The “Be On The Verge Of + Gerund” structure is a powerful expression that frequently appears in IELTS exams, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. Mastering this phrase can significantly enhance your ability to convey imminent actions or states, adding sophistication to your language use. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how you can leverage it to boost your IELTS score.
Understanding “Be on the Verge of + Gerund”
The phrase “be on the verge of + gerund” is used to describe an action or state that is about to happen or is very close to happening. It’s a more formal and dramatic way of expressing imminent occurrences compared to simpler alternatives like “about to” or “going to.”
Formula: Subject + be (conjugated) + on the verge of + verb-ing
Examples:
- The company is on the verge of launching its revolutionary new product.
- Scientists are on the verge of discovering a cure for the disease.
- The old building was on the verge of collapsing when they began renovations.
- After months of negotiations, the two countries were on the verge of signing a peace treaty.
- With the final exams approaching, many students are on the verge of panicking.
In each of these examples, the gerund (verb + -ing) follows “on the verge of,” indicating an action that is just about to occur. This structure emphasizes the immediacy and significance of the impending action.
Verge of Gerund Concept
Applying “Be on the Verge of + Gerund” in IELTS
IELTS Writing Task 2
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using “be on the verge of + gerund” can add sophistication to your essay, especially when discussing trends, developments, or potential future events. Here’s an example paragraph:
“Modern society is on the verge of experiencing a technological revolution that will fundamentally change how we live and work. With artificial intelligence and automation on the verge of transforming numerous industries, governments and educational institutions are on the verge of implementing new policies to prepare the workforce for these imminent changes.”
This paragraph demonstrates how the structure can be used to discuss future developments with a sense of immediacy and importance, which is often required in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
In the Speaking test, particularly in Part 3 where you’re asked to discuss more abstract topics, using “be on the verge of + gerund” can showcase your advanced language skills. For example:
Question: How do you think technology will change education in the future?
Answer: “I believe education is on the verge of undergoing a major transformation due to technological advancements. Many schools are on the verge of adopting virtual reality systems for immersive learning experiences, while traditional textbooks are on the verge of being replaced by interactive digital content. Moreover, personalized learning algorithms are on the verge of revolutionizing how students receive individualized instruction.”
Using this structure in your speaking responses demonstrates a high level of English proficiency and can contribute to achieving a higher band score.
Advanced Usage and Variations
To further elevate your language use in IELTS, consider these advanced applications and variations of the structure:
- Negative form: “The project was not even on the verge of beginning when funding was cut.”
- Questions: “Are we on the verge of witnessing a new era in space exploration?”
- Past perfect: “By the time help arrived, the building had been on the verge of collapse for hours.”
- With modals: “The company might be on the verge of bankruptcy if it doesn’t secure new investors.”
- Passive voice: “A groundbreaking discovery is believed to be on the verge of being announced by researchers.”
These variations demonstrate flexibility in using the structure, which can impress IELTS examiners and contribute to a higher score, particularly in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “be on the verge of + gerund,” be cautious of these common errors:
-
Using an infinitive instead of a gerund:
Incorrect: “They are on the verge to announce the results.”
Correct: “They are on the verge of announcing the results.” -
Omitting “of”:
Incorrect: “The team is on the verge winning the championship.”
Correct: “The team is on the verge of winning the championship.” -
Using with non-imminent actions:
Inappropriate: “I am on the verge of learning English.” (Learning a language is a long process)
Appropriate: “After years of study, I am on the verge of mastering English.” -
Overusing the structure:
While it’s a powerful phrase, using it too frequently in your IELTS responses can seem unnatural. Use it judiciously for maximum impact. -
Incorrect subject-verb agreement:
Incorrect: “The company are on the verge of launching a new product.”
Correct: “The company is on the verge of launching a new product.”
By avoiding these mistakes, you ensure that your use of the structure enhances rather than detracts from your IELTS performance.
Conclusion
Mastering the “be on the verge of + gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. It allows you to express imminent actions or states with sophistication and precision. Practice incorporating this structure into your English usage, being mindful of its correct application and potential variations. Remember, while it’s a valuable tool for demonstrating advanced language skills, it should be used thoughtfully and in appropriate contexts to maximize its impact on your IELTS score.
To further improve your skills, try crafting sentences using this structure about current global issues, technological advancements, or personal achievements. This practice will not only help you internalize the structure but also prepare you for a wide range of potential IELTS topics where discussing imminent changes or developments is crucial.
