The expression “Be Proud Of + Gerund/noun” is a common and versatile structure that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and using this phrase correctly can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you achieve higher scores across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this grammatical structure and explore how to effectively incorporate it into your IELTS responses.

Understanding the Structure and Its Significance in IELTS

The phrase “be proud of” is typically followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) or a noun. This structure is used to express a sense of satisfaction, pleasure, or honor in one’s own or someone else’s achievements, qualities, or possessions. In IELTS, this expression can be particularly useful in the Speaking and Writing sections, where candidates are often required to discuss personal experiences, accomplishments, or opinions.

Examples:

1. I am proud of achieving my academic goals. (gerund)
2. My parents are proud of my success in the competition. (noun)
3. She is proud of having overcome her fear of public speaking. (gerund phrase)
4. We should be proud of our cultural heritage. (noun phrase)
5. The company is proud of developing environmentally friendly products. (gerund)

In each of these examples, the structure “be proud of” is followed by either a gerund or a noun, demonstrating the flexibility of this phrase in various contexts.

Be Proud of Structure

Grammar Rules and Usage in IELTS

Formula and Grammatical Structure

The basic formula for this structure is:

[Subject] + [be] + proud of + [gerund/noun]

It’s important to note that the verb “be” should agree with the subject in tense and number. For instance:

• I am proud of… (present simple, first person singular)
• She was proud of… (past simple, third person singular)
• They will be proud of… (future simple, third person plural)

Application in Different IELTS Sections

1. IELTS Speaking:
   In the speaking test, you can use this structure to discuss personal achievements or cultural aspects you admire. For example:

   “I am proud of learning three languages. It has opened up many opportunities for me both personally and professionally.”

2. IELTS Writing Task 1:
   While less common in Task 1, you might use this structure in certain graph descriptions:

   “The company can be proud of increasing its market share by 15% over the past year, as shown in the graph.”

3. IELTS Writing Task 2:
   This structure can be effectively used in opinion essays or when discussing societal achievements:

   “Nations should be proud of preserving their natural resources, as this contributes to global environmental sustainability.”

Sample Passages and Analysis

Speaking Part 2 Sample Answer

Question: Describe an achievement you are proud of.

“I’d like to talk about an achievement I’m particularly proud of, which is completing a marathon last year. Training for and running the marathon was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I am proud of developing the discipline to stick to a rigorous training schedule for six months. Moreover, I am proud of overcoming the mental and physical barriers I encountered during the race. Finishing the marathon taught me the value of perseverance and self-belief. This achievement has made me more confident in tackling other life challenges, and I’m proud of applying these lessons to my professional life as well.”

Analysis: In this sample answer, the structure “be proud of + gerund/noun” is used multiple times, showcasing various achievements related to the marathon experience. The use of gerunds after “proud of” (completing, developing, overcoming, finishing, applying) effectively emphasizes the process and actions involved in the achievement.

Writing Task 2 Sample Paragraph

Topic: Some people think that parents should be proud of their children’s achievements, while others believe this might have negative effects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

“While it is natural for parents to be proud of their children’s accomplishments, excessive pride can indeed have detrimental effects. On one hand, parents who express pride in their children’s achievements can boost their offspring’s self-esteem and motivation. For instance, a child whose parents are proud of their academic performance may be encouraged to maintain high standards. However, an overemphasis on pride can lead to undue pressure and anxiety. Children might feel compelled to constantly seek parental approval, potentially sacrificing their own interests and well-being. Moreover, parents who are overly proud of their children’s successes might inadvertently neglect areas where their children need support and improvement. Therefore, while it is important for parents to acknowledge and celebrate their children’s achievements, they should strike a balance, ensuring that their pride does not overshadow the child’s individual growth and happiness.”

Analysis: This paragraph effectively uses the “be proud of + gerund/noun” structure to discuss both perspectives of the argument. The phrase is used in different forms to maintain variety while addressing the topic comprehensively.

Strategies for Achieving Higher Band Scores

To achieve higher band scores in IELTS using this structure, consider the following strategies:

1. Vary your vocabulary: Instead of always using “proud,” incorporate synonyms like “pleased,” “delighted,” or “honored.” For example:

   • I am delighted with my progress in English.
   • The team is honored to have received the award.

2. Use complex sentence structures: Combine “be proud of” with other clauses for more sophisticated expressions:

   • “Despite the challenges we faced, we are proud of having completed the project on time.”

3. Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Enhance your language use with related idioms:

   • “Our company takes pride in delivering high-quality products.”
   • “She wears her achievements like a badge of honor.”

4. Apply the structure to different contexts: Demonstrate versatility by using the phrase in various situations:

   • Personal achievements: “I am proud of obtaining my master’s degree.”
   • National pride: “Our country is proud of its rich cultural heritage.”
   • Professional accomplishments: “The research team is proud of discovering a new species.”

5. Use passive voice for variation:

   • “The innovation is widely regarded as something to be proud of in the scientific community.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect use of preposition:

   • Incorrect: “I am proud for winning the competition.”
   • Correct: “I am proud of winning the competition.”

2. Using an infinitive instead of a gerund:

   • Incorrect: “She is proud of to graduate with honors.”
   • Correct: “She is proud of graduating with honors.”

3. Forgetting to change the verb form in reported speech:

   • Incorrect: “He said he is proud of his team’s performance.”
   • Correct: “He said he was proud of his team’s performance.”

4. Overuse of the structure:
   While it’s a useful phrase, overusing it can make your language repetitive. Vary your expressions to maintain engagement and demonstrate a wider vocabulary range.

5. Mismatching tenses:

   • Incorrect: “They were proud of achieving their goals next year.”
   • Correct: “They will be proud of achieving their goals next year.”

Conclusion

Mastering the “be proud of + gerund/noun” structure can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. By understanding its correct usage, varying your vocabulary, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your speaking and writing responses. Remember to practice using this structure in different contexts and tenses to become more comfortable with it. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider creating your own examples and incorporating them into practice essays or speaking exercises to solidify your understanding and usage of this versatile grammatical structure.