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Grammar for IELTS · Lesson 4

Complex Gerund and Infinitive Constructions

Elevate your IELTS writing by mastering advanced gerund and infinitive structures for greater clarity and sophistication.

Band 7+ Advanced Writing 23 min 44 questions
HS

Hardev Singh Sra Author, IELTS expert

Topic introduction

Gerunds and infinitives are two important verb forms in English. A gerund is a verb that ends in -ing and acts like a noun (e.g., 'swimming', 'reading', 'writing'). An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by 'to' (e.g., 'to swim', 'to read', 'to write'). Complex gerund and infinitive constructions go beyond these basic forms to include variations such as perfect forms (showing completed actions), passive forms (showing actions received), and their use in formal academic writing. Understanding when to use each form and their advanced variations is essential for achieving high scores in IELTS writing.
Examples
  1. 1
    Basic gerund: Writing essays requires practice.
  2. 2
    Basic infinitive: She wants to write a novel.
  3. 3
    Perfect gerund: Having written the report, he submitted it.
  4. 4
    Passive infinitive: The document needs to be reviewed.

1 Perfect Gerunds: Sequencing Events

The perfect gerund, having + past participle, shows an action was completed before the main verb's action, clarifying sequence. This structure is valuable in IELTS for linking past events to present situations or arguments. It adds analytical depth to your statements.
Examples
  1. 1
    Having analyzed the data thoroughly, the report concludes that investment should increase.
  2. 2
    Having considered various solutions, the most viable option appears to be subsidizing renewable energy.
  3. 3
    She mentioned having lived in several countries, which broadened her perspective.
  4. 4
    Having researched the topic extensively, the essay aims to provide a balanced view.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses a perfect gerund to show sequence of events?
  2. 2 In formal IELTS writing, which perfect gerund construction best introduces a conclusion based on prior research?
  3. 3 Transform the following into a single sentence using a perfect gerund: 'The government researched renewable energy options thoroughly. The government now plans to invest heavily in solar power.' Start with the perfect gerund.
  4. 4 Combine these statements using a perfect gerund: 'She lived in multiple countries for ten years. This experience shaped her worldview significantly.' Begin with the perfect gerund.

2 Perfect Infinitives: Prior Completed Actions

The perfect infinitive, to have + past participle, indicates an action completed before the main verb, often used with verbs like 'seem', 'appear', or modals. In IELTS writing, it allows for nuanced expression about past events from a present viewpoint. This form can express assumptions or reported information about past occurrences.
Examples
  1. 1
    The company is understood to have made significant profits last year.
  2. 2
    The earlier policy appears to have been less effective than anticipated.
  3. 3
    He claimed to have witnessed the event, though his account was later questioned.
  4. 4
    The historical trend is thought to have influenced current consumer preferences.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses a perfect infinitive to express a completed past action from a present perspective?
  2. 2 In academic writing, which perfect infinitive structure correctly reports past information?
  3. 3 Transform this sentence using 'appears to have': 'It seems that the previous strategy was less effective than expected.' Start with 'The previous strategy'.
  4. 4 Rewrite using 'is thought to have': 'People think that climate change influenced migration patterns significantly.' Begin with 'Climate change'.

3 Passive Gerunds: Receiving the Action

Passive gerunds, being + past participle, are used when the focus is on the action being received, especially in formal or academic contexts like IELTS. This construction emphasizes the process or event rather than the agent. It is useful for objective descriptions and arguments.
Examples
  1. 1
    The process involves raw materials being transformed into finished goods.
  2. 2
    The main concern is the risk of being misinterpreted by the public.
  3. 3
    She appreciated being given the opportunity to present her research.
  4. 4
    The problem of being overwhelmed by information is common in the digital age.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses a passive gerund to emphasize the process rather than the agent?
  2. 2 In describing a manufacturing process, which passive gerund construction is most appropriate?
  3. 3 Transform this using a passive gerund: 'She was grateful that someone gave her the opportunity to present.' Start with 'She was grateful for'.
  4. 4 Rewrite using a passive gerund: 'Many students worry that professors might overlook their contributions.' Start with 'Many students worry about'.

