How to Use Infinitives for IELTS Grammar

To achieve a high band in the IELTS exam, it is very important to have a good command of grammar. The knowledge of grammar is a very important aspect in every section of IELTS, be it reading, writing, speaking, or listening. All these sections need a good understanding of the grammar to achieve a higher band. Infinitives are very commonly used in IELTS speaking and writing sections. It becomes very important to use them in the right sense to avoid grammatical errors.

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The infinitives are generally the form of the verb that does not take tenses. Infinitives are considered as the bare form of the verb but with ‘to’ preceding it. The infinitives can be used in different manners, as a subject, direct objects, with phrases, verbs, after certain adjectives and to show purpose. given below are the different uses of infinitives with examples.

1. As a direct object

In cases where the infinitives are used as a direct object, they are generally placed after the verbs.

Example: to make, to pay

Sentence: she wants to make sure her son is doing well when in boarding school.

Example: to study

Sentence: if you want to study abroad, you must clear the IELTS exam.

2. As a subject

In the case where the infinitives are used as a subject, they are generally placed at the beginning of the sentence.

Example: to help

Sentence: to help me with the cooking is very sweet of him.

Example: to get

Sentence: to get involved in social works is the best you can give to society.

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3. To show purpose

In the case where the infinitives are used to show purpose, they are generally used as a replacement for ‘in order to’

Example: to lose

Sentence: if you want to lose weight, you must follow a strict diet.

Example: to improve

Sentence: To improve your skills, one must keep practicing.

4. After adjectives

There are cases where infinitives can be used after certain adjectives.

Example: to see

Sentence: she was scared to see the lizard in her room.

Example: to speak

Sentence: I was scared to speak in a public event, but my father encouraged me.

5. With Phrases.

In the case, where the infinitives are used with phrases, they are generally used with phrases beginning with ‘it’ in the structure of ‘it + be + infinitive’

Example: to leave

Sentence: it would be a mistake to leave the country and settle abroad during the pandemic.

Example: to be

Sentence: it would be impossible to become the master of everything.

6. With verbs

In the case, where the infinitives are used with verbs, they are generally used with the verb ‘take’ in the structure of ‘it + take + noun + infinitive’

Example: to read

Sentence: it took me a week to complete this book by Yuval Noah Harari.

Example: to reach

Sentence: it took a 2 days journey to reach by car.

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The common verb used with infinitives

when you are using verbs with infinitives, where two verbs are used together, the first verb must be followed by the second in the form of infinitives and/or gerunds. Some common verbs used with the infinitives are given below:

Example: Learn

Sentence: I have learned to live with a positive attitude towards life.

Example: manage

Sentence: he has managed to complete his project before the deadline.

Example: mean

Sentence: I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings, but I was very angry.

Example: need

Sentence: you need to sacrifice your comfort for succeeding in life.

Example: plan

Sentence: she is planning to settle in Europe.

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Example: prepare

Sentence: be prepared to take risks that come in your way to success.

Example: promise

Sentence: she promised to take medicines on time and get well soon.

Example: refuse

Sentence: she refused to leave her parents for the job.

Example: seem

Sentence: she seems to be happy about his new job in London.

Example: tend

Sentence: don’t tend to be over smart in every conversation.

Example: agree

Sentence: he agreed to marry her best friend’s sister.

Example: claim

Sentence: she claimed to have passed the IELTS examination twice.

Example: deserve

Sentence: she deserved to get the highest rank in the whole class.

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Common adjectives are used with infinitives.

The infinitives can be used with certain adjectives in the form of ‘it + be + infinitives. Some common examples of adjectives used with the infinitives are mentioned below.

Example: fun

Sentence: it is always fun to hang out with my old friends.

Example: hard

Sentence: it is very hard to remain focused for a long time during preparation.

Example: important

Sentence: it is important to believe in the power of the universe.

Example: impossible

Sentence: it is impossible to lose weight without following the right diet plan.

Example: bad

Sentence: it is bad to make fun of your friends in front of everyone.

Example: dangerous

Sentence: it is dangerous to drive fast on a foggy night.

Example: difficult

Sentence: it is difficult to perform well whenever you are not focused.

Example: fun

Sentence: it is always fun to be around your childhood friends.

Example: necessary

Sentence: it is sometimes necessary to go with the flow.

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In the other case, certain adjectives can be used in a syntax followed by infinitives without the use of ‘it’. Some common examples of adjectives followed by infinitives are mentioned below.

Example: glad

Sentence: I am glad to hear that you are returning tomorrow.

Example: lucky

Sentence: I am lucky to be a part of this major event.

Example: pleased

Sentence: the team is pleased to know that they have cleared the quarterfinals.

Example: proud

Sentence: he was proud to be the father of the world’s best swimmer.

Example: sad

Sentence: her mother was sad to hear about her son’s ill health.

Example: shocked

Sentence: he was shocked to know about her sudden demise.

Example: sorry

Sentence: he was sorry to make her mother cry for his deeds.

Example: surprised

Sentence: he was surprised to see his parents after five years.

Example: ashamed

Sentence: don’t be ashamed to accept your mistakes.

Common Nouns used with infinitives

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The nouns can be used with the infinitives preceded by ‘it + be’ and followed by infinitives. Some examples of the use of nouns with infinitives are mentioned below.

Example: a pity

Sentence: it was a pity to leave the event so early.

Example: a waste

Sentence: it will be a waste to convince him to come with us for the trip.

Example: a good idea

Sentence: it will be a good idea to do a mock trial of the event.

Example: a bad idea

Sentence: it will be a bad idea to leave for the trip during the night.

Example: a shame

Sentence: it will be a shame to lie in front of everyone.

Example: a mistake

Sentence: it will be a mistake to call the event when the sponsors have already invested in it.