10 English sentence mistakes that lower your score!

Fix these common English word order mistakes and improve your English test score.

Get your word order correct. Think in English!

1. it is + adjective + infinitive verb (to ...)

1. USEFUL -- TO KNOW

   1. It would be useful to know what format the speaking test takes.

   2. It's better to practise every day for 10 minutes than once a week for an hour.

2. verb + dummy object (it) + if + you could ...

1. APPRECIATE -- IT -- IF -- YOU COULD/CAN

   1. I'd appreciate it if you could listen more carefully.

   2. The teacher appreciates it if we can do our homework on time.

3. it is + likely + that + subject + will/won't + verb

1. LIKELY -- THAT -- YOU'LL BE ...

   1. I think it's likely that you'll be reading for hours when you're a university student.

   2. It's unlikely that the travel restrictions will be lifted soon.

4. it + looks + as if + subject + will/won't + verb

1. IT LOOKS -- AS IF -- YOU'LL ...

   1. It looks as if you'll pass the test.

   2. It looks as if it'll rain.

5. help + infinitive verb (to ...)

1. HELP -- TO GO THROUGH

   1. It might help to go through all the speaking skills and practise with a partner.

   2. It helps to fold the egg whites gently rather than mix them.

6. adjective + wh-/how clause

1. SURPRISING -- HOW FEW -- PEOPLE -- KNOW...

   1. It's surprising how few people know about the damaging environmental impact of livestock farming.

   2. It's shocking to hear how many people were killed in the tsunami.

7. adjective + for people + infinitive verb (to ...)

1. DIFFICULT -- FOR YOUNG PEOPLE -- TO IMAGINE ...

   1. It's quite difficult for young people to imagine the life their grandparents led.

   2. It's easier for bilingual children to learn a third language.

8. take + time + infinitive verb (to ...)

1. TAKES -- AGES (a long time) -- TO MAKE sth

   1. It takes ages to make a good Christmas cake.

   2. It only takes 10 minutes to reach the city centre by train.

9. noun + to be able + infinitive verb (to ...)

1. AN ADVANTAGE -- TO BE ABLE -- TO SPEAK ...

   1. It's certainly an advantage to be able to speak more than one language.

   2. It's definitely a mistake to not practise in English just before the test.

10. find + dummy object + that + clause

1. FIND -- IT -- AWFUL -- THAT ...

   1. I find it upsetting that international students can still not enter my country.

   2. I find it amazing that sea turtles can lay 100 eggs in one nest.