Why Grammar & Vocabulary Matter More Than You Think
When most students think of PTE, they rush to practice speaking fluently or solving tricky reorder paragraphs. But what often gets ignored — and quietly drags down scores — is weak grammar and a limited vocabulary.
Whether you’re writing an essay or responding to a short question, grammar and vocabulary are the foundation of your communication. Even the smartest ideas can fall flat if the sentence structure is shaky or the word choice is off. If you’re aiming for 65, 79, or even higher, polishing these two areas is non-negotiable.
Grammar in PTE: It’s More Than Just Tenses
Let’s bust a myth: grammar isn’t just about past, present, and future tenses. In the PTE Academic exam, grammar affects how clearly, accurately, and fluently you express your thoughts. From writing to speaking, the system scores you on your ability to construct grammatically correct and well-structured sentences.
Here’s what you must master:
✅ Subject-Verb Agreement
- “The data shows” vs. “The data show” — one wrong verb can change your score.
✅ Articles & Prepositions
- Small words like “a,” “an,” and “the” are often overlooked — but they carry weight in PTE writing and speaking.
✅ Sentence Structure
- Knowing how to frame compound and complex sentences helps you sound fluent and academic, especially in tasks like Summarize Written Text or Essay Writing.
✅ Verb Tense Consistency
- Inconsistent tenses are a red flag in Write from Dictation and Describe Image.
✅ Punctuation and Capitalization
- Yes, even your commas and full stops can impact your readability and coherence scores.
Vocabulary for PTE: It’s Not About Big Words
A lot of students believe that using complex or ‘fancy’ words will impress the algorithm. But PTE is about precision and appropriateness, not complexity. The trick is to use the right word, not the longest one.
Here’s how vocabulary impacts your score:
🔹 Lexical Resource in Writing
Using a varied but relevant vocabulary improves your essay and summary quality. For example, using “significant” instead of “big” can show better command over language.
🔹 Oral Fluency in Speaking
A limited vocabulary can lead to hesitation or repetition — both of which can reduce your fluency score.
🔹 Understanding Complex Sentences
Strong vocabulary improves reading comprehension — especially in tasks like Reading: Fill in the Blanks and Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer.
How to Improve Grammar & Vocabulary for PTE
1. Read Like a Learner
- Make reading part of your routine — newspapers, academic blogs, or opinion pieces. Highlight new words and note sentence structures.
2. Use AI-Scored Tools
- Platforms like The PTE Guru offer real-time grammar analysis and vocabulary feedback, helping you see where your writing or speaking needs work.
3. Practice Targeted Exercises
- Don’t just do random grammar worksheets. Focus on high-impact areas like verb forms, connectors, collocations, and commonly confused words (like affect vs effect).
4. Keep a Personal Error Log
- Each time you get something wrong — grammar or vocab — write it down with the correction and a sample sentence. Review it regularly.
5. Speak & Write Daily
- Practice isn’t just for mock tests. Describe your day out loud. Write a short summary of a video you watched. Daily habits build natural fluency.
Must-Know Grammar & Vocabulary Topics for PTE
| Grammar Topics | Vocabulary Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Tenses & Modals | Academic Collocations |
| Sentence Fragments | Topic-specific Terms (e.g. tech, health) |
| Conditionals | Common Idioms & Phrases |
| Active vs Passive Voice | Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Reported Speech | Context-based Word Choice |
Final Thoughts: Your Score Starts with a Sentence
Scoring high on the PTE isn’t about memorizing templates or rushing through mock tests. It starts with mastering the language itself — and that means sharpening your grammar and expanding your vocabulary. The PTE Guru’s AI tools and expert trainers are designed to guide you through both.
If you’re serious about your score, don’t ignore the basics. Build your core, and the results will follow.
Ready to Fix Your Grammar and Boost Your Vocab?
Start your journey with The PTE Guru’s free diagnostic test and get personalized feedback on your grammar and vocabulary today.
