Grammar: Modal Verbs for IELTS

This IELTS lesson is about modal verbs and how they can be used to improve your writing (though of course they are also used in your speaking in the same way).

You are likely to use these a lot in your academic writing for task 2, particularly if you are writing an essay which needs to give solutions to a problem.
They are also important to help in clarifying the certainty with which you are making a point, which is important for your writing.
The examiner will expect you to be competent in using these to award you a higher band score.
What are they?
Modal Verbs are used commonly in English to add further information to the main verb. 
They are auxiliary or 'helping' verbs, which means they cannot be used on their own but must be used with the main verb.

Modal Verbs	Main Verb (Bare Infinitive)	Sentence Examples
May Might Can Could Shall Should Will Would Must	go	She can swim Can she swim? She can not swim
‘Semi’ Modal Verbs	(Infinitive)	Sentence Examples
Ought Need Have	to go	She has to go Does she have to go? She doesn’t have to go

How are they used?
These verbs are used with a main verb and are followed by the bare infinitive (bare means no “to”). 
The exceptions are ‘ought’,’ need’ and ‘have’ which are followed by the infinitive (with “to”).

Common Use in IELTS Task 2

Three important functions of modal verbs when you are writing or speaking for IELTS are:

1. discussing degrees of certainty
2. making suggestions. 
3. hypothetical situations

 

1) Degrees of Certainty

Will, may, might and could are common to make logical deductions about a situation or the future, which you often need to do in task 2:

Children with no father as a role model will become criminals. (100%)

Children with no father as a role model may become criminals. (Possible)

Children with no father as a role model could become criminals. (Possible)

Which of these sentences do you think is incorrect?
Hopefully you worked out that the first one is wrong. This is a common mistake to see in IELTS essays.
The grammar is ok, but it is not possible to conclude that all children with no father as a role model will become criminals!
Be careful when you are making assessments in this way. 
‘Will’’ is 100% going to happen, so avoid using it to make generalizations about everybody/everything unless you know it is 100% true.  (There are other ways to make it less certain e.g. “will possibly”).
When you are writing IELTS essays, it's unusual that you will have evidence with you or that you can use to show 100% what you are saying is true.
So the second two are better in this situation.

 

2) Suggestions

Must, should, ought to, have to and could are often used to make suggestions for solving a problem.  It is common in task 2 to get a question asking you to discuss a problem and suggest solutions.

Governments must/have to/need to take action to tackle global warming.  (strong obligation)

Parents should/ought to stop their children watching too much television. (Strong suggestion)

Individuals could recycle more (possibility).

 3) Hypothetical Situations

It is common to use would and could to discuss hypothetical situations.
If something is hypothetical, this means in effect it has not happened. You are discussing an unreal situation in the future or imagining something.
For example:

If the government spent more money on hospitals, people would be healthier.

It is something that has not happened and you don't know if it will.

IELTS Grammar: Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are a type of complex sentence.

It essential that you know how to write complex sentences if you want to do well in the IELTS writing test.

Here are some examples used in an IELTS task 1:

Consumption of pizzas was far higher than hamburgers, which were consumed approximately 5 times a year.

Community contributions, which were the second largest revenue source, brought in 10.4% of overall income, and this was followed by program revenue, at 2.2%.

Here are some examples from task 2 essays:

CO2, which damages the ozone layer, comes from several sources, but the most problematic are those coming from the burning of fossil fuels from power plants. 

Email and social networking sites such as Facebook and MSN have created online communities that are global in scale.

Relative clauses can refer to:

People = who / that

Things = which / that

Places = where

Below are some essential rules about these types of clauses that you must know.

The rules refer to independent and dependent clauses, so make sure you understand these first.

8 things you must know about relative clauses:

1) Relative clauses modify nouns, and they must come after the noun they are modifying:

  noun        relative clause
The car, which is my father’s, is in the garage.

                             noun      relative clause
The car is in the garage, which is locked.

In the first sentence, the relative clause is referring to "the car", so it comes after that noun. In the second sentence it is referring to "the garage".

__________________________________________________

2) There must be an independent and dependent clause:

Ind Clause         Dep Clause        Ind Clause
The car, / which is my father’s, / is in the garage.

__________________________________________________

3) As there are two clauses, there must be a subject and verb in each:  

     S             S    V                     V
The car, / which is my father’s, / is in the garage.

This is because a relative clause is two simple sentences joined together. In other words:

    S       V
The car is in the garage.
   S      V
The car is my fathers.

__________________________________________________ 4) If you miss part of one of the clauses out, or one of the subjects or verbs, you will create a fragment (an incomplete sentence):

     S           S    V                    
The car / which is my father’s.
This is incorrect as there must be a full dependent and independent clause.

__________________________________________________ 5) The verb in the relative clause must agree (i.e. singular subject takes singular verb) with the noun it is modifying:

Subj (sing)       verb (sing)  
The car, / which is my father’s, / is in the garage.

__________________________________________________

6) If the information is ‘extra’ information, there are commas:

The car, which is my father’s, is in the garage.

The relative clause is not identifying the noun, it is just extra information about who owns it.

__________________________________________________

7) If the information is ‘essential’, there are no commas:

The car which is in front of the house is mine.

This is identifying which car, so it is essential.  There are probably other cars, so without the relative clause we will not know which car is being talked about.

In other words, if you said "the car is mine", this would not help us. Which car?

__________________________________________________

8) With ‘essential’ relative clauses, ‘that’ can replace ‘who’ or ‘which’:

The car that is in front of the house is mine.

The police have not found the person that stole my car.

IELTS Grammar: Adverbial Clauses

In this lesson we will look in more detail at adverbial clauses.
These clauses are a type of complex sentence, so it is essential that you are able to use them in your writing and speaking if you want to achieve a good band score.

The examiner will be monitoring your speaking and writing closely to assess how well you know them.
In the table below you can see the most common types of adverbs used to make adverbial clauses.
You can also see what they are used for and some example sentences.

 

Types of Adverbial Clause

Time Clauses In reference to a period of time or another event

He arrived before I did. After I have finished studying, I intend to work abroad. As the climate gets hotter, sea levels will rise. I will keep learning English for as long as it is necessary. While I am studying, I usually listen to the radio. Rates of obesity increase when too much junk food is eaten. Since I started going to fitness, I have lost 5 kilos. I will keep learning English until I am upper intermediate.

Conditional Clauses Expressing a hypothesis or condition, real or imagined

If we clone humans, it may have terrible consequences. What would you buy if you won the lottery? Our food will not be safe unless GM crops are banned.