4 Passive Infinitives: Action to Be Received

Passive infinitives, to be + past participle, indicate that the subject of the infinitive receives the action, crucial for formal and objective writing in IELTS. They frequently follow verbs, adjectives (e.g., 'likely', 'necessary'), or nouns. This structure is key for discussing solutions or necessary actions.
Examples
  1. 1
    Further research needs to be conducted to confirm these findings.
  2. 2
    New policies are expected to be implemented next year.
  3. 3
    It is essential for criteria to be established clearly.
  4. 4
    The old building is scheduled to be demolished and replaced.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses a passive infinitive to express necessity?
  2. 2 In formal academic writing, which passive infinitive structure correctly expresses expectation?
  3. 3 Transform this using a passive infinitive: 'It is essential that authorities establish clear criteria.' Start with 'It is essential for criteria'.
  4. 4 Rewrite using a passive infinitive: 'They schedule to demolish the old building next month.' Start with 'The old building'.

5 Gerunds as Formal Subjects

Using a gerund as the sentence subject (e.g., Analyzing data...) makes your IELTS writing more concise, academic, and impactful. This transforms an action into a noun concept, suitable for introductions or topic sentences. It improves sentence variety and formality.
Examples
  1. 1
    Implementing stricter environmental regulations is often debated by policymakers.
  2. 2
    Understanding the cultural context is crucial for international business success.
  3. 3
    Investing in education is widely considered beneficial for economic development.
  4. 4
    Developing critical thinking skills helps students evaluate information effectively.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence uses a gerund as a formal subject most effectively for IELTS writing?
  2. 2 For academic essay introductions, which gerund subject construction is most impactful?
  3. 3 Transform this sentence to start with a gerund subject: 'It is widely considered beneficial to invest in education for economic development.' Begin with the gerund form.
  4. 4 Rewrite using a gerund as the subject: 'To understand cultural context is crucial for international business success.' Start with the gerund.

6 Gerunds as Formal Objects

Gerunds can function as objects of verbs (e.g., 'The study involves examining historical records...') or as objects of prepositions (e.g., 'Success often depends on maintaining a consistent effort.'). This usage lends a formal and academic tone to IELTS writing, making descriptions and arguments more sophisticated. Many verbs typically used in academic writing, such as 'suggest', 'involve', and 'require', are followed by gerunds as objects.
Examples
  1. 1
    The study involves examining historical records over a fifty-year period.
  2. 2
    Many experts advocate adopting a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
  3. 3
    The report highlights the importance of addressing urban congestion.
  4. 4
    Success often depends on maintaining a consistent effort.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses a gerund as the object of a verb in formal writing?
  2. 2 In academic reports, which construction correctly uses a gerund as a prepositional object?
  3. 3 Transform this using a gerund object: 'The study will examine historical records over fifty years.' Start with 'The study involves'.
  4. 4 Rewrite using a gerund as a prepositional object: 'The report emphasizes how important it is to address urban congestion.' Start with 'The report emphasizes the importance of'.

7 Infinitives for Purpose or Plan

Infinitives often express the purpose of an action (why something is done) or a planned future action in IELTS writing. This structure is vital for explaining reasons behind trends, outlining solutions, or describing the function of processes. It adds clarity and rationale to your points.
Examples
  1. 1
    Governments often introduce measures to stimulate economic growth.
  2. 2
    The primary aim of the project is to improve public health services.
  3. 3
    Further research is necessary to understand the long-term impacts.
  4. 4
    Educational programs are designed to equip students with relevant skills.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses an infinitive to express purpose in formal writing?
  2. 2 In IELTS Task 2 essays, which infinitive construction best expresses a planned action?
  3. 3 Transform this using an infinitive of purpose: 'Further research is necessary because we need to understand long-term impacts.' Replace the 'because' clause.
  4. 4 Rewrite using an infinitive to express aim: 'The primary aim of the project is that it will improve public health services.' Start with 'The primary aim'.

