The structure “prevent someone from + gerund” is a crucial grammatical pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and using this structure correctly can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into its usage and explore how to effectively apply it in your IELTS preparation.
Understanding the Structure and Its Significance in IELTS
The “prevent someone from + gerund” structure is used to express the act of stopping or hindering someone from doing something. It’s a common construction in academic and professional English, making it particularly relevant for IELTS candidates.
Examples:
- The new regulations prevent companies from polluting the environment.
- Strict security measures prevent terrorists from entering the country.
- The heavy rain prevented us from completing the outdoor project on time.
- Parents should prevent children from spending too much time on social media.
- The government’s policies aim to prevent inflation from rising uncontrollably.
In these examples, the structure clearly shows the action being stopped (gerund) and who or what is being prevented (someone/something). This precision is valuable in IELTS, where clarity and accuracy are key.
Prevent from gerund structure
Grammar Formula and IELTS Application
The formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + prevent + [object] + from + [gerund]
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, this structure can be used to discuss social issues, government policies, or personal choices:
- “Governments should prevent companies from exploiting natural resources.”
- “Education can prevent young people from making poor career choices.”
Application in IELTS Speaking
For IELTS Speaking, you can use this structure to express opinions or describe situations:
- “In my opinion, stricter laws can prevent drivers from using their phones while driving.”
- “My busy schedule often prevents me from spending quality time with my family.”
Application in IELTS Reading
In IELTS Reading, recognizing this structure can help you quickly identify key information:
- “The study suggests that regular exercise can prevent obesity from becoming a nationwide epidemic.”
Application in IELTS Listening
For IELTS Listening, being familiar with this structure helps in catching important details:
- “The safety features prevent accidents from occurring in the workplace.”
Sample Passages and Analysis
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample:
Topic: Environmental Protection
“Many believe that stricter regulations are necessary to prevent industries from causing environmental damage. While some argue that this may hamper economic growth, I believe that protecting our planet should be the priority.
Firstly, stringent laws can prevent companies from dumping toxic waste into rivers and oceans. This not only prevents marine life from being harmed but also ensures clean water sources for communities. Additionally, emission controls prevent factories from releasing harmful pollutants into the air, thus preventing respiratory diseases from affecting the population.
However, opponents argue that such regulations prevent businesses from expanding, potentially leading to job losses. Nevertheless, I contend that these measures actually encourage innovation, preventing the economy from becoming overly dependent on unsustainable practices.”
Analysis: This passage effectively uses the “prevent from + gerund” structure multiple times to discuss environmental protection. It demonstrates how this structure can be used to express cause and effect relationships, which is crucial for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample:
Question: Describe a time when you were prevented from doing something you wanted to do.
“I remember a time when I was prevented from attending my best friend’s wedding. It was last summer, and I had been looking forward to the event for months. However, just a week before the wedding, I contracted a severe case of flu.
My doctor strictly advised me to stay home, effectively preventing me from traveling to the wedding venue, which was in another city. This illness not only prevented me from witnessing my friend’s special day but also prevented me from enjoying the reunion with other old friends that was planned.
Despite my disappointment, I realized that my absence prevented the newlyweds and other guests from being exposed to my illness. In the end, while I was sad to miss the event, I understood that sometimes circumstances prevent us from doing things we really want to, and it’s important to prioritize health and safety.”
Analysis: This speaking sample demonstrates how to use the “prevent from + gerund” structure in a personal narrative. It shows variation in sentence structure and vocabulary, which are key factors in achieving a high band score in IELTS Speaking.
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores (7+), consider these advanced applications:
Use with passive voice: “Steps are being taken to prevent the species from becoming extinct.”
Combine with other complex structures: “Not only did the new policy prevent inflation from spiraling out of control, but it also stimulated economic growth.”
Use in conditionals: “If we had implemented better security measures, we could have prevented the data from being breached.”
Incorporate into reported speech: “The expert warned that failure to act would prevent future generations from enjoying a stable climate.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect verb form after ‘from’:
- Incorrect: “The rain prevented us from to complete the project.”
- Correct: “The rain prevented us from completing the project.”
Omitting ‘from’:
- Incorrect: “This will prevent students cheating in exams.”
- Correct: “This will prevent students from cheating in exams.”
Using the wrong subject:
- Incorrect: “The lock prevents from entering unauthorized personnel.”
- Correct: “The lock prevents unauthorized personnel from entering.”
Confusing ‘prevent’ with ‘avoid’:
- Incorrect: “I avoid from making the same mistake.”
- Correct: “I avoid making the same mistake.” (Or: “I prevent myself from making the same mistake.”)
Conclusion
Mastering the “prevent someone from + gerund” structure is essential for IELTS success. It allows you to express complex ideas about prevention and causation accurately. Practice incorporating this structure into your writing and speaking to enhance your language proficiency and boost your IELTS scores.
Remember to use it in various contexts, such as discussing social issues, personal experiences, or hypothetical situations. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar, which is crucial for achieving high band scores across all sections of the IELTS exam.