Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives : Advanced Grammar for IELTS

Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives is crucial, especially in the case of enhancing your skills of using complex grammar structures. Refine your understanding of verb-ing forms and infinitives with the targeted diagnostic test, detailed grammar explanations, and practice exercises. With consistent practice, these advanced grammar structures boost your IELTS performance and IELTS Band Score. 

Since you will be assessed on the parameter of Grammatical Range and Accuracy, practising topics in Advanced Grammar for IELTS play a pivotal role. However, you would also need to utilize a few tricks so that you not only learn Verb-ing forms and Infinitives but also use them in your daily life as well as while practising with test papers. Remember to prepare such grammar topics in the questions from the Speaking and Writing sections.

Let's dive into the tips for Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives!

Why Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives is Important?

The Verb-ing form is also referred to as a gerund. It is a verb with its “ing” form that is used as the name of an activity, and it can be used with any action verb given. Whereas the infinitive works as other parts of speech in the sentence and it is formed by using to in front of the base verb that you want to use.

For Example, 

As you prepare yourself to achieve a band 8+, you need to learn topics from advanced IELTS Grammar. By mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives, you will acquire the following skills.

• You will become familiar with the variety of structures used so that you can avoid repetition in your sentences.
• You will know how correctly they are being used
• You will have a good grasp of the English language so that it can reflect a natural command.
• The band scores for IELTS Writing and Speaking modules will be enhanced.

Strategies for Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives for Achieving a Band 8+

To achieve a higher band score of 8+, you need to incorporate a few strategies while Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives. Remember that just learning the topic might not be helpful as you will not be able to relate that in your IELTS preparation. However, if you use it as you attempt different practice tests, you can enhance your skills as well as familiarize yourself with the context in which you can use the advanced grammar for IELTS exam. Below are some of the strategies which you can use to learn Verb-ing forms and Infinitives.

• Create your own sentences so that you not only learn the definition but also understand how to use it in a sentence. This will help you create sentences, especially in the Writing module.
• Keep a journal or a notebook where you can focus on one topic at a time and then attempt exercises related to it. In this way, you will be able to explore different topics and recall them as and when needed.
• As you prepare for the IELTS Speaking section, it is advised to create sentences using gerund or verb-ing and infinitives. Always record yourself while practising so that you can listen back to it and note the areas of improvement.
• Attempt exercises so that you can master the grammar topic and the rules are stuck in your head. In this way, you will be cautious when marking sentence structures.
• Review your writing and speaking answers and look if there is any redundancy in sentences. This will guide you with your preparation and making sure that you do not repeat the same mistakes.
• Check the sample answers of the writing and speaking questions so that you can observe how verb-ing forms and infinitives are being used.
• You can create a flashcard and group verbs based on their similar patterns to memorize them.
• Since there are many topics in the IELTS questions, you can mix the grammar topics with the IELTS Vocabulary words which will make you sound fluent.

Curious to know How to score BAND 9 in IELTS Speaking? Check out the video below!

Diagnostic Test for Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives

Before moving on with the topic explanation on Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives, let's check if you are aware of the rules. This will help you to identify the areas where you might be assuming your answers. With this knowledge, you can do a more focused study plan and elevate your preparation for the IELTS Exam. You can put the timer on as you attempt the following diagnostic test and note the time spent to attempt these questions.

1. I’m afraid you’ll have to move your car, sir. There is ______________ here, (not/park)
2. For evil _______________it is only necessary that the good do nothing. (succeed)
3. Sylvia rang her doctor _________________an appointment. (make)
4. The thing I most enjoy about my job is ______________ people with problems. (help)
5. Pressure from the board led to _______________the company. (he/leave)
6. The colonel ordered a day’s leave in order ____________the morale of the troops. (boost)
7. We got there only _____________ that the concert had been cancelled. (find)
8. You’re welcome _______________yourself to anything from the fridge. (help)
9. It’s strange that she didn’t mention ______________him at the party. (meet)
10. I really can’t risk ______________these awful programmes. (the children/see)
11. Don’t disturb me. I’ve got a report ______________by lunchtime. (write)
12. I can’t stand ______________animals in pain. (see)
13. I must remember ______________my alarm clock tonight. (set)
14. Dean’s so sorry; he really didn’t mean ______________you. (hurt)
15. You won’t find any spare parts; they stopped ______________ them ages ago. (make)
16. We went on ______________even after the music had stopped. (dance)
17. We regret ______________the cancellation of today’s service due to ill health. (announce)
18. As the plane flew over we saw the workers ______________ the new opera house. (build)

