Grammar for Band 7+

Although [concession], [main clause].

Although technology has many benefits, its overuse can harm mental health.

While [clause A], [clause B].

While some argue that uniforms restrict individuality, others believe they promote equality.

Despite [noun/-ing], [main clause].

Despite significant investment, the results have been disappointing.

[Main clause], which [relative clause].

The government introduced a carbon tax, which led to a 15% reduction in emissions.

Not only [inverted clause], but [clause] also.

Not only does exercise improve physical health, but it also enhances cognitive function.

Zero conditional (facts): If/When [present], [present].

When governments invest in education, crime rates tend to fall.

First conditional (likely): If [present], [will + verb].

If this trend continues, urban areas will face severe overcrowding.

Second conditional (hypothetical): If [past], [would + verb].

If all countries adopted renewable energy, global emissions would decrease dramatically.

Third conditional (past hypothetical): If [had + past participle], [would have + past participle].

If the government had acted sooner, the crisis would have been less severe.

Mixed conditional: If [past], [would + verb now].

If education had been prioritised decades ago, poverty rates would be lower today.

Defining: People who live in cities tend to have better access to healthcare.

Non-defining: Singapore, which has strict environmental laws, is one of the cleanest cities in Asia.

With "where": Countries where education is free report higher literacy rates.

With "whose": Students whose parents are university-educated tend to perform better academically.

Reduced relative: The measures introduced (= which were introduced) by the government proved effective.

It is [noun/adjective] that [clause].

It is education that holds the key to reducing inequality.

What [clause] is [complement].

What many people fail to consider is the long-term economic impact.

The reason why [clause] is that [clause].

The reason why crime rates have fallen is that governments have invested in rehabilitation.

Only by [verb-ing] can [subject] [verb].

Only by addressing the root causes can governments hope to solve this problem.

[Noun phrase] is what [clause].

Equal access to healthcare is what every citizen deserves.

Simple passive: The data is collected / was collected.

Modal passive: This problem can be solved / could be addressed.

Perfect passive: Several measures have been implemented.

Passive with "by": Pollution is largely caused by industrial activity.

Passive reporting: It is widely believed that... / It has been argued that...