Reason Clauses To explain why

My English is not improving because I am not studying enough. Since the govenment cut spending, poverty has increased. Pollution is increasing as there are too many cars.

Purpose Clauses To show the purpose of doing something

I am studying IELTS in order to attend university abroad. He went to the gym so that he could lose weight.

Concession Clauses To show contrast between two statements, or surprise.

Although e-readers are popular, most people still prefer books. The Minister wants to incease taxes though his party disagrees. Even though I studied every day, I didn't get the score I needed (surprising) Internet usage increased, while phone usage decreased.* Whereas you have a lot of time to study, I do not.*

Place To talk about location of position

Wherever he goes, I will go. I am not sure where I put my pen.

Rules for Adverbial Clauses

Remember that adverbial clauses are made up of two clauses - an independent clause and a dependent clause (look at these lessons on sentence clauses and complex sentences again if you are not sure what clauses are).
1) Switching the Clauses
The first thing to note is that the independent and dependent clauses can be switched around:

After I have finished studying, I intend to work abroad.
(Dependent Clause + Independent Clause)
I intend to work abroad after I have finished studying.
(Independent Clause + Dependent Clause)

In all of the sentences in the table above, the clauses can be switched around.
2) Commas
Note though that if you switch them around and put the dependent clause first, a comma must come at the end of the dependent clause:

After I have finished studying, I intend to work abroad.
(Comma)
I intend to work abroad after I have finished studying.
(No Comma)

This might seem like a minor point but it is quite important in your writing. Complex sentences can sometimes get confusing if commas are missing as it can become unclear where one clause ends and the other begins.
If any of your sentences are confusing, this will definitely reduce your score.
*'While' and 'Whereas' are execptions to this rule because they do have commas even when they appear in the middle of the sentence.
3) Meanings
Even though certain adverbs have been grouped together in the adverbial clauses table, this does not mean that they are all synomyms for each other.
Some you can interchange with each other without changing the meaning. For instance, 'since', 'as' and 'because' all have the same meaning and you can choose which one you want to use. But some you cannot.
For example, look at these conditional adverbs:

I will go if you go.
I will go unless you go.

The word 'unless' does not work in the second sentence. It has to be changed:

I won't go unless you go.

Now it has the same meaning.
Similarly, 'although', 'even though', and 'though' are all synonyms of each other and can be interchanged, but 'while' and 'whereas' canot always be swapped with them.
So you need to practice each individual word and check how it is used.

 

A Common Mistake

A common mistake with adverbial clauses (and other complex sentences) is to write fragments.
A fragment is an incomplete sentence:

My English is not improving. Because I am not studying enough.

A dependent clause (the second one in this case) cannot be a sentence on its own. By placing a full-stop after "improving", this has turned the second clause into a sentence fragment.
A dependent clause must have an independent clause attached to it:

My English is not improving because I am not studying enough.

When you check your work, you should check your complex sentences and check that you have not written any fragments.

Examples in Context

Look at this sample essay. The adverbial clauses are coloured, with the independent clauses in green (and italics) and the dependent clauses in red (and underlined). The adverbs are shaded in yellow.
_________________________________________

Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university.  While some people are of the opinion that the only purpose of a university education is to improve job prospects, others think that society and the individual benefit in much broader ways.
It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job.  The majority of people want to improve their future career prospects and attending university is one of the best ways to do this as it increases a persons marketable skills and attractiveness to potential employers.  In addition, further education is very expensive, so most people would not consider it if it would not provide them with a more secure future and a higher standard of living. Thus job prospects are very important.
However, there are other benefits for individuals and society.  Firstly, the independence of living away from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills and improve as a person.  A case in point is that many students will have to leave their families, live in halls of residence and meet new friends.  As a result, their maturity and confidence will grow enabling them to live more fulfilling lives.  Secondly, society will gain from the contribution that the graduates can make to the economy.  We are living in a very competitive world, so countries need educated people in order to compete and prosper.
Therefore, I believe that although a main aim of university education is to get the best job, there are clearly further benefits.  If we continue to promote and encourage university attendance, it will lead to a better future for individuals and society.
_________________________________________ It is good to have a variety of sentences types. and as you can see, there are a mix of adverbial clauses which demonstrates that the candidate has a good grammatical range.
Try writing your own essay. When you have finished, go through your work and highlight the adverbial clauses, identifying the adverb and the dependent and independent clauses.
Is there a mix? Are they used correctly with subjects and verbs present in each clause and no fragments?

 

Adverbial Clause Practice Exercise

In the following exercise, choose which adverb fits in the gap in order to make correct adverbial clauses.


1. Much of the food we eat would not actually last that long----- it were not for the chemicals they contain 2. ------- have robust evaluation procedures in the future, both formal exams and continual assessment should be used to assess students during their education.
3. ..........chatting online can be beneficial, it is certainly not the same as real interaction with human beings.
4. Long prison sentences should remain for assault or murder............ justice for the victim and their family should take priority.
5. It is important that the government financially assists theatres............. they can continue to provide entertainment to the public.
6. I will keep studying hard------------ I pass the exam.
7. I will continue to use my bike----------- petrol prices remain high.
8. ------------ he practiced the guitar every day, he was still not very good.
9. Global warming will not slow down----------- governments take serious action soon.
10. I used to live.............. you can now see that office block. They knocked my house down to build it.
 Ans:
1. if
2. In order to
3. Although
4. as
5. so that
6. until
7. as long as
8. Even though
9. unless
10. where

IELTS Grammar: Complex Sentences

Understanding complex sentences and knowing how to write them is crucial for IELTS.
The examiner will not award you above a band 5 for 'grammatical range and accuracy' if you cannot write them or if you have a very limited ability to write them.
This is the marking criteria for a band 6 for grammar:

• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication

So you must have a mix of complex sentence forms, though some errors in them are acceptable.
If, for example, you learned a couple of complex structures and used the same ones throughout your essay, this would not demonstrate a 'mix'.
For the higher band scores, you will need to show a greater range and more accuracy.
In order to understand a complex sentence, you need to understand independent and dependent clauses (look at this previous lesson on clauses if you are unsure what they are).

 

What are independent and dependent clauses?

A clause is a group of words with a subject and verb. This is a dependent clause:

...because it was raining so hard.

If something or someone is 'dependent' then it needs or relies on something else for aid, support, life etc.
For example, a baby is dependent on its mother. Without the mother the baby cannot survive.
In a similar way, a dependent clause cannot 'survive' on its own. It relies on something else. The clause above "....because it was raining so hard" cannot be used on its own as a sentence because it does not make sense.
In order to function, it needs an independent clause. An independent clause can function on its own as a sentence:

I took my umbrella.