19. The dispensing medical aid is the main activity of the Red Cross.
20. Everyone in the office was fed up with Brian’s moaning.
21. The new manager is sure to look into ways to cut costs.
22. He got caught when the boss found making personal phone calls.
23. The airline allowed us to take the wheelchair on board.
24. We were furious when the judge ordered to pay compensation.

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Answer Key for Diagnostic Test

Did you get all the answers to the Diagnostic test for Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives? Was the timer on? Let's check the answers and note which areas you are facing difficult in attempting. Focus on those areas and then keep a track of your progress.

Grammar Explanation for Mastering Verb-ing Forms and Infinitives

The -ing and infinitive forms of verbs are very common in English and can act as subjects, objects and complements of verbs. When used like nouns, -ing forms are often referred to as ‘gerunds’. This unit looks at the use of -ing forms and infinitives after certain verbs, determiners, adjectives and nouns, and at the special use of infinitives to describe purpose and result. (For the use of -ing and infinitive forms in clauses and phrases and in the passive and perfect forms of participles and infinitives).

1. -ing Forms

As subjects and objects

We can use -ing forms of verbs in the same way that we use nouns – as the subject, object or complement of a verb. We often refer to-ing forms used in this way as gerunds:

• Sometimes -ing forms can have their own subjects and objects:

• We can make a negative with not + -ing:

• But we use no + -ing to explain that something is impossible or not allowed:

2. -ing form patterns

We can use determiners, eg. the, this, possessives, e.g. Peter’s: possessive adjectives, e.g. his: or object pronouns, e.g. him, before -ing forms. Object pronouns are more common in informal English:

• We often use an object + -ing form after verbs of the senses :

• Note: We always use the object pronoun after sense verbs:

• Note: When we use the + -ing form and we want to link it with an object, we use of:

• We also use -ing forms as adjectives. Many adjectives and nouns are followed by a preposition + -ing form:

3. Infinitives

Infinitives with to can be the subject, object or complement of a verb. We make a negative with not + infinitive. 

• An infinitive can have its own subject, introduced with for:

• Note: In informal English, we sometimes put an adverb between to and the infinitive. This is known as a ‘split infinitive’ and we usually avoid it in formal English by putting the adverb in another position:

• There are also perfect, continuous and passive forms of the infinitive. If, for example, the person who is doing the action described by the infinitive is not the subject of the sentence, we usually use the passive infinitive:

Infinitives of Purpose and Result

We can use an infinitive to describe the purpose or reason for an action. We use for before the infinitive when the subject of the infinitive is different from the subject of the sentence.

• In more formal English we can use in order or so as to + infinitive of purpose:

• The infinitive can also describe a result or something surprising, especially with only and verbs such as find, discover, realize, etc.:

• We also use infinitives after too and enough to talk about results:

Infinitives after adjectives and nouns

Many adjectives, especially those describing feelings, can be followed by to + infinitive (some common examples are in the box below). You can also use adjective + to + infinitive in a sentence. This would include able / unable, afraid, anxious, ashamed, bound, careful, certain, crazy, curious, due, eager, fit, happy, impossible, likely, lucky, pleased, right, shocked, stupid, sure, surprised, thrilled, welcome, wrong.