8 Infinitives as Verb/Adjective Complements

Infinitives complete the meaning of certain verbs (e.g., 'tend', 'strive', 'fail') and adjectives (e.g., 'essential', 'difficult', 'likely') in formal writing. This helps create more descriptive and precise statements. This is useful for elaborating on points in IELTS essays.
Examples
  1. 1
    It is essential to consider the ethical implications of new technologies.
  2. 2
    Some individuals may find it difficult to adapt to rapid societal changes.
  3. 3
    The government aims to reduce unemployment rates significantly.
  4. 4
    Technological advancements continue to shape our daily lives.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses an infinitive to complete an adjective in formal writing?
  2. 2 In academic writing, which infinitive complement correctly follows the verb 'aim'?
  3. 3 Transform this using an infinitive complement: 'Some individuals may find that adapting to rapid changes is difficult.' Start with 'Some individuals may find it difficult'.
  4. 4 Rewrite using an infinitive after 'continue': 'Technological advancements keep shaping our daily lives.' Start with 'Technological advancements continue'.

9 Key Verbs Taking Gerunds

Certain verbs are idiomatically followed by a gerund in English. For IELTS, using these correctly (e.g., 'suggest', 'consider', 'avoid', 'finish') is crucial for grammatical accuracy. Incorrect use can lead to awkward phrasing.
Examples
  1. 1
    The research suggests investigating alternative energy sources more thoroughly.
  2. 2
    Policymakers should consider implementing public awareness campaigns.
  3. 3
    One must avoid making generalizations without sufficient evidence.
  4. 4
    The committee finished discussing the proposal and moved to the next item.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which verb correctly takes a gerund in formal academic writing?
  2. 2 In IELTS writing, which construction correctly uses 'avoid' with its required verb form?
  3. 3 Complete this sentence using the correct form after 'consider': 'Policymakers should consider... public awareness campaigns about climate change.' Provide the complete sentence.
  4. 4 Transform this using 'finished': 'The committee completed their discussion of the proposal and moved on.' Start with 'The committee finished'.

10 Key Verbs Taking Infinitives

Many English verbs are specifically followed by an infinitive, often expressing intention, decision, or future possibilities. In IELTS, correct usage (e.g., 'plan', 'intend', 'seek', 'manage') demonstrates strong command of grammar. This is vital for outlining future actions or proposals.
Examples
  1. 1
    The university plans to expand its international student program.
  2. 2
    Many organizations strive to achieve a balance between profit and sustainability.
  3. 3
    The report intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation.
  4. 4
    Despite challenges, they managed to complete the project on time.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly uses a verb that takes an infinitive in formal writing?
  2. 2 In academic reports, which verb construction correctly expresses intention with an infinitive?
  3. 3 Complete this sentence using the correct form after 'strive': 'Many organizations strive... a balance between profit and sustainability.' Provide the complete sentence.
  4. 4 Transform this using 'managed': 'Despite challenges, they completed the project on time successfully.' Start with 'Despite challenges, they managed'.

11 Preposition 'to' + Gerund: A Note of Caution

A common point of confusion is the word 'to'. While 'to' often signals an infinitive (to + base verb), it can also be a preposition. When 'to' is a preposition (e.g., in phrasal verbs like 'look forward to', 'be accustomed to', or expressions like 'in addition to', 'commitment to'), it must be followed by a gerund (-ing form). Distinguishing this is vital for grammatical accuracy in your IELTS writing.
Examples
  1. 1
    The government is committed to tackling urban congestion.
  2. 2
    In addition to providing statistical data, the report also offers qualitative analysis.
  3. 3
    Many people object to paying higher taxes for services they don't use.
  4. 4
    Adapting to living in a new culture can be challenging.

