Master English Grammar for IELTS Success
Your comprehensive guide to understanding and practicing essential English grammar.
Welcome to the RupIELTS Grammar Guide! Strong grammar is crucial for achieving a high score in all sections of the IELTS exam – Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. This page provides clear explanations of key English grammar concepts, followed by interactive quizzes to help you test your understanding and prepare effectively.
English Tenses
Understanding the 12 English tenses is fundamental for expressing time and aspect accurately. Below, each tense is explained, followed by a quiz.
1. Simple Present Tense
The Simple Present Tense is used to describe:
- Habits and routines: I drink coffee every morning. She goes to the gym on weekends.
- General truths and facts: The Earth revolves around the Sun. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- Scheduled future events (timetables, programs): The train leaves at 7 AM. The conference starts next Monday.
- Permanent situations: He works in a bank. They live in Surrey.
Structure: Subject + base form of verb (+s/es for third person singular)
2. Present Continuous Tense
The Present Continuous Tense is used for:
- Actions happening at the moment of speaking: I am explaining grammar now. You are reading this sentence.
- Temporary situations: She is staying with her aunt for a few weeks.
- Future plans or arrangements (often with a time expression): We are meeting them tomorrow. He is flying to Toronto next month.
- Changing situations or trends: The climate is getting warmer. English is becoming more important.
Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing
3. Present Perfect Tense
Explanation of Present Perfect Tense…
More tenses (Past Simple, Future Perfect, etc.) will be added here, each with explanations and quizzes.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability.
Modals of Ability (Can, Could)
Can: Used to express present ability. I can speak English.
Could: Used to express past ability or polite requests. I could swim when I was five. Could you help me, please?
More modal verb categories (Possibility, Obligation, etc.) will be added here, each with explanations and quizzes.
Articles (A, An, The, Zero Article)
Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.
Definite (The) vs. Indefinite (A/An) Articles
A/An: Used with singular countable nouns when the noun is general or mentioned for the first time. ‘A’ is used before consonant sounds, ‘an’ before vowel sounds. I saw a cat. She ate an apple.
The: Used when the noun is specific, unique, or has been mentioned before. The cat I saw was black. The sun is shining.
Zero Article: Used with plural countable nouns in general statements, uncountable nouns in general statements, and proper nouns (names of people, most places). Cats are mammals. I like music. John lives in Canada.
Connectors (Linking Words)
Connectors link ideas, sentences, or paragraphs, making your writing and speaking more coherent and logical. They are vital for IELTS Task 2 essays and Speaking Part 3.
Connectors of Contrast (e.g., However, Although, But)
These connectors are used to show a difference or an opposing idea.
However: The weather was cold; however, we enjoyed the trip.
Although/Even though/Though: Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
But: He is rich, but he is not happy.
In contrast/On the other hand: Used to compare two different things or ideas. Vancouver has mild winters. In contrast, Montreal experiences very cold winters.
More connector categories (Cause & Effect, Addition, etc.) will be added here, each with explanations and quizzes.