In IELTS General Task 1, you’ll be scored on your grammatical range and accuracy. The goal is to have mainly error-free sentences with proper punctuation while using a variety of structures with full flexibility and control.

The tone of the GT letter will either be formal or informal. The candidate needs to identify it themselves based on the instructions given. It’s usually pretty obvious, as a letter to a friend or relative will be informal and everything else is expected to be written in a formal tone.

Apart from the IELTS vocabulary and content, you’ll need to use different grammar forms depending on the type of letter you’re writing. Let’s explore the various rules and structures you need to implement in each case.

1. Grammar Tips for Formal Letters

Certain sentence structures can be considered more formal than others. To achieve a high band score in IELTS General Writing Task 1, you have to familiarise yourself with the grammar required:

1.1 Contractions

One of the main grammar rules when it comes to formal IELTS writing is to avoid using contractions.

Avoid: I’m writing to inform you of a new position that has recently become available.
Correct: I am writing to inform you of a new position that has recently become available.

1.2 Modal Verbs

Incorporate the correct modal verbs to add to the formality of the letter:

Avoid: Let’s discuss this further at the meeting.
Correct: It would be best if we discussed this further at the meeting.

1.3 Passive Voice

The passive voice can be used to make sentences sound more formal.

Avoid: They postponed the meeting by a few hours.
Correct: The meeting was postponed by a few hours. 

1.5 Sentence Structures

Instead of being too direct, writing slightly longer sentences is advised.

Avoid: We need to start preparing for the event.
Correct: It is imperative that we commence preparations for the event without delay.

1.6 Nominalization

Turn verbs into nouns to add to the formal tone.

Avoid: The new system that has been implemented is successful.
Correct: The implementation of the new system has been successful.

2. Formal Letter Example

You have returned from your vacation staying at a bed and breakfast.
When you checked your bank account, you realised you have been charged twice for the deposit.
Write a letter to the bed and breakfast host. In your letter:

2. Grammar Tips for Informal Letters

2.1 Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are more likely to appear in informal writing.

Avoid: We will come to the office around 9 pm.
Correct: We’ll pop into the office around 9 pm.

2.2 Active Voice

You’re likely to write more direct sentences in informal letters to friends and family, which means you’ll use the active voice instead of the passive.

Avoid: Snacks would be brought to the party.
Prefered: I’ll buy some snacks to bring to the party.

2.3 Contractions

Always use contractions in informal writing.

Avoid: I will let you know if she is coming to the party.
Correct: I’ll let you know if she’s coming to the party. 

2.4 Direct Questions

When writing to a friend or relative, there’s no need to beat around the bush; ask questions directly.

Avoid: I trust you are doing well.
Correct: How are you?

3. Informal Letter Example

You are preparing an event in the countryside. Write a letter to your friend and ask for help with the arrangements. In your letter include:

3. Grammar Rules that Apply to Both

There are a few common grammatical mistakes candidates often make in the letters that apply to both the formal and informal styles. It’s crucial that you familiarise yourself with them so that you don’t make the same ones.

3.1 Punctuation

Commas need to be used after your greeting and signoff in the letter.

For example:

3.2 Articles

The definite (the) and indefinite (a/an) articles need to be used correctly throughout any writing task.

The: When referring to a specific or known noun.
A/an: When the noun is unknown.

Incorrect: I have question about what was said in a meeting this morning regarding a position that has recently become available.
Correct:  I have a question about what was said in the meeting this morning regarding the position that has recently become available.

3.3 Tenses

As there are 12 tenses in English, you have to know when to use the appropriate one. You can study the various tenses here . A common error when it comes to tenses is mixing up the past simple and present perfect.

You should use the past simple when stating a specific time in the past, and the present perfect when something happened in the past up to the current moment.

Incorrect: I was at work since 8 am, and I’m still here now.
Correct: I’ve been at work since 8 am.

4. Quiz