The “Get Around To + Gerund” structure is a valuable linguistic tool that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding its usage can significantly enhance your performance across various sections of the test. Let’s delve into this structure and explore how to effectively incorporate it into your IELTS preparation.

Understanding the “Get Around to + Gerund” Structure

The phrase “get around to” followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) is used to express the idea of finally doing something that you have been intending or needing to do for some time. It implies that the action was postponed or delayed, often due to other priorities or procrastination.

Formula: Subject + get/gets/got around to + verb-ing

Examples:

1. I finally got around to cleaning my room after weeks of procrastination.
2. She never gets around to exercising despite her New Year’s resolution.
3. When will you get around to fixing the leaky faucet?
4. They got around to discussing the project details after the meeting.
5. I hope to get around to reading that book you recommended soon.

IELTS preparation tasks

Frequency in IELTS and Usage across Test Sections

The “get around to + gerund” structure is particularly relevant for IELTS, as it allows candidates to express time management, priorities, and the completion of tasks – themes often explored in the exam. While it may not be a high-frequency item, its appropriate use can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English.

IELTS Writing Task 2

In essay writing, this structure can be effectively used to discuss personal habits, societal trends, or time management issues.

Example:
“In today’s fast-paced society, many individuals struggle to get around to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This often results in neglecting important aspects of personal well-being, such as exercise and social interactions.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2

When describing personal experiences or habits, this structure can add depth to your response.

Example:
“I’ve always wanted to learn a musical instrument, but I never seemed to get around to starting lessons. It wasn’t until last year that I finally got around to buying a guitar and committing to regular practice.”

IELTS Listening

You might encounter this structure in conversations about planning or discussing completed tasks.

Example:
“Speaker A: Have you finished the report yet?
Speaker B: I’m afraid I haven’t got around to it yet. I’ve been swamped with other assignments.”

Mastering the Structure for Higher Band Scores

To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and in appropriate contexts. Here’s how you can elevate your usage:

1. Combine with time expressions:
   “After months of delay, I finally got around to renewing my passport.”

2. Use in complex sentences:
   “Although I had intended to start my research earlier, I only got around to gathering sources last week, which has put me behind schedule.”

3. Employ in hypothetical situations:
   “If I had gotten around to studying earlier, I might have achieved a better grade.”

4. Utilize in passive voice (less common but impressive):
   “The renovations were meant to be completed last year, but they’ve only just been gotten around to.”

5. Incorporate into reported speech:
   “She told me she had finally gotten around to applying for the job I recommended.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect verb form:
   ❌ “I will get around to to clean the garage.”
   ✅ “I will get around to cleaning the garage.”

2. Misusing tenses:
   ❌ “I get around to finish the project yesterday.”
   ✅ “I got around to finishing the project yesterday.”

3. Forgetting the “to”:
   ❌ “She never gets around calling her parents.”
   ✅ “She never gets around to calling her parents.”

4. Using with immediate actions:
   ❌ “I’ll get around to answering the phone right now.”
   ✅ “I’ll answer the phone right now.”
   (Note: “Get around to” implies a delay, so it’s not suitable for immediate actions.)

5. Overusing the structure:
   While it’s a useful phrase, overuse can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonymous expressions like “finally managed to,” “eventually did,” or “at last found time to.”

Conclusion

Mastering the “get around to + gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance by demonstrating a nuanced understanding of English expressions related to time management and task completion. Practice incorporating this structure into your responses for various IELTS tasks, but remember to use it judiciously and in appropriate contexts.

To further improve your grasp of this structure, try creating sentences about your own experiences with delayed tasks or long-term goals. Additionally, you might encounter similar themes in IELTS questions about work-life balance, time management in academic settings, or discussions about procrastination and productivity in modern society.

For more IELTS preparation tips, you might find these articles helpful:

• How to Promote Mental Health for Families – This topic could provide opportunities to discuss getting around to addressing mental health issues.
• Challenges of Data Protection in the Digital Age – You could explore how companies or individuals get around to implementing data protection measures.
• Societal Impacts of Crime Rates – This could be linked to discussions about getting around to addressing social issues in communities.

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to varied contexts will help you internalize this structure, enabling you to use it naturally and effectively in your IELTS exam.