Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives correctly can significantly boost your IELTS score, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. Let’s explore how to master these essential grammar structures for more natural and fluent English expression.
Understanding the Basics: Gerunds vs. Infinitives
Gerunds (-ing forms) and infinitives (to + base verb) are fundamental structures that often confuse IELTS candidates. For those looking to enhance their grammar accuracy, how to improve IELTS writing grammar accuracy provides comprehensive guidance.
Common Patterns with Gerunds
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After prepositions
- I’m interested in learning English
- She’s committed to achieving a high score
- They succeeded by practicing regularly
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As subjects
- Studying abroad improves language skills
- Reading newspapers enhances vocabulary
- Speaking English daily boosts confidence
Natural usage of gerunds in IELTS writing examples
Essential Infinitive Patterns
Learning to use infinitives naturally is crucial for mastering gerunds and infinitives. Here are key patterns:
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After certain verbs
- I want to improve my score
- She hopes to achieve band 8
- They decided to study harder
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To express purpose
- I went to the library to study
- She practiced speaking to build confidence
- They attended classes to learn new skills
Verbs Followed by Both Forms
Some verbs can be followed by either gerunds or infinitives, sometimes with a change in meaning. Understanding Gerund clauses as objects can help you master these distinctions.
Common examples include:
- Remember to do (future action) vs. Remember doing (past action)
- Stop to do (purpose) vs. Stop doing (end an action)
- Try to do (attempt) vs. Try doing (experiment)
Tips for Natural Usage
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Study collocations
- Focus on common verb combinations
- Learn phrases as chunks
- Practice with real-world examples
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Use context clues
- Pay attention to native speaker patterns
- Notice formal vs. informal usage
- Observe written vs. spoken differences
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Create memory aids
- Group verbs by pattern
- Make personal example sentences
- Use visualization techniques
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect form after prepositions
❌ I’m interested to learn
✓ I’m interested in learning -
Wrong form after certain verbs
❌ They enjoy to play
✓ They enjoy playing -
Mixing up meaning changes
❌ I stopped to smoke (means taking a break to smoke)
✓ I stopped smoking (means quitting)
Practice Activities for IELTS Success
- Gap-fill exercises
- Sentence transformation tasks
- Error correction practice
- Speaking drills
- Writing sample answers
Remember, achieving natural fluency with gerunds and infinitives requires consistent practice and exposure to authentic English usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I remember which verbs take gerunds and which take infinitives?
A: Create categories and learn common patterns rather than memorizing individual verbs. Practice with phrases you commonly use.
Q: Does using the wrong form always affect meaning?
A: Sometimes it changes meaning significantly, while other times it’s simply grammatically incorrect but the meaning remains clear.
Q: Should I focus more on gerunds or infinitives for IELTS?
A: Both are equally important. Focus on mastering the most common patterns for each and understanding when meaning changes occur.
The key to mastering gerunds and infinitives is regular practice with authentic materials and consistent attention to how native speakers use these forms naturally.