This has meaning so is ok on its own. It makes a simple sentence.
If we now join this independent clause with the dependent clause, we have a complex sentence that has meaning:

I took my umbrella because it was raining so hard.

Types of complex sentence

Complex sentences have three types:

1. Adverbial Clauses
2. Relative Clauses
3. Noun Clauses

In the following sections, there is a brief explanation of how to construct each of these with some examples.
However, they are complicated, so lessons explaining them in more detail will follow later on.

 

1) Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses answer questions such as how? why? when? where?
They are made by connecting an independent clause and a dependent clause with a subordinating conjunction.
Here are some common subordinating conjunctions that make complex sentences:

because	while
although	when
if	even though
until	as

For example (the subject is in green and the verb in blue).:

Some experiments on animals give us the wrong result because animals’ bodies are not exactly the same as our own. SV subordinating conjunction SV Some experiments on animals give us the wrong result ------------------- INDEPENDENT CLAUSE ------------------- ...because animals' bodies are not exactly the same as our own. --------- DEPENDENT (SUBORDINATING) CLAUSE ---------

In adverbial clauses, however, it is possible to put the dependent clause before the independent clause. In fact, more often than not, this is the case.
When you do this though, you MUST put a comma after the dependent clause (a comma is not needed when the independent clause comes first):

Because animals’ bodies are not exactly the same as our own, some experiments on animals give us the wrong result. subordinating conjunction SV, SV

Here are some further examples. Notice how in some sentences the dependent clause comes first, in others it is second. This is your choice:

Even though he arrived late, he did not apologize.
Pollution will get worse if car emissions are not reduced.
While the number of people going to Japan increased, the number going to the UK decreased.
I don't know when he will arrive.

 

2) Relative Clauses

Like adverbial clauses, relative clauses are made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause.
However, these clauses have a different use. Relative clauses are used to modify a noun. In other words, to give more information about it.
The relative pronouns who, which, that and where are used to do this, and the relative clause is placed after the noun it is modifying.
For example:

Animal experimentation, which is legal in most countries, should be banned. Animal experimentation should be banned. ------------------- INDEPENDENT CLAUSE ------------------- which is legal in most countries ------------- DEPENDENT (RELATIVE) CLAUSE -------------

Unlike adverbial clauses, the dependent clause (which is the relative clause) can break up the independent clause - the dependent clause just needs to go after the noun, wherever that is.
Notice also that there are two Subject-Verb combinations. This will always be the case with complex sentences as there are two clauses.
Here are some more examples. The dependent (relative) clause is in red, the independent clause is in bold, and the noun being modified is underlined.

A library is a place where you can borrow books.
Global warming is a problem that must be solved.
Obesity, which is the condition of being overweight, affects millions of children.
A person who breaks the law must face serious penalties.

3) Noun Clauses

Noun clauses are probably the most difficult to master of the complex sentences, so we'll focus here on the most common and easiest form which you will probably have used many times. We'll look at them in more detail later.
A noun clause answers the question 'who?' or 'what?'. Unlike relative clauses, which come after the noun, noun clauses come after the verb.
For example:

What do you think about corruption?
I think that corruptions is wrong and that those guilty of it should be punished.

In this example, there are two noun clauses, and they are the object of the verb 'think'.
The noun clauses are the dependent clauses because they do not make sense on their own. They need the independent clause "I think...".

I think. ------------------- INDEPENDENT CLAUSE ------------------- that corruption is wrong that those guilty of it should be punished ------------------ DEPENDENT (NOUN) CLAUSES ----------------

Here are some more examples. The dependent (noun) clause is in red, and the independent clause is in bold:

I agree that capital punishment must be abolished.
I hope that the government intervenes to resolve the situation.
I believe that experimentation on animals is unethical.

It is common to omit 'that' when speaking. For example, we can say:

I believe experimentation on animals is unethical.

However, in formal writing such as IELTS, or academic writing generally, you should include it.
There are further rules and possibilities to use these adverbial, relative and noun clauses, but we will look at them in more detail later.
This lesson provides you with the basics on how they are used.

IELTS and Complex Sentences

To achieve a good score for your grammatical range, you would need to be able to use a mix of these types of complex sentences, and to use them fairly accurately for a band 6, and very accurately for a band 7 or higher.
For band 7 or higher you will also need to try and use these structures in more complex ways, such as reducing your relative clauses and using nominalizations.

IELTS Grammar: Sentence Structure

This page about sentence structure will focus on the differences between simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences and compound-complex sentences.

You must know how to correctly write these sentence types for IELTS as the examiner will be looking for them when they grade you for your 'grammatical range'.
Clauses are the buliding blocks of sentences.
So, before you go any further, make sure you understand what clauses are by looking at the previous lesson.

Sentence Types

There are four types of sentence:

1. Simple
2. Compound
3. Complex
4. Compound-Complex

 

1. Simple Sentences

A simple sentence is one clause with a subject and verb.

Computers are important in the modern world.
Formula = SV

However, it can have more than one subject and verb:
2 subjects:

Computers and other technological devices are important in the modern world.
Formula = SSV

2 Verbs:

I search for information and play games on my computer.
Formula = SVV

2 subject and 2 verbs:

I and my brother search for information and play games on our computers.
Formula = SSVV

 

2. Compound Sentences

A compound sentence consists of 2 or 3 clauses. It is when simple sentences are joined together.
In this sentence structure, the clauses are joined with the following coordinating conjunctions:

F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = yet
S = so

The word 'fanboys' is an easy way to remember the different conjuntions that make up compound sentences. Obviously the most common are 'and', 'but', 'or' and 'so'.
Here are some examples of compound sentence structure:

Computers are important, but they can be dangerous too.
Formula = SV but SV
Computers are important, but they can be dangerous too, so we must be careful.
Formula = SV but SV so SV.

Avoid writing too many clauses as the sentence may get difficult to follow, and you cannot use each one more than once in a sentence to join clauses.
This is wrong:

Computers are used widely in most countries now, and they are a sign of progress, and we must ensure everyones has access to them.
Incorrect formula = SV and SV and SV. X

Two possible corrected versions:

Computers are used widely in most countries now, and they are a sign of progress. We must ensure everyones has access to them.
Formula = SV and SV. SV.
Computers are used widely in most countries now, and they are a sign of progress, so must ensure everyones has access to them.
Formula = SV and SV so SV.

