where candidates often combine ideas to form complex sentences.

4. Using Commas After Introductory Words, Phrases, or Clauses

When a sentence begins with an introductory adverb, phrase, or clause, a comma should be placed after it. This helps signal the main part of the sentence and avoids confusion.

Examples:

• Surprisingly, it turned out to be a good movie.
• In the past, it took much longer to communicate with others.
• To gain a better understanding, you need to study the topic thoroughly.

Using commas after introductory elements demonstrates strong grammatical awareness—something IELTS examiners appreciate.

5. Using Commas to Separate Parenthetical Phrases or Clauses

A parenthetical phrase or clause adds extra information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the core meaning. These phrases should be enclosed by commas.

Examples:

• Basketball, which is a popular sport, is very good for health.
• My grandparents, old and sick, rarely leave the house.

In IELTS Writing, relative clauses and descriptive phrases are common. Using commas correctly here prevents grammatical errors and improves sentence clarity.

6. Using Commas with Dates, Addresses, and Titles

a) Dates

When writing dates, the year should be separated from the rest of the sentence using commas.

Example:

• On December 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull.

b) Addresses

Commas are used to separate different parts of an address, but a postal or zip code is not preceded by a comma.

Example:

• Please send the letter to Goodwill at 560 Mathew Street, Bangalore 340550.

c) Titles

If a professional title follows a name, it should be set off with commas.

Example:

• Varun Sachdeva, MD, has been appointed to the board.

These small details are particularly useful in IELTS General Writing Task 1 letters.

Overall, mastering comma usage may seem minor, but it can make a significant difference in your IELTS Writing score. Correct punctuation enhances clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy—three key factors assessed by IELTS examiners.

If you want to strengthen your grammar and punctuation skills systematically, IELTS-focused online classes can provide guided practice, expert feedback, and consistent improvement. With regular practice and attention to detail, achieving a high band score becomes much more attainable.

So, start paying attention to commas today—because sometimes, a single comma can change everything.