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
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".
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