Using semicolons
There is an instance when you can have a compound sentence structure without a coordinating conjuntion, and this is when you join two clauses with a semicolon. It is used when two ideas are related.
For example:

Computers are used widely in most countires; they are a sign of progress.

3. Complex Sentences

Complex sentences are more complicated (which is maybe why they are called 'complex'!).
This type of sentence structure is important for IELTS because to get awarded a band 6 or higher for your 'grammatical range and accuracy', you need to demonstrate that you are able to use them.
The more varied and the more accurate your complex sentences are, the higher the band score for this.
There are different types of complex sentences and these will be looked at in more detail later, so here you are just provided with the basics.
Complex sentences are two (or more) clauses joined together, but they are not joined by 'fanboys' (coordinating conjuntions). They are joined by subordinating conjuntions.
These are subordinating conjunctions:

after although as as if as long as as much as as soon as as though because before even if even though if in order to in case once since so that that though unless until when whenever whereas where wherever while

For example:

People take natural health supplements even though they may not have been tested.
Our children may not be properly educated if we don't spend more on schools.
I went to bed as soon as he left because I was tired.

These are all adverbial clauses. In these types of complex sentence, the second clause can be used to start the sentence.
In this case, a comma is needed in the middle.

Even though they may not have been tested, people take natural health supplements.
If we don't spend more on schools, our children may not be properly educated.
As soon as he left, I went to bed because I was tired.

Noun clauses and relative clauses are also a type of complex sentence structure, but these will be looked at later.

4. Compound-Complex Sentences

Compound-complex sentences are the same as complex sentences but they also have a simple (or compound) sentence before or after the 'complex' part.
For example:

I ate a lot when I got home, but I was still hungry.

The part that is underlined is the complex sentence. As you can see, it also has a simple sentences connected to it. It can also have a full compound sentence attached to it:

I ate a lot when I got home, but I was still hungry, so I went shopping to buy some more food.

These are a compound-complex sentences.

Sentence Structure Quiz

Now have a practice in the quiz. Identify what type of sentence each is.

---

1. I was late for work. Simple
   Compound
   Complex
   Compound-complex
   
   

   ---

2. He failed the test because he did not study hard enough. Simple
   Compound
   Complex
   Compound-Complex
   
   

   ---

3. Even though pollution is widespread, people are doing little to prevent it. Simple
   Compound
   Complex
   Compound-Complex
   
   

   ---

4. Animals should not be killed for their fur, but this is still occuring, so action must be taken. Simple
   Compound
   Complex
   Compound-Complex
   
   

   ---

5. I came to study in the UK because I wanted to improve my English, so I talk to as many English people as possible. Simple
   Compound
   Complex
   Compound-Complex

IELTS Grammar: Sentence Clauses

In this grammar lesson we'll look at sentence clauses.
As you will see from the IELTS writing band descriptors, you need to be able to write complex sentences in order to score higher for your grammatical range - and write them correctly so you don't get marked down on your accuracy!

The building blocks of sentences are 'clauses' though, so the first step is understanding these.
For example, a band 4 makes only "rare use of subordinate clauses" according to the public band descriptors.
This implies you must be making good use of subordinating clauses to get a higher score, so you need to know first what sentence clauses are.

What is a clause in a sentence?

A clause is a group of words with a (s) subject and a (v) verb.
For example:

(s) Computers (v) are important. = 1 sentence with 1 clause.

We can have two clauses though i.e. two groups of words with a subject and a verb:

Computers are important, but they are dangerous too. = 1 sentence with 2 clauses.

  How about three sentence clauses?

Computers are important, but they can be dangerous too, so we must be careful. = 1 sentence with 3 clauses.

  Now let's add a forth!

Computers are important, but they can be dangerous too, so we must be careful when we use them. = 1 sentence with 4 clauses.

You'll have noticed then that a sentence is not the same thing as a clause.
A sentence is the group of words that comes between two full-stops and it must be a complete thought that makes sense.
So sentence clauses are what build a sentence, and one sentence can have a number of clauses.

 

What if there is no subject and verb?

If there is no subject or verb in part of the sentence, then this may be a phrase.
For example:

(p) In many countries around the world, flooding is becoming more common.

A phrase is a group of words without a subject and verb (a phrase on its own obviously cannot be a sentence because every sentence has a subject and a verb!).
______________________________________________________

 

You should now know the difference between a sentence, a clause and a phrase. Time to practice!

 

Sentence Clauses Practice

Look at the sentences with clauses below, and put a check in the correct box to say how many clauses each sentence has.
Look carefully for the subjects and verbs. This will help you identify the clauses.
1. I'm going out tonight so I must get ready soon.
1
2
3
4
2. Global warming is a major problem, but I believe it can be solved if we take action now.
1
2
3
4

3. Obesity is getting worse now in developing countries.
1
2
3
4

4. I don't know when I will be able to stop studying because I have many more exams.
1
2
3
4

5. It's cold outside so I think I'll stay in.
1
2
3
4

6. Although cars are essential, they cause a lot of pollution, so governments must take action soon, and individuals also need to play a role.
1
2
3
4

7. Why were you so late?
1
2
3
4

8. He said that he will come to see me tomorrow.
1
2
3
4

9. It is important to be on time, but I think it is ok to be late when you have an emergency.
1
2
3
4

10. I felt unwell when I ate the food, so I'll probably not eat at the restaurant again, but I think my friend will.
1
2
3
4

IELTS Grammar

These pages are here to help you with your IELTS grammar, mainly for writing.

However, it can obviously help with your speaking and also with your reading as it is easy to misunderstand what you have read if you are confused by different sentence structures.
All grammar for IELTS is important, but there are some specific things that are directly related to IELTS.
The explanations and exercises will highlight these so you can see how they are relevant.

Why is grammar important?

There is no actual grammar test section in the IELTS test, but you are still graded on this by the examiner in the speaking test and writing test.
These are specifically what you are graded on in each test:

Writing:

• Task Achievement / Response
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Speaking:

• Fluency and coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunication

So as you can see, grammar makes up 25% of each test.
However, it is also important for the 'lexical resource' part. This is your use of such things as your vocabulary, idiomatic vocabulary, and collocations.
You will be marked down on this if you are making mistakes with such things as word forms (e.g. using a noun form instead of a verb form) so this is also grammar related.
This is not to suggest that you should focus only on grammar as the other elements such as fluency in your speaking and your ability to answer the question and organise your response in the writing are a major part of the marking.
But it is clearly important to work on improving your IELTS grammar, and this is often the part candidates have the most problems with and the thing that brings their score down.

