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Adverbs & Adjectives

Both Task 1 and Task 2

Using a range of precise adverbs and adjectives demonstrates Lexical Resource and helps avoid repetition — a key requirement for Band 7+.

Adverbs of degree and manner are essential for describing trends accurately in Task 1.

Rules

Strong change: dramatically, sharply, steeply, significantly, substantially, considerably
Moderate change: moderately, notably, markedly, noticeably
Small change: slightly, marginally, gradually, gently, modestly
Continuous change: steadily, consistently, continuously, progressively
Sudden change: abruptly, rapidly, swiftly, suddenly
Sequence adverbs: initially, subsequently, eventually, ultimately, thereafter

Examples

✓

Sales figures rose sharply between 2010 and 2015.

Sharp = large and fast

✓

The proportion of elderly people increased steadily over the period.

Steady = consistent, gradual

✓

Unemployment fell marginally in 2019, by less than one percent.

Marginal = very small

Common grammar mistakes — avoid these in your IELTS essays

✕Do NOT overuse 'very' — replace with stronger adverbs: significantly, considerably, substantially

✕Do NOT use 'big' or 'small' — use significant, considerable, substantial, marginal, modest, dramatic

✕Do NOT use 'good' or 'bad' in academic writing — use beneficial, advantageous, detrimental, harmful

✕Do NOT confuse adverbs and adjectives (e.g. NOT 'the increase was dramatic quick' — 'was dramatic and quick' or 'increased dramatically and quickly')

✕Do NOT use 'a lot' in formal writing — use considerably, significantly, substantially, greatly

✕Do NOT stack multiple adjectives before a noun unless they work naturally together