PTE Grammar Guide: Score Breakdown and Improvement Tips

If you want to score high in the PTE exam, grammar is one of the most important skills you must prepare for. Along with vocabulary and spelling, correct grammar helps in framing a good response and reduces errors. When you use correct grammar in your response, it enhances clarity and correctness. But most of the students lack in this and end up losing marks. So here is a guide to score high in grammar.

Why Grammar Matters in PTE Writing

According to Pearson’s exam score guide, in grammar, you will be assessed on a 0-2 scale. A perfect score means your writing shows consistent grammatical control of complex structures, with minimal or no errors. Grammar in PTE isn’t only about being correct—it’s about using structures that reflect control, variety, and clarity. According to Pearson’s official scoring guide:

• You get full marks if you consistently use correct and complex grammatical structures.
• You lose marks for repeated basic mistakes, especially if they affect meaning.
• Partial credit is awarded for minor errors that don’t hinder understanding.

Now, let’s break down the grammar skill performance band-wise and learn how to overcome common mistakes. 

How Grammar Is Scored In PTE Exam

The scoring in PTE exam is done on a scale of 0-2:

• 2 points: “Shows consistent grammatical control of complex language. Errors are rare and difficult to spot.”
• 1 point: “Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. No mistakes which would lead to misunderstandings.”
• 0 points: “Contains mainly simple structures and/or several basic mistakes.”

PTE Score Breakdown in Grammar 

Score Range: Below 50

Where are you going wrong:

• Mistakes in subject-verb agreement.
• Inconsistent verb tenses within the same paragraph.
• Overuse of basic sentence structures.
• Misuse of articles (“a”, “an”, “the”) while framing sentences.

How to Improve:

• Learn grammar, especially tense forms and subject–verb agreement.
• To improve the structure of practice sentence building.  
• While practicing, use apps like Grammarly, Cambridge English, or Grammar Bytes and check where you are lacking.
• Instead of writing long sentences, write short and clear sentences.  
• Read English texts or passages and rewrite passages to practice sentence formation.

Score Range: 50–59

What’s Going Wrong:

• Not following tenses correctly. (For example – “today I went to the market”)
• Issues in sentence framing.
• Grammatically in-correct structure of sentences.
• Not using transition words and articles correctly.

How to Improve:

• Practice joining sentences using correct conjunctions. (Although, However, Because, etc. )
• Try to write complex and compound sentences.
• Know how to use correct punctuations as it will help in framing long sentences.
• Use online writing tools to analyze sentence flow and fix awkward phrasing.
• Take feedback from peers, tutors, or language communities. You can also practice on Gurully.

Score Range: 60–69

What’s Going Wrong:

• Small mistakes in sentences like-‘If I would know’ .
• Not using passive voice correctly in framing sentences.
• Slight mistakes in tense usage and verb patterns.
• Not taking care of punctuation.

How to Improve:

• Hold a strong grip on conditional sentences.
• Use passive voice effectively to enhance the impact of the sentence.
• To increase clarity, practice reordering lines.
• Learn complex grammar like participle phrases or inversions.
• Read articles from the news and rewrite them to absorb advanced grammar naturally.

Score Range: 70 and Above

What’s Going Wrong:

• Minor errors in advanced grammar, e.g., mistakes in using correct gerunds and infinitives.
• Committing preposition errors or not using articles correctly in complex sentences.
• Without any logic, overly using long and complex sentences.

How to Improve:

• Try to polish your writing at the micro levels.
• Practice rewriting sentences in multiple ways to enhance clarity.
• Read complex editorials to understand the usage of advanced conjunctions.
• Use tools for checking grammar and practice consistently on Gurully.

If your grammar isn’t strong, it won’t improve in just 2 or 3 days. Scoring high takes steady, focused effort. Gurully’s free question-wise practice helps you pinpoint your weak areas and understand exactly where you need to improve. You also get full-length mock tests with quick, reliable AI scores. Make use of section-wise tests to build strength in specific areas and track your daily progress.

Conclusion:

To improve grammar for PTE, start by identifying the small mistakes you often miss. Notice your weak spots and pay attention to your strong ones too. The more you read, write, and reflect, the better you get at spotting and fixing errors. With daily practice on Gurully, you’ll gradually build confidence and accuracy. Mock tests not only help you understand the real exam format but also guide you closer to your target score. 

FAQ:

Also Read:

• PTE Pronunciation Score: What It Means and How You
• Secrets To Score High In ‘Vocabulary’ Skill of PTE Exam
• How to Take PTE Mock Test – Get Prepared In Advance