TOEFL ITP GRAMMAR
Structure & Written Expression:
10 rules that come back.
In short: Structure questions ask you to complete a sentence; Written Expression questions ask which underlined part is incorrect. With 40 questions in 25 minutes, the fastest method is to find the main subject and verb first, then check the patterns this section tests most: agreement, participle clauses, inversion after negative openers, parallel structure, verb forms after certain verbs, comparatives, word form, articles and plurals, pronouns, and redundancy.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Trestle editorial team, Qoodly
Key takeaways
- Find the main subject and main verb first: many items test a missing or doubled verb.
- About 37 seconds per question: rules must be automatic.
- In Written Expression, check each underlined part against one rule at a time.
The 10 rules
| Rule | Wrong | Right |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Subject–verb agreement | The number of students have grown. | The number of students has grown. |
| 2. Participle clauses | Threatening by rising seas, cities build barriers. | Threatened by rising seas, cities build barriers. |
| 3. Inversion after negatives | Not until 1900 electric light became common. | Not until 1900 did electric light become common. |
| 4. Parallel structure | She likes reading, to swim and hiking. | She likes reading, swimming and hiking. |
| 5. Verb patterns | They suggested to leave early. | They suggested leaving early. |
| 6. Comparatives | This method is more easier. | This method is easier. |
| 7. Word form | The results were surprise. | The results were surprising. |
| 8. Articles and plurals | One of the reason is cost. | One of the reasons is cost. |
| 9. Pronoun agreement | Each country has their own rules. | Each country has its own rules. |
| 10. Redundancy | They returned back home. | They returned home. |
A method for Structure items
- Find the main clauseDoes the sentence already have a subject and a finite verb? If not, the answer must supply what is missing.
- Check the connectorWho/which/that, because/although, and commas decide what kind of clause fits.
- EliminateRemove options with a second main verb, a wrong form or extra words.
A method for Written Expression items
- Check agreement (subject–verb, pronoun–noun) first; it is the most common error.
- Then word form (noun / adjective / adverb) and verb form.
- Then parallel lists and comparisons.
- If nothing jumps out, read the sentence aloud in your head; the odd part usually sounds wrong.
The 10-second grammar challenge is a Structure-style participle-clause question with the rule explained.
Questions
How many questions are in TOEFL ITP Structure and Written Expression?
40 questions in 25 minutes on Level 1.
How can I improve my TOEFL ITP grammar score quickly?
Learn the most-tested patterns, practise short daily sets, name the rule behind every answer and review your mistakes a few days later.
What is the difference between Structure and Written Expression?
Structure items ask you to choose the option that completes a sentence. Written Expression items ask you to find the underlined part that is incorrect.
Sources
Formats and scores can change. Confirm the details for your test date with the test maker before you book.
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