Grammar accounts for 25% of your Writing score and is a key factor in Speaking. At Band 7+, the examiner expects to see a variety of complex structures used accurately. You do not need dozens — mastering these eight structures will demonstrate the grammatical range that Band 7+ demands.
#Structure 1: Conditional Sentences (Mixed Types)
#Pattern
If + past perfect, would + have + past participle (Third conditional)
If + past simple, would + base verb (Second conditional)
#Examples
"If governments had invested in renewable energy earlier, the effects of climate change would not be as severe today."
"If education were made free for all, social mobility would increase significantly."
#When to Use It
Use conditionals when discussing hypothetical situations, alternative policies, or speculating about outcomes. They are particularly useful in Task 2 essays and Speaking Part 3.
#Structure 2: Relative Clauses (Defining and Non-defining)
#Pattern
Noun + who/which/that + clause (defining)
Noun + , who/which + clause, (non-defining — with commas)
#Examples
Defining: "Students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to develop stronger social skills."
Non-defining: "The internet, which has transformed communication, also poses risks to personal privacy."
#When to Use It
Use defining clauses to specify which person or thing you mean. Use non-defining clauses to add extra information. Non-defining clauses (with commas) are particularly impressive to examiners because they are harder to use correctly.
#Structure 3: Passive Voice
#Pattern
Subject + be + past participle (+ by agent)
#Examples
"It is widely believed that early childhood education improves long-term outcomes."
"Significant investment has been made in public transport infrastructure."
"Children should not be exposed to excessive advertising."
#When to Use It
Use passive voice when the action is more important than who performs it, or in formal/academic writing where the agent is unknown or irrelevant. Do not overuse it — mix it with active voice for balance.
#Structure 4: Cleft Sentences
#Pattern
It is/was + [focus] + that/who + clause
What + subject + verb + is/was + [focus]
#Examples
"It is the government that bears the primary responsibility for public health."
"What makes this issue particularly concerning is the lack of public awareness."
"It was not until the 21st century that renewable energy became commercially viable."
#When to Use It
Use cleft sentences to emphasise a particular element of your argument. They are powerful in introductions and conclusions, and they immediately signal grammatical sophistication to the examiner.
#Structure 5: Participle Clauses
#Pattern
Present participle (-ing) + clause (for simultaneous or causal actions)
Past participle (-ed) + clause (for passive meaning)
Having + past participle + clause (for completed earlier actions)
#Examples
"Facing increasing pressure from consumers, many companies have adopted sustainable practices."
"Considered from a financial perspective, the proposal is clearly impractical."
"Having examined the evidence, I am inclined to support the former view."
#When to Use It
Participle clauses make your writing more concise and sophisticated. Use them to combine two related ideas into one sentence. They work well at the beginning of sentences to create variety in sentence structure.
#Structure 6: Inversion for Emphasis
#Pattern
Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb, but also...
Rarely/Seldom/Never + auxiliary + subject + verb
#Examples
"Not only does regular exercise improve physical health, but it also enhances mental wellbeing."
"Rarely has a single policy generated so much controversy."
"Only by addressing the root causes can we hope to find a lasting solution."
#When to Use It
Use inversion sparingly — once or twice per essay is sufficient. It creates a strong rhetorical effect and is particularly useful in conclusions or when making a key argument. Overuse makes writing feel forced.
#Structure 7: Noun Clauses
#Pattern
It is + adjective + that + clause
The fact that + clause + verb
Whether + clause + is debatable/remains unclear
#Examples
"It is essential that governments take immediate action to reduce emissions."
"The fact that millions of people lack access to clean water is a global disgrace."
"Whether technology improves or hinders education remains a subject of debate."
#When to Use It
Noun clauses allow you to present facts, opinions, and debatable points in a sophisticated way. They are especially useful in introductions (to frame the topic) and in body paragraphs (to present evidence or counterarguments).
#Structure 8: Comparative and Superlative Structures
#Pattern
The more + noun/adjective, the more + noun/adjective
far/considerably/significantly + comparative
By far the + superlative
#Examples
"The more resources a government allocates to education, the greater the long-term economic returns."
"Urban air quality is considerably worse than in rural areas."
"Climate change is by far the most pressing issue of our generation."
#When to Use It
Use these structures when comparing ideas, weighing advantages against disadvantages, or emphasising the significance of a point. The "the more... the more..." structure is particularly useful in Task 2 essays about cause and effect.
#How to Integrate These Structures
Do not try to force all eight structures into every essay. Instead:
- Aim to use 4-5 different structures per essay. This demonstrates range without sounding unnatural.
- Practise each structure in isolation first. Write 10 sentences using each structure until it feels natural.
- Check accuracy before adding complexity. A simple sentence used correctly is better than a complex sentence used incorrectly. At Band 7, the majority of your complex structures must be error-free.
- Mix complex and simple sentences. Three complex sentences followed by a short, punchy simple sentence creates effective rhythm.
- Read your essay aloud. If a sentence sounds unnatural or forced, simplify it.
#Common Grammar Errors That Cost Marks
Even with good range, frequent basic errors will cap your score. Watch out for:
- Subject-verb agreement: "The number of students have increased" → "The number of students has increased"
- Articles: "Education is important for the society" → "Education is important for society"
- Prepositions: "Depends of" → "Depends on"; "Result of" not "Result from"
- Countable/uncountable: "Many informations" → "Much information"
Master these eight structures and eliminate basic errors, and you will have the grammatical range and accuracy that Band 7+ requires. To see how well you are using these structures in practice, submit an essay on BandNine.ai for instant grammar analysis with specific suggestions for improvement.