Why Grammar Matters in IELTS Listening
The IELTS exam is more than just vocabulary and listening skills—it’s also about grammar accuracy. For IELTS General Training preparation, understanding gerunds and verb forms plays a crucial role in Listening and Writing tasks. A solid grasp of grammar not only boosts comprehension but also improves your Band score.
If your goal is a Band 8 strategy for work visas, PR, or higher education, focusing on grammar patterns like gerunds and infinitives will give you a clear advantage.
IELTS GT vs Academic: Key Differences
| Feature | IELTS General Training (GT) | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Migration, PR, work visas | Higher education, professional registration |
| Reading | Workplace, newspapers, notices | Academic journals, research-based texts |
| Writing Task 1 | Letters (formal/informal) | Reports (charts, graphs, data) |
| Vocabulary & Grammar | Everyday and workplace English | Academic vocabulary & formal structures |
| Listening & Speaking | Same for both | Same for both |
👉 If you are preparing for IELTS GT Listening Grammar, focus on everyday contexts—like conversations, workplace instructions, and announcements—where verb forms and gerunds often appear.
Why Gerunds & Verb Forms Matter in IELTS Listening
- Recognizing meaning: In IELTS Listening, you must quickly identify whether the speaker uses to + verb (infinitive) or verb + ing (gerund).
- Answer accuracy: Many answers depend on recognizing correct forms. Example: interested in learning vs. interested to learn.
- Paraphrasing: IELTS often paraphrases instructions using different verb forms.
Example from IELTS Listening practice online free:
- Speaker says: “He suggested going to the library.”
- Paraphrased question: “What did he suggest?” → Correct answer: going to the library (gerund).
Grammar Focus: Gerunds vs Infinitives
When to Use Gerunds (-ing form)
- After prepositions: She is interested in improving her English.
- After certain verbs: enjoy, avoid, consider, suggest
- As the subject of a sentence: Listening carefully helps in IELTS.
When to Use Infinitives (to + base form)
- After certain verbs: want, need, decide, plan
- After adjectives: It is important to practice daily.
- Expressing purpose: She studies IELTS to get a higher band score.
👉 Learning these differences will make your IELTS GT Listening grammar practice smoother.
Preparation Strategies for IELTS Sections
IELTS Listening
- Pay attention to verbs following certain expressions.
- Practice with Free Online IELTS Listening Tests.
- Focus on recognizing paraphrased sentences.
IELTS Reading
- Identify grammar-based synonyms (e.g., decided to go vs. made the decision of going).
- Build awareness of verb transformations.
IELTS Writing
- Use gerunds and infinitives correctly in Task 2 essays.
- Avoid repeating to do—instead vary with doing.
IELTS Speaking
- Practice natural expressions: I enjoy reading novels. I want to improve my pronunciation.
Latest Trends in IELTS 2025
- AI-powered evaluation: Automated scoring tools check grammar accuracy, including verb forms.
- Online testing: IELTS computer-based tests allow faster results.
- Best IELTS coaching online 2025: Hybrid courses combine live tutors with AI grammar analyzers.
👉 Students preparing for IELTS Academic writing tips also benefit from gerund-infinitive mastery, as essays demand grammatical precision.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Mixing gerunds and infinitives incorrectly.
- ❌ I suggested to go → ✅ I suggested going
Challenge 2: Difficulty catching verb forms in fast audio.
- Solution: Daily practice with short podcasts, focus on verbs.
Challenge 3: Overuse of one form.
- Solution: Build a collocation list (verbs + gerund/infinitive).
Study Plans for Grammar & Listening
1-Month Intensive Plan
- Daily 30 minutes: Gerund vs infinitive drills.
- 3 full Listening practice tests weekly.
3-Month Balanced Plan
- Build word banks with collocations.
- Alternate between IELTS online practice test and grammar exercises.
6-Month Comprehensive Plan
- Combine listening, writing, and speaking practice.
- Weekly grammar reviews + essay feedback.
- Join study groups for discussion.
Real-World Applications of Grammar in IELTS
- Work Visa & PR: Employers expect professional English usage.
- University Studies: Academic essays require accurate verb forms.
- Daily Communication: Using correct grammar makes you sound confident.
Example:
- He stopped to smoke (he paused to do it).
- He stopped smoking (he quit completely).
Such differences change meaning and can affect your IELTS answers.
IELTS Global Statistics
- 3.5+ million candidates took IELTS worldwide in 2024.
- Average Band Score: GT = 6.5, Academic = 6.1.
- Top destinations: Canada, Australia, UK, and New Zealand.
👉 With competition rising, mastering IELTS grammar for listening is key to achieving Band 8+.
FAQs
What is the difference between IELTS GT and Academic?
IELTS GT is for migration and work purposes, while Academic is for university admission. Listening and Speaking are the same, but Reading and Writing differ.
How to score Band 8 in IELTS?
Follow a structured IELTS study plan, practice listening daily, master grammar (gerunds & verb forms), and get expert feedback on essays and speaking.
Which IELTS is easier – GT or Academic?
IELTS GT is slightly easier in Reading and Writing since the texts are less academic. However, Listening and Speaking remain equally challenging.
What are the best free IELTS preparation resources in 2025?
Websites like IELTS.org, British Council, and practice portals such as NeptuneWorld IELTS Grammar Practice offer free tests.
Conclusion
Mastering **IELTS GT Listening grammar—especially gerunds and verb forms—**is essential for achieving a Band 8+. By learning when to use to + verb or verb + ing, you’ll understand audios more effectively and improve your accuracy in all sections.
👉 Start your IELTS journey today with free practice tests and study plans—your Band 8+ dream is closer than you think!