 

How is the grammar for IELTS writing marked exactly?

In order to work on improving your IELTS grammar, it is useful to understand how it is marked.
For each of the parts of the exam highlighed above, you are given a band score (so you get four scores) and these are then averaged to get your overall score for your writing.
For example:

Writing:

• Task Achievement / Response - band 6
• Coherence and Cohesion - band 6
• Lexical Resource - band 6
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy - band 5

  Overall score = 5.5
  

The table below shows the two sections on lexis and grammar. These are adapted from the public band descriptors and show you what the examiner is looking for.
The column on 'grammatical range and accuracy' is exactly as from the public band descriptors, but the 'lexical resource' column just picks out the parts related to grammar.

Writing Band Descriptors for Grammar

Band	Lexical Resource	Grammatical Range & Accuracy
9	Sophisticaled control of lexical features; rare minor 'slips' occur	Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as slips.
8	Produces rare errors in spelling and / or word formation	Uses a wide range of structures The majority of sentences are error-free Makes only very occasional errors or inappropriacies
7	Occasional errors in word choice, spelling, and / or word formation	Uses a variety of complex structures Produces frequent error-free sentences Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
6	Some errors in spelling and / or word formation, but they do not impede communication	Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication
5	Noticeable errors in spelling and / or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader	Uses only a limited range of structures Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty; errors can cause some difficulty for the reader
4	Limited control of word formation and / or spelling; errors may cause strain for the reader	Uses only a very limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses Some structures are accurate but errors predominate, and punctuation is often faulty
3	Errors may severely distort the message	Attempts sentence forms but errors in grammar and punctuation predominate and distort the meaning
2	Essentially no control of word formation and / or spelling	Cannot use sentence forms except in memorised phrases
1	Can only use a few isolated words	Cannot use sentence forms at all

Understanding the descriptors

If you study the table you will notice phrases near the top such as 'rare', 'occasional' and 'few' in reference to word form and grammatical errors.
Near the band 6 range are phrases such as 'some', and then 'noticeable' and 'causing difficulty' as you go down lower.
You can also see that it is important to be:

• Getting your word forms right
• Understanding how to write complex sentences
• Expanding your range of grammatical structures you can use
• Using grammar accurately (i.e minimising your error density).

Prepositions-01

aboard adverb , preposition

used when talking about getting onto a ship, aircraft, bus or train

The flight attendant welcomed us aboard.

Welcome aboard flight BA345 to Tokyo.

The train's about to leave. All aboard!

We spent two months aboard ship (= on the ship) .

about preposition CONNECTED WITH

1. on the subject of; connected with

What's that book about?

a film about the Spanish Civil War

We were talking/laughing about Sophie.

He's always (going) on about what a great job he's got.

I'm worried about David.

I really don't know what all the fuss is about.

I wish you'd do something about (= take action to solve the problem of) your bedroom - it's a real mess.

UK informal Could you make me a coffee too while you're about it (= while you are making one for yourself) ?

What didn't you like about the play?

There's something about (= in the character of) her attitude that worries me.

There's something special about him (= in his character) .

"Is that your car?" "Yes, what about it (= why are you asking me) ?" This is sometimes said in an angry or threatening way.

about preposition NO ORDER

2. ( US around ) positioned around a place, often without a clear purpose or order

Their belongings were flung about the room.

about preposition POSITION

3. UK slightly formal in a particular place

Do you have such a thing as a pen about you/your person (= Have you got a pen) ?

above adverb , preposition HIGHER POSITION

1. in or to a higher position than something else

There's a mirror above the washbasin.

He waved the letter excitedly above his head.

She's rented a room above a shop.

Her name comes above mine on the list.

The helicopter was hovering above the building.

It's on the shelf just above your head.

A crack had started to appear just above the light fitting.

above adverb , preposition MORE

2. more than an amount or level

It says on the box it's for children aged three and above.

Rates of pay are above average .

Temperatures rarely rise above zero in winter.

She values her job above her family.

They value their freedom above (and beyond) all else .

above adverb , preposition RANK

4. in a more important or advanced position than someone else

Sally's a grade above me.

above adverb , preposition TOO IMPORTANT

5. too good or important for something

No one is above suspicion in this matter.

He's not above ly ing (= he sometimes lies) to protect himself.

absent preposition US

without

Absent a detailed plan, the project was doomed from the start.

across adverb , preposition

from one side to the other of something with clear limits, such as an area of land, a road or river

She walked across the field/road.

They're building a new bridge across the river.

When I reached the river, I simply swam across.

across preposition

1. on the opposite side of

The library is just across the road.

across preposition

2. in every part of a particular place or country

Voting took place peacefully across most of the country.

afore adverb , preposition , conjunction old use

before (EARLIER)

after preposition

1. following in time, place or order

Shall we go for a walk after breakfast?

Some people believe in life after death .

Her name came after mine on the list.

There's a good film on the day after tomorrow.

She waited until well after midnight.

US It's a quarter after four.

She just keeps on working, day after day , week after week (= continuously) .

We've had meeting after meeting (= many meetings) to discuss this point.

Jessie seemed very small after (= in comparison with) Michael's children.

After (= Despite) everything I've done for you, is this the way you treat me?

After (= Because of) what she did to me, I'll never trust her again.

The children have to learn to tidy up after themselves (= after they have made things untidy) .

She slammed the door after (= behind) her.

We ran after (= followed) him, but he escaped.

Could you lock up after you (= when you leave) , please?

after preposition

4. typical of or similar to the style of

a painting after Titian

a concerto after Mozart

against preposition OPPOSING

1. in opposition to

She spoke against the decision to close the college.

Fifty people voted against the new proposal.

I'm very much against the idea that it is the woman's job to bring up the child.

Germany are playing against Brazil in the cup final tonight.

She's always rebelled against authority.

She sold the house even though it was against his wishes.

They called a demonstration to protest against proposed job cuts.

Are you for or against my proposal?

Sanctions against the country should be lifted.

Stricter controls will help in the fight against inflation.

Criminal charges will be brought against the driver.

They decided not to take legal action against him.

They were up against a powerful pressure group.

We came up against a lot of problems in the course of building our extension.

The chances/odds against you winning such a competition are enormous.

It's against the law (= illegal) to leave children under a certain age alone in the house.

It's against my beliefs/principles to be nice to someone I dislike just because they're in a senior position.

Against all probability (= although it was extremely unlikely) we found ourselves in the same hotel.

