IELTS Grammar by Simon

IELTS Grammar by Simon
IELTS Grammar: some typical mistakes

Find 5 common mistakes in the paragraph below:
Some people believe that, all police officers should carry a gun. While, others disagree
with this idea, and argue that it is intimidating to see armed police officers on the
streets. From my view, the advantages of police officers carrying guns have
overweighed the disadvantages. Because the police need to be able to protect both
themselves and the general public.
Feel free to share your answers in the "comments" area below. I'll reveal the correct
answers tomorrow.
CORRECT ANSWERS:
1. 'Some people believe that all...' (no comma after "that")
2. '... should carry a gun, while...' (don't begin a sentence with "While," - use "while"
after a comma to link contrasting ideas in the same sentence)
3. 'In my view' OR 'From my point of view' (not "From my view")
4. 'the advantages of police officers carrying guns OUTWEIGH the disadvantages'
("outweigh" NOT "have overweighed")
5. '... the disadvantages because...' ("because" is used to connect ideas in the SAME
sentence. You don't need a comma before "because")
Good work Hana, Felora and Evan
Simon
IELTS Grammar: before or ago?

Don't say: I came to Manchester before two weeks.
Do say: I came to Manchester two weeks ago.
Use "past time + ago"
10 years ago, a long time ago, a few weeks ago, a couple of days ago
Use "before + action / event"
before you left, before we start, before lunch
Don't use "before + past time" (before two weeks, before three days)
Collected by Ngoc Bach

Page: https://www.facebook.com/tuhocIelts8.0
Website: www.ngocbach.com
Page 1

IELTS Grammar: fall or reduce?
These two words are the opposites of 'rise' and 'raise' (see last week's grammar
lesson):
something falls (e.g. the price fell)

somebody reduces something (e.g. the company reduced the price)
You will probably use 'fall' to describe numbers on a graph or chart for IELTS Writing
Task 1:
In 2008, the number of customers fell. (verb, past)

There was a sharp fall in Internet usage. (noun)
'Reduce' and 'reduction' are probably more useful for Writing Task 2:
We need to reduce the amount of pollution from exhaust fumes. (verb)

Recycling leads to a reduction in waste. (noun)
IELTS Grammar: linking with "this"

All students learn to link ideas using words like "however", "furthermore" etc. Most
students don't realise that the word "this" is also a linking word. Look at the following
examples:
Nowadays, people can use the Internet, fax and mobile phones to work from
home. In this way, people who do not have access to transport can find
employment.
Most products are built to last only a short time, and this creates a "throw-away"
culture.
A global economy means free trade between countries. This can strengthen
political relationships.
The word "this" refers to the sentence or idea that came before. "This" helps you to link
ideas and avoid repetition. Native speakers and good writers use "this" a lot, and the
IELTS examiner will be impressed if you can use it.
IELTS Grammar: because

Students often make mistakes when using the word "because". You can't use "because"
to connect ideas in two separate sentences. Put both the main idea and the reason in
the same sentence.
Which sentence is NOT correct?

Page 2

1. Some children behave badly at school because their parents are too lenient at
home.
2. Because parents are often too lenient at home, discipline in schools is
becoming more difficult to enforce.
3. Children's behaviour is getting worse nowadays. Because parents are not strict
enough.
CORRECT ANSWER:
Sentence 3 is NOT correct. 1 and 2 are fine.
...
Chutarrat,
You can use "Firstly,..." or "First,..." I normally use "Firstly" but it's find to use "First".
All the best
Simon
Posted by: SImon | Monday, October 18, 2010 at 16:27
CORRECT ANSWER CONTINUED...

Sentence 3 should be written as one sentence with no stop or comma:
"Children's behaviour is getting worse nowadays because parents are not strict
enough".
Simon
Posted by: SImon | Monday, October 18, 2010 at 16
IELTS Grammar: 'because of'

Last week I looked at how to use the word 'because'. One of my students then asked
me to explain the difference between 'because' and 'because of'.
Compare these two sentences:
I stayed at home because the weather was bad.
I stayed at home because of the bad weather.

Page 3

The important difference is the use of the word 'was' in the first sentence. After
'because', you need a subject and a verb (e.g. the weather was). After 'because of', we
don't use a verb, only a noun, nouns or noun phrase.
IELTS Grammar: 'however' and 'whereas'

You can't use 'however' and 'whereas' in the same way. Follow these general rules in
order to avoid grammar mistakes:
Use 'however' (followed by a comma) at the beginning of a sentence to contrast
with the previous sentence:
Some people believe that schools are responsible for the behaviour of their
students. However, others argue that discipline is the responsibility of parents.
Use 'whereas' (after a comma) to contrast two ideas in the same sentence:
Some people believe that schools are responsible for the behaviour of their
students, whereas others argue that discipline is the responsibility of parents.
You can use 'on the other hand' or 'by contrast' in the same way as 'however'. You can
use 'while' instead of 'whereas'.
IELTS Grammar: while, whilst, whereas, as

Joshua asked me the following question:
"Can you explain while, whilst, whereas, as? Either can be used to connect two
sentences, but I am not sure how to identify them and quite often I use them wrongly."
Here's my simplified explanation:
1. While and whilst are the same, but whilst is a bit more formal (according to
one famous grammar book).
2. Whereas is always used for contrast. While/whilst can be used for contrast,
OR to mean "at the same time".
3. As can mean "because" or "exactly at the moment when".
Try to write an example sentence using each of these words. Feel free to share your
sentences in the "comments" area below.

