Common Sentence Errors & How to Fix Them for Band 8+

Blog Objective

By the end of this blog, you will:

Identify common grammar and sentence errors that lower IELTS band scores.
Understand why those errors occur.
Learn Band 8+ strategies to fix and avoid them.
Practice real IELTS-based correction drills for mastery.

🧠 1. Why Grammar Accuracy Matters So Much

According to the IELTS Band Descriptors:

Band	Grammar Range & Accuracy Description
6.0	Uses a mix of simple and complex forms, but frequent errors reduce clarity.
7.0	Produces frequent error-free sentences, though some grammar mistakes remain.
8.0+	Produces majority of error-free sentences with natural control of structures.

💡 Truth: You can have great ideas — but grammar errors break your band score ceiling.
Grammar = Control + Precision + Clarity

🧩 2. 10 Common Sentence Errors in IELTS Writing

Let’s explore the most deadly ones that quietly kill your band scores — and how to fix them like a pro 👇

⚠️ Error 1: Subject–Verb Agreement

❌ People likes to spend time online.
✅ People like to spend time online.

Rule: Singular subject → singular verb (he runs), plural subject → plural verb (they run).

🧩 IELTS Tip: Watch out for “Everyone”, “Each”, “The number of…” → all take singular verbs.

Example: Everyone has access to the internet nowadays.

⚠️ Error 2: Run-On Sentences / Comma Splices

❌ Many students study abroad, they think it will help their career.
✅ Many students study abroad because they think it will help their career.
✅ Many students study abroad, and they believe it helps their career.

Rule: Never join two sentences with a comma only!
Use and, but, because, although, or a semicolon.

⚠️ Error 3: Sentence Fragments

❌ Because people are working longer hours.
✅ Productivity has increased because people are working longer hours.

Rule: Every sentence must have a main clause — a full thought with subject + verb.

⚠️ Error 4: Misuse of Tenses

❌ Nowadays, people were using social media to connect with others.
✅ Nowadays, people use social media to connect with others.

Rule:

Use present simple for general truths and current trends.
Use past tenses only for completed past actions.

IELTS Tip: Avoid random tense changes in the same paragraph!

⚠️ Error 5: Missing Articles (a, an, the)

❌ Government should provide free education.
✅ The government should provide free education.

Rule:

Use “the” for specific nouns.
Use “a/an” for general singular countable nouns.

IELTS Tip: Incorrect article use = automatic grammar penalty.

⚠️ Error 6: Wrong Prepositions

❌ We discussed about the issue.
✅ We discussed the issue.

❌ They depend on to technology.
✅ They depend on technology.

IELTS Tip: Memorize verb + preposition patterns (e.g., interested in, rely on, good at, focus on).

⚠️ Error 7: Parallelism Issues

❌ Students should be punctual, discipline, and work hard.
✅ Students should be punctual, disciplined, and hardworking.

Rule: Items in a list or series must follow the same grammatical form.

⚠️ Error 8: Word Order Confusion

❌ Only technology can we not ignore now.
✅ We cannot ignore technology now.

IELTS Tip: Stick to natural English word order: Subject + Verb + Object.
Use inversion only in formal/advanced contexts correctly.

⚠️ Error 9: Overly Long or Confusing Sentences

❌ Although many people think education is important but they do not pay attention to it because they are busy so they just focus on money and ignore school.
✅ Although many people value education, they often focus more on earning money than studying.

Rule: Be concise. Each sentence should express one clear idea.

⚠️ Error 10: Wrong Use of “It”, “They”, “This”, or “These”

❌ People rely on technology. It make life easier.
✅ People rely on technology. It makes life easier.

❌ This help people communicate.
✅ This helps people communicate.

IELTS Tip: Ensure pronouns agree in number and reference.

🧱 3. Guru “Repair Strategy” – How to Fix Any Sentence Error

When in doubt, use this 3-Step Fix Formula:

Break the sentence into small ideas.
Spot the missing or wrong connection.
Rebuild using correct linking words and structure.

Example:

❌ People work hard, they want success.
✅ People work hard because they want success.

🧩 4. IELTS Writing Correction Drills

✍️ Drill A: Spot & Fix

Correct the errors in these sentences:

Every student have to pass the exam.
Although pollution is rising, but few people care.
Government should increase taxes on cigarettes.
People are depend on technology more than ever.
The internet changed how people communicating.

Answer Key (for self-check):

has → Every student has to pass the exam.
Remove “but” → Although pollution is rising, few people care.
Add “the” → The government should increase taxes on cigarettes.
depend → People depend on technology more than ever.
communicate → The internet changed how people communicate.

🧠 Drill B: IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice

Prompt: Some people believe that living in cities is better than living in rural areas. Do you agree or disagree?

🧩 Task: Write one body paragraph. Then review and fix:

Subject–verb agreement
Tense consistency
Article usage
Linking and sentence flow

🗣️ Drill C: IELTS Speaking Accuracy Challenge

Question: Do you think technology makes communication easier?

Practice answering fluently while avoiding grammar slips.

✅ “Yes, it definitely makes communication easier. People can now share information instantly, which was impossible in the past. However, sometimes technology reduces personal interaction.”

⚙️ 5. GOAT Tips to Avoid Sentence Errors 🐐

✅ Read your essay out loud — if it sounds off, it probably is.
✅ Keep your sentences short and clear.
✅ Check subject–verb first, then tense, then articles.
✅ Use Grammarly or AI review tools for feedback but learn the rule behind each fix.
✅ Practice rewriting Band 6 sentences into Band 8 grammar versions.

🧩 6. Band 8+ Grammar Challenge

Fix and rewrite this Band 6 version into a Band 8 version:

Nowadays, people is depend on internet, it make them lazy, also they doesn’t spend time with family.

✅ Band 8 Rewrite:

Nowadays, people depend heavily on the internet, which makes them less active and reduces the time they spend with their families.

💡 Note how clarity + control = Band 8.

🏁 7. Lesson Summary Table

Error Type	Example (Wrong)	Corrected Version	Key Tip
Subject–Verb	People likes	People like	Match number
Comma Splice	It’s cheap, people buy it.	It’s cheap, so people buy it.	Join properly
Fragments	Because it’s cheap.	People buy it because it’s cheap.	Complete the thought
Articles	Government should help.	The government should help.	Use “the” for specific nouns
Prepositions	Discuss about it.	Discuss it.	Check collocations

Homework for Champions

Take one old IELTS essay you’ve written.
- Highlight every grammar mistake.
- Rewrite with full corrections.
Practice one Speaking Part 3 answer every day, recording and correcting yourself.
Write 5 original sentences containing each of the 10 errors — then fix them!

💬 “Grammar mistakes are not your weakness — they’re your map to improvement. Each fix takes you one band higher.”

Practice Grammar for IELTS Success Here

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