Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
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The first 3 of 9 cards
the verb decides what follows
The verb before it decides whether you need -ing, to + verb, or a person first. Guessing by sound is what goes wrong.
Cities should consider to chargeconsider + -ing drivers, encourage people useencourage + person + to trams, and prevent traffic to growprevent + from + -ing.
Each verb brings its own pattern.
learn the verb with its pattern
| Pattern | Verbs |
|---|---|
| -ing | avoid, consider, suggest |
| to + verb | decide, agree, manage |
| person + to | encourage, allow, enable |
| object + from -ing | prevent, discourage |
| bare verb | make, let (person first) |
| -ing or to | begin, start, continue |
Stop to look = pause. Stop looking = quit.
even when the preposition is 'to'
| Link word | Then a verb |
|---|---|
| by | by cutting costs |
| without | without asking |
| instead of | instead of driving |
| after | after finishing |
| interested in | interested in learning |
| look forward to | look forward to hearing |
| object to | object to paying |
If 'it' fits after 'to', use -ing. Fixed phrases differ: in order to reduce, do nothing but wait.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
Keep reading free
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Read the full Learn the pattern with the verb free
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Questions
Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both. The lesson is in the IELTS and the PTE study library, so it opens whichever exam you prepare for.
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