Practice: 4 questions

Answer first, then check.

  1. 1 Which sentence correctly distinguishes preposition 'to' requiring a gerund?
  2. 2 In formal writing, which phrase correctly uses preposition 'to' followed by a gerund?
  3. 3 Complete this sentence using the correct form: 'Many people object to... higher taxes for services they don't use.' Provide the complete sentence.
  4. 4 Transform this using 'look forward to': 'We anticipate receiving your feedback on the proposal.' Start with 'We look forward to'.

12 Applying Gerunds/Infinitives in IELTS

Mastering complex gerunds and infinitives significantly enhances your IELTS Writing score by improving Grammatical Range and Accuracy. These structures allow for sophisticated sentence construction, essential for both Task 1 (describing data/processes) and Task 2 (developing arguments). They contribute to a formal tone, conciseness, and clearer expression of sequences, purposes, and concepts.
Examples
  1. 1
    Task 1: Analyzing the graph reveals a steady increase in urban population.
  2. 2
    Task 1: Having reached a peak in 2005, sales figures began to decline.
  3. 3
    Task 1: The process involves raw materials being converted into finished products.
  4. 4
    Task 1: The diagram illustrates how power is generated to supply the entire town.
  5. 5
    Task 1: The figures appear to have stabilized in the final quarter.
  6. 6
    Task 2: Governments need to implement policies that address climate change effectively.
  7. 7
    Task 2: Educating the public is crucial for promoting environmental awareness.
  8. 8
    Task 2: One major challenge is to overcome resistance to new technologies.
  9. 9
    Task 2: The university decided to invest in new research facilities, having secured additional funding.
  10. 10
    Task 2: To foster international understanding, cultural exchange programs are often proposed.

Lesson summary

The 12 points to remember from this lesson.

  1. 1
    Use perfect gerunds (having + past participle) to show an action completed before the main verb's action.
    Example: Having reviewed the literature, the researcher identified a gap in knowledge.
  2. 2
    Employ perfect infinitives (to have + past participle) for actions completed before the main verb, often with 'seem' or 'appear'.
    Example: The strategy appears to have been successful in the short term.
  3. 3
    Use passive gerunds (being + past participle) when the focus is on the action being received.
    Example: The risk of being misunderstood is high without clear communication.
  4. 4
    Utilize passive infinitives (to be + past participle) to indicate that the subject of the infinitive receives the action.
    Example: Stricter regulations need to be enforced to protect the environment.
  5. 5
    Start sentences with gerunds for formal and impactful subjects in academic writing.
    Example: Prioritizing renewable energy sources is essential for sustainable development.
  6. 6
    Use gerunds as objects of verbs and prepositions for a more sophisticated tone.
    Example: The report recommends conducting further research into the causes.
  7. 7
    Use infinitives to clearly express the purpose of an action or a future plan.
    Example: The government invested in infrastructure to attract foreign investment.
  8. 8
    Employ infinitives to complement certain verbs and adjectives, adding precision.
    Example: It is crucial to analyze the data from multiple perspectives.
  9. 9
    Remember that specific verbs are idiomatically followed by gerunds (e.g., suggest, avoid).
    Example: Experts suggest adopting a cautious approach.
  10. 10
    Recognize that many verbs are followed by infinitives, often indicating intention or future plans (e.g., plan, aim).
    Example: The company intends to launch the new product next quarter.
  11. 11
    When 'to' is a preposition (e.g., in 'committed to', 'look forward to'), it must be followed by a gerund.
    Example: She is dedicated to improving healthcare access in rural areas.
  12. 12
    Apply these complex gerund and infinitive structures to enhance grammatical range and accuracy in both IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2.
    Example: Task 2: To combat rising pollution levels, governments must consider investing in public transport, having acknowledged the failure of previous measures.

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