Page 4

IELTS Grammar: subject + verb
Question: Which of the following is a correct sentence?
1. Learning a foreign language.
2. Firstly, learning a foreign language in order to improve your career prospects.
3. For example, learning a foreign language by living in a country where that
language is spoken, and communicating with native speakers on a daily basis.
Answer: None of these are correct sentences. None of them has a main verb.
To make a sentence, you need a subject (noun/noun phrase) and a verb:
1. I am learning a foreign language. OR, Learning a foreign language isuseful.
2. Firstly, many people learn a foreign language in order to improve their career
prospects.
3. For example, some people learn a foreign language by living in a country where
that language is spoken and communicating with native speakers on a daily
basis.
Some students really need to work on writing correct "subject + verb" sentences.
Missing the verb in a sentence is a serious mistake that will definitely affect your score.
IELTS Grammar: correct the mistakes

The following sentences contain mistakes. Try to correct them.
1. We are friends ever since we first met.
2. If people work in teams can help them to achieve more.
3. If we consider unemployment is another important issue.
4. It is difficult to live in a new country, it is also difficult to speak a new language.
5. Many children behave badly, could be because their parents are not strict
enough.
CORRECT ANSWERS FROM SIMON:

1. We have been friends.... (present perfect - from the past until now)
2. If people work in teams, THIS can help them to achieve more.
3. Unemployment is another important issue.
4. It is difficult to live in a new country and speak a new language.
5. Many children behave badly, perhaps because their parents are not strict enough.
Page 5

Note:
I have tried to give the easiest solution, but many of the students' answers above are
also correct.
...
Hi Clement,
I guess the answer would be true (it's a bit confusing without the full context).
Look through my reading lessons for more practice.
IELTS Grammar: find the mistakes

Correct the mistakes in the sentences below.
1. With developments in nuclear technology, the risk of accidents are being
reduced.
2. Scientists need to make more researches to improve the safety of nuclear
power stations.
3. Using of nuclear power not only does it produce cheap electricity, but also it
does not have any pollution.
I'll put my answers in the "comments" area tomorrow.
Posted by Simon in Vocabulary/Grammar | Permalink | Comments (
CORRECT ANSWER FROM SIMON:

1. With developments in nuclear technology, the risk of accidents IS being reduced.
('risk' is singular)
2. Scientists need to DO more RESEARCH to improve the safety of nuclear power
stations.
('do research', not 'make researches' - never use the plural, 'research' is uncountable)
3. There are several ways to write this. Gopi's suggestion is a good one:
The use of nuclear power produces not only cheap electricity, but also less pollution.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Simon
PS. Kim: 'developments' is just a normal plural. The meaning doesn't change.
IELTS Grammar: more mistakes!

Try to correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
Page 6

1. I am completely agree that job satisfaction for workers are important.
2. On the other side, maybe it is difficult for all workers to be happy in their jobs.
3. Although, we all need to work in order to pay our bills etc, but we also need to
enjoy our jobs.
Be careful with "although". Most English learners make mistakes with this word.

1. I completely agree... IS important.
(NEVER "I am agree")
2. On the other HAND, it may be (2 words) difficult... OR: perhaps it is difficult...
(Don't use "maybe" at the start of a sentence in formal/academic writing)
3. Although (NO COMMA) we all need to work in order to pay our bills, (NO "BUT") we
also need to enjoy our jobs.
Also, don't use "etc." in your essays.
Simon
IELTS Grammar: using Google

If you are unsure about the correct way to use a word, Google can often solve the
problem. Here are 2 examples:
1. Yesterday I googled "drink driving" and "drunk driving". Both are correct, but
which is more common?
2. I wanted to explain the use of "having had", so I googled "having had grammar"
and found this page from the BBC.
Google and Wikipedia are two of the best tools for improving your vocabulary and
grammar. Try them the next time you have a language problem.
IELTS Grammar: find the mistakes

Find the mistakes in the sentences below.
1. The graph shows the number of people travelled to and from UK.
2. In 1979, the number of people visited UK was 10 millions.
3. Turkey was the least country in terms of the number of people visiting it.
Page 7

Feel free to share your answers in the "comments" area below. I'll post my answers
tomorrow.

