Best Grammar Structures to Boost IELTS Band 7+
Author : PrepGuru Academy | Published On : 27 Feb 2026
Best Grammar Structures to Boost IELTS Band 7+
The difference between a "competent" user (Band 6) and a "good" user (Band 7) is the ability to move beyond simple Subject-Verb-Object sentences. To impress the examiner, you must demonstrate "flexibility." This doesn't mean writing overly long, confusing sentences; it means using the right grammatical tool for the right job.
1. The Power of Conditionals (The "If" Factor)
Conditionals are essential for discussing hypothetical situations, which is a core requirement of IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
Used for hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future.
Structure: If + Past Simple, ... would + Verb.
Example: "If governments invested more in renewable energy, global carbon emissions would decrease significantly."
The Third Conditional
Used to talk about the past and imagine a different outcome. This is high-level grammar that shows sophisticated control.
Structure: If + Past Perfect, ... would have + Past Participle.
Example: "If the city had implemented better waste management systems a decade ago, the current pollution crisis would have been avoided."
2. Master the Passive Voice
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (Process diagrams) and Task 2 (Formal essays), the passive voice is your best friend. It shifts the focus from "who" did the action to the "action" itself, making your writing sound more objective and professional.
Active: "People cut down trees to build houses." (Band 5.5 - Too informal)
Passive: "Trees are cleared to make way for residential developments." (Band 7.0+ - Formal and academic)
When to use it: Use the passive voice when describing a process, reporting research, or discussing government policies where the specific individual performing the action is less important than the result.
3. Relative Clauses: Adding Detail with Precision
Relative clauses allow you to pack more information into a single sentence without it becoming a "run-on" sentence. They are the hallmark of a Band 7+ candidate.
Defining Relative Clauses
Example: "Students who study abroad often develop a more global perspective."
Non-Defining Relative Clauses (The "Extra Info" Comma)
Example: "The Internet, which revolutionized global communication, has also created new challenges regarding privacy."
The Band 7+ Secret: Use "which" to refer to the entire preceding clause.
Example: "Automation is replacing manual labor, which leads to concerns regarding rising unemployment rates."
4. Subordinating Conjunctions (Complex Sentences)
A "complex" sentence is simply a sentence that has a main clause and a subordinate clause. To get a 7+, you need to use these frequently.
Use words like Although, While, Even though, Despite, and Whereas to show contrast.
Standard: "Technology is good but it has downsides." (Band 5.0)
Advanced: "While technology has undoubtedly improved efficiency, it has also resulted in a sedentary lifestyle for many." (Band 7.5)
5. Perfect Tenses: Showcasing Time Fluency
To hit the higher bands, you must show you can navigate different points in time.
Present Perfect (Connecting Past to Present)
Example: "The number of travelers has risen steadily over the last five years."
Future Perfect (Looking Back from the Future)
This is a "rare" structure that highly impresses examiners.
Structure: Will have + Past Participle.
Example: "By the year 2050, it is predicted that scientists will have discovered a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels."
6. Nominalization: Writing Like a Scholar
Nominalization is the process of turning verbs or adjectives into nouns. This is one of the most effective Best Grammar Structures to Boost IELTS Band 7+ because it makes your writing dense and academic.
Verbal Style: "The population increased rapidly, and this caused problems." (Band 6.0)
Nominalized Style: "The rapid increase in population resulted in several infrastructural challenges." (Band 8.0)
Common Transformations:
Grow $rightarrow$ Growth
Pollute $rightarrow$ Pollution
Inhibit $rightarrow$ Inhibition
7. Inversion for Emphasis
Inversion is a "high-risk, high-reward" structure. It involves changing the normal word order to add variety and emphasis. Use this sparingly (once or twice in an essay).
Normal: "People rarely realize how much energy they waste."
Inverted: "Rarely do people realize how much energy they waste."
Other triggers: "Not only... but also," "Under no circumstances," and "Seldom."
Example: "Not only does tourism provide economic benefits, but it also fosters cultural exchange."
Practical Tips for Success
While learning the https://prepguru.academy/best-grammar-structures-to-boost-ielts-band-7/ is important, accuracy is equally vital.
Don't "Over-cook" it: If you try to use a complex structure and get it wrong, it can lower your "Accuracy" score. Only use structures you have practiced.
Variety is Key: Don't use the same "If" sentence five times. Mix a passive sentence with a relative clause, then a simple sentence for impact.
Proofread: Spend the last 2-3 minutes of your Writing test checking for "S" endings on verbs and correct preposition usage.
Conclusion
Boosting your IELTS score to a Band 7.0 or higher is about moving from "communication" to "sophistication." By integrating conditionals, relative clauses, and nominalization into your responses, you provide the examiner with the evidence they need to award you a high mark.
Success in the IELTS is a combination of your English level and your ability to "show off" your range within the time limit. Start practicing these structures in your daily writing, and you will see your band score climb.
