Comma Rules for IELTS and PTE Students
- Maher
- Aug 5, 2025
- 3 min read
1. Use a comma after introductory words or phrases
These are words like however, for example, in conclusion, etc.
✅ Correct: In conclusion, people should recycle more. However, this trend has some disadvantages.
❌ Incorrect: In conclusion people should recycle more.
2. Use commas in a list of three or more items
When listing things, separate each item with a comma.
✅ Correct: Students need to practise listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
❌ Incorrect: Students need to practise listening reading writing and speaking.
3. Use a comma before a conjunction in a compound sentence
Use a comma before and, but, so, or, yet, and for when joining two full sentences.
✅ Correct: She studied hard, but she didn’t pass the test. He practised every day, so he
improved quickly.
❌ Incorrect: She studied hard but she didn’t pass the test.
4. Use commas to separate extra information
When you add non-essential (extra) information in the middle of a sentence, use commas to separate it.
✅ Correct: My teacher, who is from Sydney, is very strict. Online courses, which are very popular, are often cheaper.
❌ Incorrect: My teacher who is from Sydney is very strict.
5. Use a comma after a dependent clause at the beginning
When the sentence starts with because, although, if, when, while, etc., use a comma after the first part.
✅ Correct: Although the test was difficult, he passed with a high score. If you practise every day, your score will improve.
❌ Incorrect: Although the test was difficult he passed with a high score.
6. Use a comma before directly addressing someone
When you're speaking to someone in a sentence (called direct address), you must separate their name or title with a comma.
✅ Correct: Let’s eat, Grandma. Thanks, Mike. Sorry, teacher, I forgot my book. Yes, sir, I understand.
❌ Incorrect: Let’s eat Grandma. Thanks Mike. Sorry teacher I forgot my book.
7. Use commas with dates, places and numbers
✅ Correct: I was born on May 5, 1990, in Melbourne, Australia. The population is 1,234,567.
8. Don’t use a comma between the subject and verb
This is a very common mistake among students!
❌ Incorrect: The biggest challenge, is time management. IELTS writing, is very formal.
✅ Correct: The biggest challenge is time management. IELTS writing is very formal.
👇 Bonus Tip:
Using commas correctly shows control of grammar and punctuation, which is part of the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors and PTE Enabling Skills.
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Comma Rules for IELTS and PTE Students are essential for improving grammar accuracy and clarity in writing tasks. Correct comma usage helps candidates structure sentences properly, avoid confusion, and achieve higher scores in writing sections. For students planning to study in Australia, strong writing skills are important not only for meeting IELTS or PTE requirements but also for academic success in assignments and exams. Understanding punctuation rules enhances overall communication, making essays more coherent and professional. By mastering comma usage, students can boost their test performance, meet university language criteria, and feel more confident when they study in Australia.
Understanding comma rules is essential for IELTS and PTE students because punctuation directly impacts clarity, coherence, and overall writing scores. Commas are used to separate clauses, list items, introductory phrases, and non-essential information, helping readers follow your ideas easily. Incorrect or missing commas can change meaning and lower your score, even if your vocabulary and grammar are strong. Practicing comma usage through real examples and academic-style writing is highly recommended. Strong writing mechanics are also important for global applications, including competitive processes like stanford university Admissions, where clear, precise communication reflects academic readiness. Mastering comma rules strengthens both exam performance and future academic writing.
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