How to Master the “Allow + Object + to + Infinitive” Structure for IELTS Success?

The “Allow + Object + To + Infinitive” structure is a crucial grammar pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and effectively using this structure can significantly enhance your language proficiency and boost your IELTS score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this construction and explore how to apply it across various sections of the IELTS test.

Understanding the “Allow + Object + To + Infinitive” Structure

The “allow + object + to + infinitive” structure is used to express permission or the granting of an opportunity for someone or something to do an action. This versatile construction is commonly found in both formal and informal English, making it particularly relevant for IELTS candidates.

Formula:

Allow + Object + To + Infinitive

For example:

1. The new policy allows students to choose their own research topics.
2. The manager allowed the team to leave early on Friday.
3. The experiment allowed scientists to observe the particle’s behavior.
4. The government allows citizens to vote in national elections.
5. The software allows users to customize their interface.

In each of these examples, the structure follows the formula precisely, with “allow” followed by an object (the person or thing being permitted), then “to,” and finally the infinitive form of the verb (the action being permitted).

Allow Object to Infinitive Structure

Frequency and Importance in IELTS

The “allow + object + to + infinitive” structure frequently appears in all sections of the IELTS exam, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for expressing ideas related to permission, opportunity, and enablement.

In the IELTS Listening and Reading sections, you may encounter this structure in various contexts, such as:

• Academic lectures discussing research methodologies
• Conversations about workplace policies or school rules
• Articles on social issues or technological advancements

For the Writing and Speaking sections, mastering this structure can help you articulate complex ideas more clearly and demonstrate a higher level of grammatical control.

Applying the Structure in IELTS Writing

Task 1 (Academic)

In Task 1 of the Academic Writing module, you might use this structure to describe processes or explain how certain features allow for specific functions. For example:

“The diagram shows how the new recycling system allows waste to be sorted more efficiently. The initial stage allows workers to separate recyclables from non-recyclables.”

Task 2 (Academic and General Training)

For Task 2 essays, this structure can be particularly useful when discussing policies, societal changes, or technological advancements. Consider the following examples:

1. “Modern technology allows people to work from home, which has both advantages and disadvantages.”
2. “Stricter regulations on carbon emissions allow governments to control pollution more effectively.”
3. “The rise of online education allows students to access quality learning resources regardless of their geographical location.”

These sentences demonstrate how the structure can be used to introduce and develop arguments in your essay.

Enhancing IELTS Speaking Performance

In the Speaking test, using the “allow + object + to + infinitive” structure can showcase your grammatical range and accuracy. Here are some ways to incorporate it:

1. Part 1 (Introduction and Interview):
   “My university allows students to participate in various extracurricular activities, which I find very enriching.”

2. Part 2 (Individual Long Turn):
   “The park near my house allows visitors to enjoy nature without leaving the city. It allows children to play safely and allows adults to exercise in a green environment.”

3. Part 3 (Two-way Discussion):
   “I believe that flexible working hours allow employees to balance their work and personal lives more effectively, which can lead to increased productivity.”

Achieving Higher Band Scores

To aim for higher band scores (7 and above), it’s essential to use this structure accurately and in combination with other complex grammatical forms. Compare these examples:

Band 6: “The new law allows people to vote online.”

Band 7-8: “The recently implemented legislation allows eligible citizens to cast their votes electronically, potentially increasing voter turnout.”

Band 9: “The groundbreaking electoral reform, which allows registered voters to participate in elections remotely, not only facilitates greater civic engagement but also promises to revolutionize the democratic process by making it more accessible to a wider demographic.”

Notice how the higher band examples incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary and combine the “allow” structure with other complex grammatical forms.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When using the “allow + object + to + infinitive” structure, IELTS candidates often make the following mistakes:

1. Omitting “to”:
   Incorrect: The teacher allowed us study in the library.
   Correct: The teacher allowed us to study in the library.

2. Using the wrong verb form after “to”:
   Incorrect: The new policy allows employees to working from home.
   Correct: The new policy allows employees to work from home.

3. Confusing “allow” with “let”:
   Incorrect: My parents let me to drive their car.
   Correct: My parents allow me to drive their car. (Or: My parents let me drive their car.)

4. Using a passive construction incorrectly:
   Incorrect: Students are allowed study in the library.
   Correct: Students are allowed to study in the library.

5. Mixing up the word order:
   Incorrect: Allow to the students choose their subjects.
   Correct: Allow the students to choose their subjects.

To avoid these errors, practice using the structure in various contexts and always double-check your sentences to ensure you’ve followed the correct formula.

Conclusion

Mastering the “allow + object + to + infinitive” structure is crucial for IELTS success. By understanding its usage and practicing its application across different contexts, you can enhance your performance in all sections of the IELTS exam. Remember to use this structure in combination with other complex grammatical forms and sophisticated vocabulary to aim for higher band scores. As you prepare for your IELTS test, consider creating your own examples using this structure and incorporate them into practice essays and speaking exercises to solidify your understanding and usage.

To further improve your skills, try to identify this structure in IELTS practice materials and authentic English texts. Pay attention to how it’s used in different contexts and experiment with incorporating it into your own language production. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you’ll be well-equipped to use this structure effectively in your IELTS exam and beyond.