Grammar tool

Punctuation & mechanics

Punctuation is a Grammar score component, not a cosmetic detail. Comma splices and missing apostrophes pull the score down faster than a vocabulary slip.

IELTSTOEFLGeneral

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Short activities built directly from this grammar tool. Drag, decide, match, and recall until the language becomes usable.

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Comma — the 5 essential uses

What is the key idea in point 1?

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Reference library

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Use the full reference below when an answer in the practice lab feels uncertain.

Comma — the 5 essential uses

After an introductory phrase: "In recent years, …"
Around non-essential information: "The IELTS test, which is widely accepted, …"
Before a coordinating conjunction joining two clauses: "… , and …" "… , but …"
Between items in a list of three or more: "Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking."
After adverbs like "however", "therefore": "However, the data shows …"

Comma splice fixes

Many students study daily, they still fail.

Many students study daily, but they still fail. / Many students study daily; they still fail.

A comma alone cannot join two complete sentences.

Semicolon — only two uses worth memorising

Join two closely related independent clauses: "She failed twice; she didn't give up."
Separate list items that already contain commas: "London, UK; Paris, France; Berlin, Germany."

Apostrophes

Possession: "the student's notes" (one student) / "the students' notes" (more than one).
Contractions: "don't = do not". Avoid contractions in IELTS writing — use full forms.
Never with plurals: "two cats" not "two cat's".

Editorial details and primary sources

By FluentMock Editorial Team · Published 2026-06-13 · Updated 2026-06-28 · Official sources checked

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