The phrase “be inclined to + infinitive” is a useful grammatical structure that can help you express tendencies or preferences in a sophisticated manner. This structure is particularly valuable for IELTS candidates aiming to showcase their advanced language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively use this phrase in your IELTS exam.
Understanding “Be Inclined to + Infinitive”
The phrase “be inclined to + infinitive” is used to express a tendency, preference, or likelihood to do something. It’s a more formal and nuanced way of saying “tend to” or “be likely to.”
Formula: Subject + be + inclined + to + base form of verb
Examples:
- I am inclined to agree with the expert’s opinion on climate change.
- Scientists are inclined to believe that this new treatment could be a breakthrough.
- The government is inclined to implement stricter regulations on carbon emissions.
Frequency in IELTS Exams
While not extremely common, this structure does appear in IELTS exams, particularly in Reading and Listening sections. It’s also a valuable phrase for candidates to use in their Writing and Speaking tasks to demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
How to Use “Be Inclined to + Infinitive” in IELTS Writing
Incorporating this structure in your IELTS Writing can help you achieve a higher band score by showcasing your ability to use advanced grammatical structures accurately.
Task 2 Essay Example
Consider this example in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay about technology’s impact on society:
“While some people are inclined to view technological advancements as entirely positive, I am more inclined to take a balanced approach. Although technology has undoubtedly improved many aspects of our lives, we should also be aware of its potential drawbacks. For instance, social media companies are inclined to prioritize user engagement over mental health concerns, which can lead to addiction and decreased well-being.”
Analysis:
- “are inclined to view” expresses a general tendency among some people
- “am more inclined to take” shows the writer’s personal preference
- “are inclined to prioritize” describes the tendency of companies
Using this structure allows you to express nuanced opinions and tendencies, which can help you achieve a higher band score in the ‘Lexical Resource’ and ‘Grammatical Range and Accuracy’ criteria.
Applying “Be Inclined to + Infinitive” in IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, using this structure can demonstrate your ability to express opinions and tendencies fluently and accurately.
Part 2 Example (Cue Card)
Topic: Describe a decision you made that you were happy about.
“I’d like to talk about a decision I made regarding my career path. Initially, I was inclined to pursue a traditional corporate job after graduation, as that seemed to be the safe choice. However, after much consideration, I realized I was more inclined to start my own business. This decision made me incredibly happy because it aligned with my entrepreneurial spirit and desire for autonomy.”
Part 3 Example (Discussion)
Question: Do you think young people today are more inclined to take risks in their careers compared to previous generations?
“That’s an interesting question. I am inclined to believe that young people today are indeed more willing to take career risks compared to previous generations. This tendency might be due to several factors. Firstly, the job market has become more dynamic and uncertain, so young people are inclined to create their own opportunities rather than relying on traditional career paths. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy and digital nomadism has made unconventional career choices more accessible and appealing.”
Tips for Using “Be Inclined to + Infinitive” to Boost Your IELTS Score
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Use it to express personal opinions: “I am inclined to believe that environmental protection should be a global priority.”
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Describe trends or tendencies: “Consumers are increasingly inclined to choose eco-friendly products.”
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Compare preferences: “While some people are inclined to save money, others are more inclined to spend it immediately.”
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Discuss probabilities: “Given the current economic climate, the central bank is inclined to lower interest rates.”
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Express cautious agreement: “While I see your point, I am more inclined to agree with the opposing view.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using the wrong verb form:
Incorrect: “She is inclined going to the gym every day.”
Correct: “She is inclined to go to the gym every day.” -
Confusing with similar phrases:
Be careful not to confuse “be inclined to” with “be prone to” or “be apt to,” which have slightly different connotations. -
Overuse:
While it’s a useful structure, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonymous expressions. -
Incorrect subject-verb agreement:
Incorrect: “The data is inclined to support our hypothesis.”
Correct: “The data are inclined to support our hypothesis.” -
Using it with stative verbs:
Incorrect: “I am inclined to know the answer.”
Correct: “I am inclined to think I know the answer.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be inclined to + infinitive” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. It allows you to express tendencies and preferences with sophistication, potentially boosting your band score. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts related to common IELTS topics such as education, technology, environment, and social issues. By incorporating this phrase naturally into your language, you’ll demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency to the examiners.
For further practice, try using this structure when discussing topics like globalization, healthcare reforms, or the future of work. These complex subjects often require nuanced expressions of tendencies and preferences, making “be inclined to + infinitive” a valuable tool in your IELTS preparation.