I wouldn't dare say anything against him (= criticize him) to his mother!

against preposition TOUCHING

4. next to and touching or being supported by (something)

Why don't we put the bed against the wall?

He loved the feel of her soft hair against his skin.

The rain beat against her face as she struggled through the wind.

The police officer had him up against the wall, both arms behind his back.

She leant against the door.

against preposition TOUCHING

5. in front of or compared to

Paintings look best against a simple white wall.

against preposition OPPOSITE DIRECTION

6. in the opposite direction to

The last part of the course was hard because I was running against the wind.

Commuting is not so bad when you are travelling against the traffic.

against preposition PROTECTION

7. as a protection or defence from the bad effects of

We've insured the car against fire, theft and accident.

The police have to arm themselves against attack.

agin preposition Northern English

against

The whole world seemed agin him.

alias preposition

used when giving the name that a person is generally known by, after giving their real name

Grace Kelly, alias Princess Grace of Monaco

along preposition DIRECTION

1. from one part of a road, river, etc. to another

a romantic walk along the beach/river

along preposition NEXT TO

2. in a line next to something long

a row of houses along the river

Cars were parked all along the road.

along preposition PARTICULAR PLACE

3. at a particular place on a road, river, etc.

Somewhere along this road there's a garage.

alongside preposition , adverb

next to, or together with

A car pulled up alongside (ours).

The new pill will be used alongside existing medicines.

Most of the staff refused to work alongside the new team.

Britain fought alongside France, Turkey and Sardinia during the Crimean War.

amid preposition ( also amidst ) formal

in the middle of or surrounded by; among

On the floor, amid mounds of books, were two small envelopes.

The new perfume was launched amidst a fanfare of publicity.

among preposition ( also amongst )

1. in the middle of or surrounded by other things

I saw a few familiar faces among the crowd.

Rescue teams searched among the wreckage for survivors.

among preposition ( also amongst )

2. happening as part of a group of people or things

a decision that has caused a lot of anger among women

Relax, you're amongst friends.

Talk about it among yourselves (= Talk to each other about it without me) for a while.

She has worked as an estate agent among other things (= as well as other things) .

anti adjective , preposition informal

opposed to or against a particular thing or person

We've received a lot of anti letters about that newspaper article.

Just because I won't join you, it doesn't mean that I'm anti you.

apropos adverb , preposition formal

used to introduce something which is related to or connected with something that has just been said

I had a letter from Sally yesterday - apropos (of) which, did you send her that article?

Apropos what you said yesterday, I think you made the right decision.

around preposition , adverb ( mainly UK round ) IN THIS DIRECTION

1. in a position or direction surrounding, or in a direction going along the edge of or from one part to another (of)

We sat around the table.

He put his arm around her.

A crowd had gathered around the scene of the accident.

She had a woollen scarf around her neck.

The moon goes around the Earth.

I walked around the side of the building.

As the bus left, she turned around (= so that she was facing in the opposite direction) and waved goodbye to us.

He put the wheel on the right/wrong way around (= facing the right/wrong way) .

The children were dancing around the room.

I spent a year travelling around Africa and the Middle East.

The museum's collection includes works of art from all around the world.

She passed a plate of biscuits around (= from one person to another) .

This virus has been going around (= from one person to another) .

around preposition , adverb ( mainly UK round ) IN THIS PLACE

2. positioned or moving in or near a place, often without a clear direction, purpose or order

He always leaves his clothes lying around (on the floor).

She went into town and spent two hours just walking around.

Let's take the children to the park so they can run around for a bit.

I used to live around (= near) here.

She's never around (= near here) when you need her.

Will you be around next week?

There's a lot of flu around (= a lot of people have it) at the moment.

Mobile phones have been around (= existed) for quite a while.

as preposition

used to describe the purpose or quality of someone or something

She works as a waitress.

It could be used as evidence against him.

The news came as quite a shock to us.

I meant it as a joke.

astride preposition

with a leg on each side of something

She sat proudly astride her new motorbike.

figurative The town lies astride (= on either side of) the River Havel.

at preposition PLACE

1. used to show an exact position or particular place

We'll meet you at the entrance.

That bit at the beginning of the film was brilliant.

She's sitting at the table in the corner.

She was standing at the top of the stairs.

The dog came and lay down at (= next to) my feet.

There's someone at the door (= someone is outside the door and wants to come in) .

We spent the afternoon at a football match.

I'll give you my number at work/home/the office.

I enjoyed my three years at university.

I rang her but she was at lunch (= away from here, eating her lunch) .

at preposition TIME

2. used to show an exact or a particular time

There's a meeting at 2.30 this afternoon.

Are you free at lunchtime?

In theory, women can still have children at the age of 50.

The bells ring at regular intervals through the day.

At no time/point did the company do anything illegal.

I'm busy at the moment (= now) - can you call back later?

It's a shame I wasn't here to meet you - I was in London at the time (= then) .

at preposition DIRECTION

3. towards; in the direction of

She smiled at me.

They waved at us as we drove by.

She aimed at the target.

"Look at me! Look at me!" called the little girl.

He's always shouting at the children.

at preposition CAUSE

4. used to show the cause of something, especially a feeling

We were surprised at the news.

I was quite excited at the prospect.

Why does no one ever laugh at my jokes?

at preposition JUDGMENT

5. used to show the activity in which someone's ability is being judged

I was never very good at sports.

He's very good at getting on with people.

She's hopeless at organizing things.

at preposition EMAIL ADDRESS

6. the @ symbol that joins the name of a person or a department in an organization to a domain name to make an email address

You can email dictionary@cambridge.org to find out more about this dictionary.

"What's your email address?" "It's dictionary at cambridge dot org."

at preposition AMOUNT

7. used to show a price, temperature, rate, speed, etc.

I'm not going to buy those shoes at $150!

Inflation is running at 5%.

He was driving at 120 mph when the police spotted him.

at preposition AMOUNT

8. ( usually @ ) used in financial records to show the price, rate, etc. of a particular thing or of each of a number of things on a list

at preposition CONDITION

9. used to show a state, condition or continuous activity

a country at war

children at play

atop preposition mainly US

on or at the top of

She sat atop a two-metre high wall.

bar preposition slightly formal

except

Everyone is leaving the village, bar the very old and ill.

They're the best songwriters of this century, bar none (= no one else is better) .

barring preposition

except or unless a particular thing happens

We should arrive at ten o'clock, barring any (= if there are no) unexpected delays.

before preposition , adverb , conjunction

1. at or during a time earlier than (the thing mentioned)

You should always wash your hands before meals.

Before leav ing he said goodbye to each of them.

