• IELTS

Tenses for IELTS: Achieve High Score in Grammar

11776 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Aug 07,2023 11:27 AM IST

IELTS is a widely recognised English proficiency test accepted worldwide. A strong command of grammar, particularly tenses, is necessary to achieve high band scores in all sections of IELTS- writing, reading, listening and speaking. Read the blog to understand tenses and master tenses for IELTS.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a popular English proficiency test accepted globally by colleges, universities, and other higher authorities. IELTS tests the English skills of the applicant who aims to study abroad. Grammar and tenses for IELTS play a pivotal role in assessing the candidates' language ability during the test. Grammar forms a fundamental framework of a language. Tenses play a significant part, especially in the speaking section of the IELTS test. Learning tenses is one of the essential skills for studying English as it informs how an action relates to time, and incorrect use can create confusion.

Understanding Tenses

A tense is a verb form that allows a person to express time. The tense of the verb informs when an event existed or was completed. It designates a time factor to the sentence. There are three main types of tenses - Past, present, and future.

1. Past Tense: Past tense is used to describe an activity or an event that occurred in the past or to express its past state, requiring the inclusion of a time factor indicating when the particular action occurred.

The structural formula to frame a past tense sentence: Subject + verb (2nd form) + object. For example- She bought a new mobile yesterday.

2. Present tense: The simple present or present tense is the basic tense in English. It is used to talk about something that is currently happening or currently exists.

The structural formula to frame a past tense sentence: Subject+ verb (s/es) + object. For example - She lives in India

3. Future tense: The future tense describes an action or event that is expected to happen in the near future.

The structural formula: Subject+ shall/will+ verb (s/es) + object. For example - He will shift here soon.

Also read: Advanced grammar for IELTS: A guide to noun and pronoun phrases

Apart from the tenses mentioned above, there are different tenses subtypes mentioned below alongside the structural formulas.

Tense	Present	Past	Future
Continuos	Subject + helping verb (is / am/ are) + main verb (ing) + object.	Subject + helping verb (was/were) + verb (ing) + object.	Subject + shall/will be + verb (ing) + object.
Perfect	Subject + helping verb (have/has) + verb (ed) + object.	Subject + had + verb (ed) + object.	Subject + shall/will + have + verb (3rd form) + object.
Perfect Continuos	Subject + helping verb (have/has) + been + verb (ing) + object (optional) + since/for + time duration + object.	Subject + had been + verb (ing) + object (optional) + time of action.	Subject + shall/will + have been + verb (ing) + object (optional) + time instant.

Common English Tenses for IELTS

1. Present Simple

2. Past Continuous

3. Present Perfect

4. Present Perfect Continuous

5. Passive Voice

6. First Conditional

7. Second Conditional

8. Third Conditional

Here are some examples:

• Present Simple: The flight departs at 8 AM

• Past Continuous: I was working when the bell rang

• Present Perfect: She has visited New York twice

• Present Perfect Continuous: He has been studying all-day

• Passive Voice: The assignment will be completed by the day after tomorrow

• First Conditional: He will pass the exam if he studies hard

• Second Conditional: If I had enough money, I would travel the world

• Third Conditional: If she had studied, she would have passed the test

Also read: Grammar for the IELTS exam

What are the recommended tenses for IELTS?

1. Speaking

There are no specific tenses that the important for speaking. However, the more the candidate knows, the better they can convey the message in the speaking test. The critical thing about tenses for IELTS in the speaking section is that the candidate knows how to listen to the test-takers questions and then chooses the correct answer.

For example

If the exam asks a question in the past tense: Did you like to read when you were a child? Then the answer should also be in the past: Yes, I did. I used to read books and learned a lot as well. To perform well in IELTS, it is necessary to have a solid understanding of the tenses. To score high, having proficiency in more advanced tenses like present perfect continuous and future perfect continuous becomes crucial.

2. Writing:

In Academic Task 1 of the IELTS, a candidate is asked to describe a graph from the past. Hence, understanding tenses, especially past simple tense, becomes crucial. The graphs also involve predicting certain events/ activities, for which understanding the future simple tense is essential.

For Task 2, it is very common to use the present simple tense for IELTS as the candidate is instructed to write general facts and truths and give their opinions-commonly used in the present tense. For the IELTS Letter, the applicant can use a variety of tenses. It is unusual to use one specific tense during the letter-writing process for each point, so to be flexible, keep moving around different tenses to convey a coherent message in the letter.

3. Reading and Listening

IELTS's reading and listening sections involve gathering information from the provided audio and written texts. Direct application of tenses may differ in these two sections compared to the writing and speaking sections. However, having a good command of grammar and its tenses is still essential to prove language understanding.

Conclusion

Sticking to the fundamental rule is pivotal for all candidates appearing for the IELTS test. Understanding the difference between simple and continuous tenses is crucial, especially for the speaking and writing section. However, candidates must pay attention to tenses in the other two sections, i.e., listening and reading. It is to be kept in mind that the candidate must follow grammatical rules when describing graphs and diagrams. Maintaining the subject-verb agreement enhances the overall quality of the response. Familiarity with tenses for IELTS enables the candidates to maximize the band score and showcase their language proficiency.

Also read: IELTS Syllabus

FAQ

How many tenses are there in English?

There are three main tenses- past, present and future

Which is the crucial area of grammar?

The most crucial grammar areas are verb tenses, voice and speaking, etc.

