Passive infinitives in future constructions are an essential grammatical concept that IELTS test-takers need to master. This advanced structure not only demonstrates a high level of English proficiency but also adds sophistication to your writing and speaking in the IELTS exam. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this grammatical form and explore how to use it effectively in your IELTS preparation.
Understanding Passive Infinitives in Future Constructions
Passive infinitives in future constructions combine the passive voice with future tense structures. This combination allows speakers to express actions that will be done to someone or something in the future, rather than focusing on who will perform the action.
Basic Structure and Usage
The basic structure for passive infinitives in future constructions is:
Subject + will/be going to + be + past participle
Here are five examples to illustrate this structure:
- “The new hospital will be built by next year.”
- “The exam results are going to be announced tomorrow.”
- “The contract will be signed by both parties next week.”
- “The new policy is going to be implemented starting from January.”
- “The bridge will be renovated over the coming months.”
In each of these sentences, the focus is on the action that will happen in the future, not on who will perform it. This structure is particularly useful in formal writing and speaking tasks in IELTS, where an objective tone is often required.
Applying Passive Infinitives in Future Constructions to IELTS Tasks
IELTS Writing Task 1
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, passive infinitives in future constructions can be extremely useful when describing processes or predicted changes. For example:
“According to the graph, it is projected that by 2030, renewable energy sources will be used to generate 50% of the country’s electricity.”
This sentence demonstrates a sophisticated use of grammar while clearly conveying future predictions based on data.
IELTS Writing Task 2
In Task 2 essays, this structure can help you present arguments and discuss future implications. Consider this example:
“If current trends continue, it is likely that stricter environmental regulations will be implemented by governments worldwide.”
Using passive infinitives in future constructions allows you to discuss potential future actions without specifying the actors, which is often appropriate in academic writing.
IELTS Speaking
In the speaking test, using this structure can showcase your advanced grammar skills. For instance, when discussing future plans for your city:
“I’ve heard that a new public transportation system is going to be developed in my city over the next five years. It’s exciting to think about how traffic congestion will be reduced as a result.”
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
When using passive infinitives in future constructions, IELTS candidates often make the following mistakes:
- Incorrect word order: “The book will built be” instead of “The book will be built.”
- Forgetting ‘be’: “The project will finished” instead of “The project will be finished.”
- Using the wrong form of the main verb: “The house will be build” instead of “The house will be built.”
To avoid these errors, practice constructing sentences with this structure regularly and always double-check your word order and verb forms.
Enhancing Your IELTS Score with Passive Infinitives in Future Constructions
Using passive infinitives in future constructions correctly can significantly boost your IELTS score, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. Here’s how this structure can help you achieve different band scores:
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Band 6: Basic use of the structure with some errors.
Example: “The city will changed in the future.” -
Band 7: Correct use of the structure in simple contexts.
Example: “The city will be changed significantly in the coming years.” -
Band 8-9: Sophisticated and error-free use in various contexts.
Example: “It is anticipated that the cityscape will be dramatically transformed over the next decade, with numerous skyscrapers set to be erected and an extensive public transport network to be implemented.”
To reach the higher bands, practice using this structure in combination with other advanced grammatical forms and a wide range of vocabulary.
Practical Exercises for IELTS Preparation
To master passive infinitives in future constructions, try these exercises:
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Rewrite active sentences in passive future form:
- “They will build a new airport.” → “A new airport will be built.”
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Complete sentences using the correct form:
- “By 2025, renewable energy sources ___ (use) more widely.”
Answer: “By 2025, renewable energy sources will be used more widely.”
- “By 2025, renewable energy sources ___ (use) more widely.”
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Write a paragraph about future changes in your city or country, using at least three passive infinitives in future constructions.
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Practice speaking about future global issues using this structure, such as:
“It is expected that climate change policies will be strengthened globally in the coming years.”
By incorporating these exercises into your IELTS preparation, you’ll become more comfortable with passive infinitives in future constructions and be able to use them effectively in your exam.
Conclusion
Mastering passive infinitives in future constructions is a valuable skill for IELTS success. This grammatical structure allows you to discuss future events and processes with sophistication and precision. Remember to practice regularly, paying attention to word order and verb forms. By incorporating this advanced structure into your IELTS Writing and Speaking responses, you’ll demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and increase your chances of achieving a higher band score.
For further practice, consider working on related grammatical structures such as conditional sentences and perfect tenses, which often appear alongside passive infinitives in future constructions in high-scoring IELTS responses.