She's always up before dawn.

Before he could reach the door, she quickly closed it.

Before we make a decision, does anyone want to say anything else?

She had to give the doorman a tip before (= in order that) he would help her with her suitcases.

before preposition , adverb , conjunction

2. until (the event mentioned)

It was an hour before the police arrived.

before preposition , adverb , conjunction

3. in the past

He said he had never seen her before.

I feel as though I've been here before.

before preposition

1. in front of

The letter K comes before L in the English alphabet.

Many mothers put their children's needs before their own.

We have the whole weekend before us - what shall we do?

He stood up before a whole roomful of people, and asked her to marry him.

before preposition

2. If a place is before another place, you will arrive at it first when you are travelling towards the second place

The bus stop is just before the school.

before preposition

3. To be before someone or a group of people, is to be formally considered or examined by that person or group

The proposal before the committee is that we try and reduce our spending by 10%.

The men appeared before the judge yesterday.

behind preposition , adverb

at the back (of)

Look behind you!

I hung my coat behind the door.

Alex led, and I followed along behind.

mainly UK As hard as she tried, she always fell behind the other swimmers in the races.

figurative I knew that behind (= hidden by) her smile was sadness.

behind preposition

responsible for or the cause of

He wondered what was behind his neighbour's sudden friendliness.

Marie Curie was the woman behind enormous changes in the science of chemistry.

below adverb , preposition POSITION

1. in a lower position (than), under

From the top of the skyscraper the cars below us looked like insects.

The author's name was printed below the title.

For further information on this subject, see below (= lower on the page or later in the book) .

The ship's captain went below (= to the lower, covered part of the ship) .

Do you usually wear your skirts above or below the knee?

She has three people working below her (= people to whom she gives orders) .

below adverb , preposition LESS

2. less than a particular amount or level

They have three children below the age of (= younger than) four.

His marks in English have been below average for some time now.

The temperature has fallen below zero/freezing (= cooled to less than zero) recently.

Last night it was eight degrees below (= eight degrees less than zero) .

beneath preposition BELOW

1. in or to a lower position than, under

Jeremy hid the letter beneath a pile of papers.

We huddled together for warmth beneath the blankets.

After weeks at sea, it was wonderful to feel firm ground beneath our feet once more.

Emma was so tired and hungry that her legs were beginning to give way beneath her (= she was about to fall over) .

beneath preposition NOT GOOD ENOUGH

beside preposition

1. at the side of, next to

Come and sit here beside me.

Our school was built right beside a river.

beside preposition

2. compared to another person or thing

Those books seem rather dull beside this one.

besides adverb , preposition

in addition to; also

Do you play any other sports besides football and basketball?

She won't mind your being late - besides, it's hardly your fault.

between preposition , adverb SPACE

1. in or into the space which separates two places, people or objects

The town lies halfway between Rome and Florence.

Standing between the two adults was a small child.

She squeezed between the parked cars and ran out into the road.

A narrow path ran in between the two houses.

between preposition , adverb AMOUNT

2. If something is between two amounts, it is greater than the first amount but smaller than the second

She weighs between 55 and 60 kilograms.

The competition is open to children between six and twelve years of age.

The room was either extremely cold or hot, never anything in between (= in the middle) .

between preposition , adverb TIME

3. ( also in between ) in the period of time which separates two different times or events

You shouldn't eat between meals.

There is a break of ten minutes between classes.

The shop is closed for lunch between 12.30 and 1.30.

In between sobs, he managed to tell them what had happened.

between preposition AMONG

1. among two or more people or things

The money was divided equally between several worthy causes.

We drank two bottles of wine between four of us.

Trade between the two countries (= Their trade with each other) has increased sharply in the past year.

There is a great deal of similarity between Caroline and her mother (= They are very similar) .

You'll have to choose between (= choose either) a holiday or a new washing machine.

She was torn between loyalty to her father and love for her husband (= She could not decide which one to support) .

between preposition AMONG

2. A discussion, argument or game between two or more people or groups of people involves both people or groups

The negotiations between the union and management have broken down.

There has always been a fierce rivalry between the two clubs.

Tonight's game is between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams.

between preposition CONNECTING

3. connecting two or more places, things or people

There is a regular train service between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The survey shows a link between asthma and air pollution.

between preposition CONNECTING

4. from one place to another

He commutes daily between Leeds and Manchester.

between preposition SEPARATING

5. separating two places or things

The wall between East and West Berlin came down in 1989.

The report states that the gap between the rich and the poor has increased dramatically over the past decade.

beyond preposition , adverb FURTHER AWAY

1. further away in the distance (than something)

In the distance, beyond the river, was a small town.

From the top of the hill we could see our house and the woods beyond.

beyond preposition , adverb OUTSIDE A LIMIT

2. outside or after (a stated limit)

Few people live beyond the age of a hundred.

We cannot allow the work to continue beyond the end of the year.

I've got nothing to tell you beyond (= in addition to) what I told you earlier.

The repercussions will be felt throughout the industry and beyond (= in other areas) .

Tonight's performance has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (= events which we are unable to deal with) .

She has always lived beyond her means (= spent more than she has earned) .

beyond preposition , adverb NOT UNDERSTAND

5. informal If something is beyond you, you are unable to understand it

I'm afraid physics is completely beyond me.

but preposition , conjunction

except

Eventually, all but one of them promised to come to his leaving party.

He's anything but violent (= not violent in any way) .

I'd have crashed the car but for your warning.

This is the last episode but one (= one before the last) of this drama serial.

She's one of those guests who does nothing but complain.

This car has been nothing but trouble - it's always breaking down!

by preposition CAUSE

1. used to show the person or thing that does something

The motorcycle was driven by a tiny bald man.

We were amazed by what she told us.

I'm reading some short stories (written) by Chekhov.

The book was translated by a well-known author.

I felt frightened by the anger in his voice.

by preposition METHOD

2. used to show how something is done

They travelled across Europe by train/car.

She did the decorating (all) by herself (= alone, without help from anyone) .

We went in by (= through) the front door.

Do you wish to be paid in cash or by cheque?

He learned English by listen ing to the radio.

Suddenly, she grabbed him by the arm (= took hold of this part of his body) .

I refuse to live by (= following) their rules.

by preposition NOT LATER THAN

3. not later than; at or before

She had promised to be back by five o'clock.

The application must be in by the 31st to be accepted.

By the time I got to the station the train had already gone.

by preposition MEASUREMENT

4. used to show measurements or amounts

Our office floor space measured twelve metres by ten (= was twelve metres in one direction and ten in the other) .