• Many nouns can be followed by to + infinitive (some common examples are in the box below):

• You can also use noun + to + infinitive such as attempt, bid, decision, desire, incentive, need, nuisance, opportunity, place, pleasure, reason, time, wish. Note that you can use a noun + to + infinitive after there is / are and have (got) to express an obligation:

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Verbs Followed by -ing forms and Infinitives

1. Verb + -ing Form

Certain verbs can be followed by an -ing form, but not by an infinitive. With some of these verbs (marked *), we can also put an object before the -ing form. You can use verb + -ing form such as admit, appreciate*, avoid*, burst out, can’t help*, consider, contemplate, defer, delay, deny, detest*, dislike*, endure*, enjoy*, escape, excuse*, face*, fancy*, feel like, finish, give up, imagine*, involve*, justify*, keep (on), leave off, mention*, mind*, miss*, postpone, practise, prevent*, put off, put sb off, recall*, recommend, resent*, resist*, risk*, save, suggest, tolerate*, understand*.

• Note that certain verbs, particularly sense verbs (see box below), are only followed by an –ing form when they have an object:

• Verb + object + -ing form: catch, discover, feel, find, hear, leave, notice, observe, see, spot, wtach. The verbs advise, allow, forbid and permit are followed by an -ing form when they have no object, but an infinitive when they have an object.

• Verbs + Infinite : Certain verbs can be followed by an infinitive, but not by an -ing form.

• Some of these verbs can also have an object before the infinitive (marked *). You can use verb + infinitive such as afford, agree, aim, appear, arrange ¹, ask*, attempt, beg*, campaign , care, choose*, consent, dare*, decide, demand, deserve ², expect*, fail, fight, forget, guarantee, happen, help*, hesitate, hope, intend*, long ¹, manage, need*, neglect, offer, pause, plan ¹, prepare, pretend, promise, propose, prove, refuse, seem, swear, tend, threaten, trouble*, try, undertake, vow, wait ¹ , want*, wish*, yearn.

With these verbs we use for before the object + infinitive:

• In British English, we can use deserve + -ing when it has a passive meaning:

• Some verbs are followed by an infinitive only when they have an object (see box below):

•  Verb + object + to + infinitive: advise, allow, cause, command, compel, encourage, forbid, force, get, instruct, invite, leave, oblige, order, permit, persuade, recommend, remind, request, teach, tell, tempt, urge, warn. Note the special rules about infinitives after let, make, see, hear, know and help. Many of the verbs followed by infinitives are used in reported speech.
• Verb + -ing Form/ Infinitive : Some verbs can be followed by an -ing form or an infinitive, with no difference in meaning:

• Verb + -ing form or infinitive: attempt, begin, bother, can’t bear, can’t stand, cease, continue, deserve, fear, hate, intend, like (= enjoy), love, prefer, start. We usually avoid putting two infinitives or two -ing forms together:

• We use to + infinitive after would like, would love and would hate:

• When like means ‘think something is a good idea’, we only use the infinitive. Compare:

2. Verb + -ing Form or Infinitive

Some verbs can be followed by an -ing form or by to + infinitive, but there is a difference in meaning:

3. Sense Verbs

Sense verbs can be followed by an object + -ing form when we are describing an action in progress or an action that is repeated.

• These verbs can be followed by an object + infinitive (without to) when we are describing a single action or the action is complete.

• Note: We use to + infinitive after a passive sense verb:

Practice Exercise for Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives

Now, it is time to practice using the exercises given below which will help you get familiar with the topics in Advanced Grammar for IELTS. With diligent practice, you will be able to achieve a band score of 8+ in the exam. Even though the answers are provided at the end, it is suggested to attempt the exercise and then check the answer. So, let's start with the practise.

EXERCISE 1. Underline the mistakes in these sentences and correct them.

1. Have you ever heard my singing O Sole Mio?
2. We had to come in early for the opening of the new extension.
3. Constant criticisms led to her resigning from that stressful job.
4. You’ll have to put that out, sir, this is a not smoking carriage.
5. Passengers can find a heated wait room adjacent to platform ten.
6. The making a successful soufflé requires expert timing.
7. There’s not swimming from this beach, the current’s too treacherous.
8. The argument ended up with us demanding a refund and compensation.
9. They stopped to make vinyl records ages ago.
10. The crane isn’t capable of lifting it – it’s too heavy.

EXERCISE 2. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way it is as similar as possible in meaning to the sentence before it.