1. WHO travelled (or TRAVELLING)... THE UK
2. WHO visited THE UK... 10 MILLION
(no "s" on hundred, thousand, million etc. after a number)
3. You can't say "the least country" - change it to "least popular country".
Thanks for you suggestions - it seems you all had the right idea.

The following sentences contain mistakes. Can you find them?
1. Governments have played an essential place in society.
2. Lack of exercise has bad effects to health.
3. Qualifications lead to get promotions.
4. This may contribute to reach their dreams.
5. The main important thing is to make people aware for this problem.
I'll put my corrections in the "comments" area tomorrow.

1. Governments have played an essential role in society. OR: Governments have an
essential place in society.
In English, we don't say "play a place", we say "have a place in" or "play a role in".
2. Lack of exercise has bad effects ON health. OR: Lack of exercise has a bad effect on
health.
I prefer "has a bad effect on" (singular). You must know how to use 'effect' and 'affect'.
I've done a lesson on this in the IELTS Grammar section.
3. Qualifications lead to promotions.
Lead to + noun. 'Lead to getting' is ok, but I'd just use the noun 'promotions'.
4. This may help them to reach their dreams.
'Contribute to' needs to be followed by a noun. 'Contribute to reaching' is ok, but I'd
prefer to keep 'reach' and change the verb: 'help them to reach' is much more natural.
Page 8

5. The main thing is to make people aware of this problem. OR: The important thing is
to make people aware of this problem.
"Aware OF" not "aware for". But also, we don't say "the main important". You should
use either "the main thing" OR "the important thing".
IELTS Grammar: verb + noun collocations

When deciding whether to give a band 7 in IELTS speaking or writing, one of the things
that examiners look at is your use of collocations.
'Collocation' basically means using the right words together. Many students know a lot
of nouns, but they don't always know the right verbs to use with those nouns.
Here are some useful 'verb + noun' collocations:
to make a mistake (not 'do' a mistake)

to do/carry out/conduct research (not 'make' research, not 'a' research)
to make/take/reach a decision
to have/gain/lack experience
to have/face/experience difficulties
Think about this, especially when you are writing essays. Check in a dictionary to make
sure you have used the right verb with the right noun.
ELTS Grammar: correct the mistakes

The sentences below contain some common mistakes. Try to correct them.
1. The number of holidays abroad was dramatically increased in 2005.
2. The figure was raised again in 2006, but it reduced in 2007.
3. In 2008, the number of foreign holidays was reduced to its lowest point.
What grammar point can we learn by correcting these 3 sentences?

1. The number of holidays abroad INCREASED DRAMATICALLY in 2005.
2. The figure ROSE again in 2006, but it FELL in 2007.
3. In 2008, the number of foreign holidays FELL to its lowest point.
NOTES:
Page 9

The main problem is the use of the passive (was increased) when the verbs should be
active (increased).
Also, you need to use 'rise' (rose) instead of 'raise' (raised). The meaning of these 2
verbs is the same, but we use them differently:
"Taxes ROSE last year"
"The government RAISED taxes last year"
For the same reason, you can't use 'reduced':
"Taxes fell..."
"The government reduced taxes"
IELTS Grammar: word families

If you want to improve your vocabulary knowledge, it's a good idea to study word
families.
Let's look at the word family for "different".
1. We usually say different from e.g. A is different from B.
2. The noun is difference e.g. There is a difference between A and B.
3. The verb is differ e.g. A differs from B (or A and B differ).
I'm sure you understood these words, but did you really know how to use them
correctly? We'll look at another word family next week.
IELTS Vocabulary: word family for 'compare'

Let's look at the word family for 'compare'. Remember that we are looking at usage, not
meaning (I'm sure you know the meaning of these words).
The graph compares the number of males and females...
10% of males were unemployed, compared to only 8% of females.
The unemployment rate was high in 2008 compared with previous years.
The unemployment rate was high in 2008 in comparison with...
By/in comparison, the unemployment rate in 2008 increased to...
Figures for the USA were comparable with/to those for the UK.
The figure for females was comparatively low, at only 8%.
You've probably noticed that this word family is really useful for writing task 1.
Page 10

PS. Thanks to Martin for sharing this online dictionary. The 'usage notes' at the bottom
of the page are especially helpful.

Can you find the mistakes in the following sentences? You might need to make several
changes.
1. It is clear that, diploma and degree were the most popular qualifications.
2. Parents are usually try to provide their children different alternatives.
3. Most of computer games contain several of violence.
4. The number of people living in cities will be sharply increased.
5. Advertising are widely spread nowadays.

Page 11

IELTS Grammar by Simon

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IELTS Grammar by Simon

IELTS Grammar: some typical mistakes

IELTS Grammar: before or ago?

Use "before + action / event"

before you left, before we start, before lunch

Collected by Ngoc Bach