How to make the grammar better?

The easiest way to improve grammar is to study, understand and practice. One must be familiar with all the vital grammatical points.

What are Verb 1, Verb 2 and Verb 3 in tenses?

Verb 1, Verb 2 and Verb 3 are the base, past simple and past principle forms of the verb.

What are the aspects of tenses?

Tenses are applied in three aspects: time, register and reality. Past tense is utilised for actions or activities that are distant and present tense is used for actions or activities that are near.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Centennial College - Performing Arts Centre

Ontario, Canada • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 13500-14000 / year

Shorelight Group - Tulane University

Louisiana, USA • 24 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

San Diego State University

California, USA • 174 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 13000-13500 / year

Campbellsville University - Louisville Campus

Kentucky, USA • 6 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

St. Francis Xavier University

Nova Scotia, Canada • 51 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 22500-23500 / year

Global University Systems (GUS) - Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB)

British Columbia, Canada • 11 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 10500-37000 / year

University of New Hampshire - Durham Campus

New Hampshire, USA • 211 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 18900-19000 / year

Rowan University

New Jersey, USA • 117 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 16000-23400 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, France

New Delhi • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Navitas - UK, Canada, Australia

Study in Canada, UK, Australia • University Visit

Bangalore • 12:00PM

In-Person Event

Canada Application Days 2025

Study in Canada • Application Days

New Delhi • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online

- Live Classes

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

What is GPA? A Complete Guide for Students and Parents

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the number of grading systems in India and wonder why they can’t simply tell marks? Well, you are not alone. Each one...

Updated on • May 01,2025 01:56 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Top scholarships for Indian students to study in the Canada

Beginning the journey of higher education, many bright minds from India set their sights on Canada—a land of academic promise and cultural diversity...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:50 PM IST • Scholarships

MBA Finance in Australia: Universities, Eligibility, Scholarships and Job Opportunities

MBA in Finance in Australia is a 1.5 to 2-year long program offered at multiple institutes across the states of Australia. The program takes the stude...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:46 PM IST • Australia

GMAT vs GRE : Key differences between the tests

The pursuit of a master's degree is an exciting journey, but this path comes with many other difficult choices to be made. One of those choices is sel...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:40 PM IST • Education

Facts to Know Before Studying in Australia

When you decide to pursue your studies in Australia, there are so many things that you should know before actually moving to the country. Kn...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:19 PM IST • Australia

Countries to study MBA abroad in 2024 : Eligibility, Fees, Exams for Indian Students

For ambitious Indian students, an MBA abroad isn't just a degree, it's a way to a global career. MBA is a popular course in the modern world as it ope...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:16 PM IST • Study Abroad

Bachelor's Degrees in the UK- Universities, Courses, Eligibility, and Admission Process

Higher education in the UK is sought after not only by residents of the UK but people around the world. In the UK, the first degree is a bachelor’s ...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 11:49 AM IST • study in the UK

A Guide to calculating CGPA to percentage to study abroad

Assessing one’s academic performance is essential for determining the future course of action. One of the primary reasons to measure this performanc...

Updated on • Apr 26,2025 03:47 PM IST • Study Abroad

SAT Exam 2025: Dates, Registration, Eligibility, and Preparation Tips

Are you dreaming of studying at the top universities in the USA? If yes, then you should definitely know about one important exam, which is the SAT. I...

Updated on • Apr 25,2025 10:39 AM IST • Education

Ireland Student Visa Process 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide & Requirements

Wondering why to study in Ireland?. We will give you numerous reasons to head in that direction. Apart from being one of the most preferred study dest...

Updated on • Apr 19,2025 03:30 PM IST • Ireland

ACT vs. SAT: Which One to Choose?

Many colleges and universities require students to submit scores from the SAT or ACT- both recognized standardized exams as part of the admission proc...

Updated on • Apr 14,2025 01:46 PM IST • Study Abroad

Five Types of IELTS Essays

Love giving opinions? Welcome to IELTS writing task 2. In this task, you get different types of essays, one of which is an opinion essay. There are fi...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 05:53 PM IST • IELTS

Backlog Certificate: A Complete Guide

What is a backlog?In an academic context, a "backlog" refers to a course or subject that a student did not pass on their first attempt during their re...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 01:47 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Apr 09,2025 05:37 PM IST • PTE

Master's in Computer Science in the USA

Silicon Valley in the United States of America has been the global mecca of technology and invention. Every significant technological advancement has ...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 05:59 PM IST • USA

MBA is one of the most sought-after courses worldwide and consistently tops the list of preferred study abroad courses for Indian students. Now, wheth...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 04:47 PM IST • Study Abroad

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 05:50 PM IST • IELTS

How to Get a Job in USA in 2025

USA is not just a great destination for studying abroad, but also for pursuing a full-time job. That’s why the internet is filled with queries like ...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 03:19 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some yea...

Updated on • Apr 01,2025 05:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Student Life in Ireland in 2025

“World-Class Standards, Warmest of Welcomes”. The tagline highlights the ideal balance of a high-quality education and a tremendous, hospitable cu...

Updated on • Mar 29,2025 05:50 PM IST • Ireland

Tenses for IELTS: Achieve High Score in Grammar

Table of Contents

Understanding Tenses

Common English Tenses for IELTS

Here are some examples:

What are the recommended tenses for IELTS?

1. Speaking

For example

2. Writing:

3. Reading and Listening

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online