1. The report is ____

• You can’t join the army because you aren’t sufficiently fit.

2. You aren’t fit____

• He was very worried that he would arrive late.

3. He was anxious not____

• Right now I’m afraid I can’t give you an answer.

4. I am not____

• The government closed the borders with the aim of catching the criminals.

5. In order____

• Closing the office was something the manager decided this morning.

6. The manager made____

• I learned that Amanda was going to marry Ronald, which was surprising.

7. I was____

• They didn’t publish the news because they didn’t want to frighten the public.

8. They didn’t publish the news so____

• Checking the balance on my current account was my main reason for visiting the bank this morning.

9. I went____

• When we got there they had already closed the store for stocktaking!

10. We got there only____

EXERCISE 3.  Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

1. I’m not disappointed, I never really expected ________ (pass) the test.
2. Please don’t hesitate________ (call) if you have any problems.
3. The doctor recommended ________ (avoid) strenuous activity for the first few weeks.
4. The sales team aims _________ (exceed) its target by at least five percent this year.
5. I don’t suppose you happened _________ (notice) whether there was a cash machine there?
6. How on earth do they justify ________ (keep) three dogs in such a small flat?
7. We’d better hurry up; I’d hate ___________ (arrive) late.
8. Despite all the rejections, Dave’s continuing _________(apply) for every vacancy he sees.
9. We discovered an old document ________ (lie) under the floorboards.
10. I’ll put off_________ (call) them until after I’ve spoken to the personnel officer.
11. You can watch the film if you promise _________ (go) to bed straight afterward.
12. Being a diabetic, I like _________ (avoid) anything containing sugar.
13. Thanks very much. Yes, we’d love _________ (join) you for dinner on Friday.
14. You really can’t help _________ (feel) sorry for the poor guy.
15. Passengers are permitted _________ (carry) only one piece of hand luggage onto the plane.
16. Jonathan’s the one who taught Rachel _________(swim) last summer.
17. Sometimes you have to pretend ________­­__ (like) people that you detest.
18. That’s strange, I don’t recall_________ (meet) him at all.
19. The judge will defer _________ (pass) sentence until the psychiatric reports have been submitted.
20. Whenever possible, the personnel department likes _________ (settle) salary reviews prior to the quarterly board meetings.

EXERCISE 4. Underline the correct form in bold.

1. Darling, did you remember packing/ to pack some spare cassettes for the video camera yesterday?
2. I really regret leaving/ to leave school so young, it’s ruined my career prospects.
3. We tried pressing/ to press the ‘escape’ key but the program just wouldn’t respond.
4. A suspicious young man was seen enter/entering the building shortly before the incident.
5. As we drove over the river we noticed local women washing / wash their clothes in the water.
6. I once heard Karajan conducting/ conduct the entire Ring cycle – it was wonderful.
7. I stopped eating/eating sugar years ago.
8. Nothing will stop their inquiries, they mean getting/to get to the bottom of this strange business.
9. Don’t forget recording/ to record ‘EastEnders’ tomorrow evening.
10. The woman woke up in the middle of the night, looked out of her window and saw something strange hovering/hover over the trees in the park.
11. 11 After a career in the secret service, Ian Fleming went on achieving/to achieve fame as an author.
12. Transglobe Airlines regrets announcing/to announce the cancellation of today’s service to Istanbul due to air traffic restrictions.
13. Do you remember seeing/seeing that film last summer?
14. If you can’t find the information in the manual, try looking/to look at our website.
15. We were all exhausted so we stopped getting/to get some rest at a motel.

EXERCISE 5. Read the article below and then decide which word or phrase (A-C) best fits each space. The exercise begins with an e++xample (0).

Death in the Air

The death of Emma Christofferson from deep-vein thrombosis allegedly caused by a twenty-hour plane journey has led to calls for an inquiry into so-called ‘economy class syndrome’. The cabin crew were shocked (0)_B_the previously healthy 28-year-old in a state of collapse at the end of a long-haul flight from Australia to London. A blood clot had spread from her legs to her lungs with fatal results. Experts believe her death is just the latest example of the growing danger posed by (1)___ for extended periods of time in cramped aircraft seats.

