IELTS Writing - Sentence Structure and Collocations
Verbs + Infinitives
Some verbs are followed by an infinitive (to + verb).
These verbs express decisions, plans, desires, and attempts.
Structure:-
Subject + verb + to-infinitive
Example: She decided to study abroad.
It is + adjective + to-infinitive
Example: It is important to be on time.
Expressing Plans & Decisions
Decide to
Example: They decided to invest in renewable energy.
Plan to
Example: We plan to visit Europe next summer.
Intend to
Example: He intends to start his own business.
Aim to
Example: The company aims to reduce carbon emissions.
Prepare to
Example: Students prepare to take the final exam.
Expressing Necessity & Obligation
Need to
Example: You need to submit the assignment by Friday.
Have to
Example: I have to attend the meeting tomorrow.
Be required to
Example: All employees are required to complete the training.
Be expected to
Example: Graduates are expected to find a job within six months.
Be supposed to
Example: We are supposed to bring a dish to the potluck.
Expressing Desires & Preferences
Want to
Example: I want to travel the world.
Hope to
Example: She hopes to get a promotion soon.
Wish to
Example: They wish to buy a new house.
Would like to
Example: We would like to see a movie tonight.
Expressing Ability & Potential
Learn to
Example: He learned to play the guitar.
Fail to
Example: They failed to reach their sales target.
Tend to
Example: People tend to avoid crowded places.
Seem to
Example: He seems to be very happy.
Appear to
Example: The results appear to be promising.
Expressing Advice & Recommendations
Advise (someone) to
Example: I advise you to save money.
Encourage (someone) to
Example: Teachers encourage students to ask questions.
Persuade (someone) to
Example: She persuaded him to try the new restaurant.
Remind (someone) to
Example: Remind me to buy milk.
Expressing Cause & Effect
Cause (someone) to
Example: The heavy rain caused the river to flood.
Force (someone) to
Example: The company forced employees to take a pay cut.
Allow (someone) to
Example: The new policy allows employees to work from home.
Motivate (someone) to
Example: The coach motivated the team to win.
Verb + Noun Collocations
Strong collocations make essays more natural and academic.
Common Collocations
Make: make a decision, make an effort, make a difference
Example: We need to make a decision quickly.
Take: take action, take responsibility, take a risk
Example: It's time to take action on climate change.
Give: give advice, give an example, give support
Example: I need to give advice to my younger brother.
Have: have an impact, have an opportunity, have access
Example: This project will have a significant impact.
Paragraph Example
I decided to take action and prepare to make a difference in my community. I intend to give support