The structure “intend to + infinitive” is a common and useful grammatical pattern that often appears in IELTS exams. Understanding how to use this structure correctly can help you express your future plans and intentions more accurately, potentially boosting your score in both the writing and speaking sections. Let’s dive into the details of this grammatical construction and explore how to apply it effectively in your IELTS preparation.
Understanding “Intend to + Infinitive”
The phrase “intend to + infinitive” is used to express a plan or intention to do something in the future. It’s a more formal way of expressing future plans compared to structures like “going to” or “will.” This formality makes it particularly suitable for academic writing and formal speaking contexts, which are crucial in IELTS.
Examples:
- “I intend to pursue a master’s degree after completing my bachelor’s.”
- “The government intends to implement new environmental policies next year.”
- “We intend to address this issue in our upcoming meeting.”
In each of these examples, the speaker is expressing a clear intention or plan for the future, using the structure “intend to + [verb in infinitive form]”.
Intend to Infinitive Structure
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Grammatical Structure
The basic structure is:
Subject + intend(s) to + verb (in infinitive form) + [rest of the sentence]
It’s important to note that “intend” changes form based on the subject and tense:
- I/You/We/They intend to…
- He/She/It intends to…
- I intended to… (past tense)
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using “intend to + infinitive” can help you express your ideas more formally and precisely, especially when discussing future plans or hypothetical scenarios.
Example paragraph:
“Many governments intend to invest heavily in renewable energy sources in the coming decades. They intend to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and intend to create a more sustainable future. However, some critics argue that these intentions may not be enough, and that governments should intend to implement more aggressive policies to combat climate change.”
Analysis: In this paragraph, the repeated use of “intend to” helps to maintain a formal tone while discussing future plans and potential actions. It’s particularly useful in Task 2 essays that discuss government policies, societal changes, or personal aspirations.
Application in IELTS Speaking
In the IELTS Speaking test, using “intend to + infinitive” can demonstrate a higher level of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge, particularly in Part 3 where more abstract and hypothetical topics are discussed.
Example response to “What are your plans after finishing your studies?”:
“After completing my degree, I intend to gain some practical experience in my field. I intend to apply for internships at leading companies in the industry. In the long term, I intend to start my own business, but I realize that I need to build up my skills and network first.”
Analysis: This response uses “intend to” multiple times to outline a clear and structured plan for the future, demonstrating good use of grammar and vocabulary.
Achieving Higher Scores with “Intend to + Infinitive”
To score higher in IELTS, it’s not just about using the structure correctly, but also about using it appropriately and in conjunction with other advanced structures.
Band 6-7 Usage:
At this level, candidates can use “intend to + infinitive” correctly but might rely on it too heavily or use it in somewhat repetitive ways.
Example: “I intend to study abroad. I intend to improve my English skills. I also intend to make new friends.”
Band 7.5-8 Usage:
At higher levels, candidates can use “intend to + infinitive” alongside other structures to create more varied and sophisticated sentences.
Example: “While I intend to study abroad to enhance my language skills, my primary goal is to immerse myself in a different culture. This experience, I believe, will not only improve my English proficiency but also broaden my perspectives, thereby preparing me for a career in international relations.”
Band 8.5-9 Usage:
At the highest levels, candidates can seamlessly integrate “intend to + infinitive” with other advanced structures and idiomatic expressions.
Example: “Although I initially intended to pursue a career in finance, my recent internship has led me to reconsider my options. Now, I’m leaning towards a path in sustainable development, as I believe it aligns more closely with my long-term goal of making a tangible impact on global issues.”
IELTS Band Score Comparison
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using “to” twice:
Incorrect: “I intend to to study abroad.”
Correct: “I intend to study abroad.”Using the -ing form instead of the infinitive:
Incorrect: “They intend studying the effects of climate change.”
Correct: “They intend to study the effects of climate change.”Using it with immediate actions:
Incorrect: “I intend to leave now.” (This sounds unnatural for immediate actions)
Better: “I’m leaving now.” or “I’m about to leave.”Overuse in informal contexts:
While “intend to” is great for formal writing, overusing it in the speaking test, especially in Part 1, might sound unnatural.
Instead of: “I intend to have dinner with my family tonight.”
More natural: “I’m planning to have dinner with my family tonight.”Forgetting to change the verb form for third person singular in present tense:
Incorrect: “He intend to apply for the job.”
Correct: “He intends to apply for the job.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “intend to + infinitive” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It allows you to express future plans and intentions in a formal and sophisticated manner, which is particularly valuable in the Writing and Speaking sections. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts, and try to combine it with other advanced grammatical patterns to achieve higher band scores. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider incorporating this structure into your essays and speaking responses, especially when discussing future plans, goals, or hypothetical scenarios.
To further improve your skills, try creating sentences using “intend to + infinitive” for different topics that might appear in IELTS, such as education, environment, technology, or social issues. This practice will help you become more comfortable with the structure and use it naturally during the exam.