Farol Khan, director of the Aviation Health Institute, (2) ____to have evidence that more than 6.000 passengers a year die of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) as a result of long-haul flights. Unfortunately, as symptoms often take some time (3)___the link between the condition and flying is not always apparent. But there seems (4)___ a clear relationship between the occurrence of DVT and the steady reduction in the amount of legroom between seats in economy class cabins. In a bid (5)____the number of passengers carried and their consequent profitability, many airlines have squeezed more and more seats into their planes, at the cost of comfort and

legroom. And our (6)____these uncomfortable conditions is simply based on the fact that we know more seats means lower prices. But with limited opportunities (7)____or move around, the blood circulation in passengers’ legs (8)___to slow down, and blood clots can easily develop. Most at risk are elderly people, sufferers from heart conditions and smokers. But as Emma Christofferson’s case shows, even the young and healthy can do little to prevent blood clots (9)____under these circumstances.

(10)___a ‘caring, sharing’ image is something many airlines are keen on, and some of these have finally (11)____to take the problem more seriously by issuing health advice to passengers ‘trapped’ on their long-haul flights. They usually recommend (12)____the legs and feet regularly, and advise (13)___walks up and down the aisle at least once an hour. But as any experienced traveler knows, the aisles on most planes are only just wide enough for the trolleys (14)____through. It is often impossible (15) ___down the aisle (16)____to the toilets, let alone (17)____exercise.

The truth is that until we are all prepared to (18)____ paying rock-bottom prices for long-distance travel, the airlines will have no incentive (19)____ conditions. And a return to exclusive and expensive air travel is something nobody would (20) ___advocating.

EXERCISE 6. Complete the letter with suitable forms of words from the box below. The first one has been done as an example (0).

Dear Mum and Dad,

So my first week at university is over! No lectures this morning so I thought I’d drop you a line (0)_to let__.you know ‘how things are going.

I’m glad (1)___that everything has worked out fine in the hall of residence. I remembered (2)___for a room as far away from the lifts as possible (they really are noisy) and they found me a nee comfortable one on the second floor. The room’s not very large and I was a bit shocked (3)___that ten people have to share one bathroom! And it’s a good thing you recommended (4)____my own portable TV set from home like the one in the IV lounge is permanently tuned to the sports channel, there’s also a little kitchenette on cur corridor, so if I feel like (5)____something for myself rather than eating in the canteen then that s no problem.

I think (6)____in a place like this is going to be a lot of fun. There are two other girls from my course here and I plan (7)___friends with them so that we can help each other with the course work. Everyone else seems very nice.

As Monday was the first day it was devoted to administration, which involved (8)___lots of forms. I got my student I.D. card and the timetable for this term. I’ve got a personal tutor and he’s arranged (9)____me next week. The course coordinator persuaded me (10)____some extra courses which should be interesting. On Tuesday I managed (11)____a bank account and I deposited my student loan cheque. I tried (12) ____the cheque but the bank said I will have to wait for it to clear. So I have to delay (13)____books and things until next week.

My first few lectures proved (14)____really fascinating, the lecturers really seem (15)____what they are talking about. Still, there’s a lot of work to do and I can’t help (16)____if I’ll be able to keep up with it all, especially with all the detractions here. There are so many clubs and societies, it’s incredible. I’m hoping (17)____the parachuting club, I’ve always fancied (18)____ how to do that!

Well, I’d better stop now, I’m going (19)____my first seminar this afternoon, so I’ve got some preparation to do.

Anyway, I promise (20)____again soon,

Love to everyone,

Charlotte.

Answer Key of the Practice Test for Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives

Now that you have attempted the practice exercises, let's check the answers. Remember to note the reason as to why a response is the correct answer. This will help you to enhance your skills for the exam as you will be able to note the next steps for Mastering Verb-ing forms and Infinitives.

EXERCISE 1.

EXERCISE 2.

EXERCISE 3.

EXERCISE 4.

EXERCISE 5.

EXERCISE 6.