Their wages were increased by 12%.

Freelance workers are paid by the hour (= for every hour they work) .

These telephones have sold by the thousand.

by preposition DURING

5. during

We travelled by night and rested by day.

by preposition

by preposition

by preposition , adverb

near, at the side of or (in distance or time) past

A small child stood sullenly by her side.

He wanted to keep her close by him always.

The policewoman walked by (= past) them without saying a word.

The years flew by.

c preposition ( also ca )

written abbreviation for circa

circa preposition ( written abbreviation c , also ca ) formal

(used especially with years) approximately

He was born circa 1600.

concerning preposition slightly formal

about

I've had a letter from the tax authorities concerning my tax payments.

considering preposition , conjunction , adverb

used to mention a particular condition or fact about something, usually a disadvantage

Considering the weather, we got here quite quickly.

She did well to find the way, considering she'd only been there once before.

-cum- preposition

used to join two nouns, showing that a person or thing does two things or has two purposes; combined with

This is my bedroom-cum-study.

despite preposition

1. without taking any notice of or being influenced by; not prevented by

I still enjoyed the week despite the weather.

Despite repeated assurances that the product is safe, many people have stopped buying it.

[ + -ing verb ] He managed to eat a big lunch despite hav ing eaten an enormous breakfast.

despite preposition

down preposition LOWER POSITION

1. in or towards a low or lower position, from a higher one

I slid down the hill.

Aikiko fell down some stairs and broke her wrist.

down preposition ALONG

2. along

We drove down the motorway as far as Bristol.

Her office is down the corridor on the right.

They sailed the boat down the river (= towards the sea) .

down preposition TO

3. UK not standard to

I went down the pub with my mates.

during preposition THROUGH

1. from the beginning to the end of a particular period; throughout

They work during the night and sleep by day.

There were huge advances in aviation technology during World War Two.

during preposition AT SOME TIME IN

2. at some time between the beginning and the end of a period

I woke up several times during the night.

The programme will be shown on television during the weekend.

ere preposition , conjunction literary or old use

before

I shall be back ere nightfall.

except preposition , conjunction

not including; but not

The museum is open daily except Monday(s).

The government has few options except to keep interest rates high.

It's cool and quiet everywhere except in the kitchen.

Everyone was there except for Sally.

There is nothing to indicate the building's past, except (for) the fireplace.

They look very similar except that one is a little taller.

excepting preposition , conjunction formal

not including

All the people who were on the aircraft have now been identified, excepting one.

excluding preposition

not including

The aircraft carries 461 people excluding the crew and cabin staff.

failing preposition

if that is not possible

Give her a book, or failing that , buy her something to wear.

Appointments are available on the 2nd and the 6th of this month but failing either of those, we could fit you in on the 15th.

following preposition

after

The weeks following the riots were extremely tense.

Following the dinner, there will be a dance.

for preposition INTENDED FOR

1. intended to be given to

There's a phone message for you.

I'd better buy something for the new baby.

There's a prize for the fastest three runners in each category.

for preposition PURPOSE

2. having the purpose of

There's a sign there saying 'boats for hire'.

This pool is for the use of hotel residents only.

I'm sorry, the books are not for sale.

They've invited us round for dinner on Saturday.

Everyone in the office is contributing money for his leaving present.

I need some money for tonight.

Which vitamins should you take for (= in order to cure) skin problems?

Put those clothes in a pile for wash ing (= so that they can be washed) .

for preposition BECAUSE OF

3. because of or as a result of something

I'm feeling all the better for my holiday.

"How are you?" "Fine, and all the better for see ing you!"

She did fifteen years in prison for murder.

I don't eat meat for various reasons.

I couldn't see for the tears in my eyes.

The things you do for love!

He's widely disliked in the company for his arrogance.

She couldn't talk for cough ing (= she was coughing too much to talk) .

Scotland is famous for its spectacular countryside.

He's best remembered for his novels.

I didn't dare say anything for fear of (= because I was frightened of) offending him.

for preposition TIME/DISTANCE

5. used to show an amount of time or distance

We walked for miles.

She's out of the office for a few days next week.

I'm just going to bed for an hour or so.

I haven't played tennis for years.

for preposition OCCASION

6. on the occasion of or at the time of

What did you buy him for Christmas?

I'd like an appointment with the doctor for some time this week.

We're having a party for Jim's 60th birthday.

I've booked a table at the restaurant for nine o'clock.

for preposition COMPARING

7. used for comparing one thing with others of the same type

She's very mature for her age.

For every two people in favour of the law there are three against.

The summer has been quite hot for England.

It was a difficult decision, especially for a child.

For a man of his wealth he's not exactly generous.

for preposition SUPPORT

8. in support of or in agreement with

I voted for the Greens at the last election.

Those voting for the motion, 96, and those voting against, 54.

So let's hear some applause for these talented young performers.

Who's for (= Who wants to play) tennis?

for preposition IN RELATION TO

10. in relation to someone or something

Her feelings for him had changed.

He felt nothing but contempt for her.

I've got a lot of admiration for people who do that sort of work.

He's quite good-looking but he's a bit too short for me.

The ice-cream was a little bit sweet for me.

That jacket looks a bit big for you.

Jackie's already left and, as for me, I'm going at the end of the month.

Luckily for me (= I was lucky) , I already had another job when the redundancies were announced.

How are you doing for money/time (= have you got enough money/time) ?

for preposition PAYMENT

12. (getting) in exchange

How much did you pay for your glasses?

I've sponsored her £1 for every mile that she runs.

She sold the house for quite a lot of money.

They've said they'll repair my car for £300.

for preposition REPRESENTING

13. being employed by or representing a company, country, etc

She works for a charity.

He used to swim for his country when he was younger.

for preposition TOWARDS

14. towards; in the direction of

They looked as if they were heading for the train station.

Just follow signs for the town centre.

This time tomorrow we'll be setting off for the States.

It says this train is for (= going to stop at) Birmingham and Coventry only.

for preposition MEANING

15. showing meaning

What's the Spanish word for 'vegetarian'?

What does the 'M.J.' stand for? Maria Jose?

for preposition TO GET

16. in order to get or achieve

I hate waiting for public transport.

I had to run for the bus.

Did you send off for details of the competition?

I've applied for a job with another computer company.

for preposition DUTY

17. the duty or responsibility of

As to whether you should marry him - that's for you to decide.

It's not for me to tell her what she should do with her life.

As to how many she invites, it's not really for me to say.

for preposition IN TROUBLE