How to Use ‘By Reason of’ Effectively in IELTS Writing and Speaking?

Understanding ‘By Reason of’ in IELTS Context

‘By reason of’ is a formal prepositional phrase used to express cause and effect relationships in academic writing. Similar to For this reason, this phrase helps candidates achieve higher band scores by demonstrating sophisticated grammar usage.

By reason of grammatical structure and usage in IELTS

Basic Structure and Usage

The basic formula is:
By reason of + noun/noun phrase

Examples:

1. By reason of his extensive experience, he was selected for the position.
2. The project was delayed by reason of unexpected technical difficulties.
3. Many species are becoming extinct by reason of climate change.

Application in IELTS Writing Tasks

Use of ‘it stands to reason that’ provides another formal alternative, but ‘by reason of’ offers unique advantages in formal academic writing.

Task 2 Essay Examples

• “Environmental degradation occurs primarily by reason of human activities.”
• “Urban migration has increased by reason of better employment opportunities in cities.”

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Typical Errors

1. Incorrect Structure:

   • ❌ “By reason of because…” (redundant)
   • ✓ “By reason of the economic crisis…”

2. Inappropriate Context:

   • ❌ “I’m late by reason of traffic” (too formal for this context)
   • ✓ “The meeting was postponed by reason of unforeseen circumstances”

Alternative Expressions for Different Band Scores

Use of ‘given’ for reason offers another approach, but ‘by reason of’ is particularly effective for Band 7+ responses.

Band 6: “because of”, “due to”
Band 7: “by reason of”, “owing to”
Band 8+: Varied usage of “by reason of” with complex structures

IELTS band score comparison for reason phrases

Tips for IELTS Speaking

While ‘by reason of’ is primarily used in writing, it can enhance Speaking Part 3 responses when discussing formal topics:

Example:
Examiner: “Why do some traditional industries disappear?”
Response: “Many traditional industries are declining by reason of technological advancement and changing consumer preferences.”

Use of ‘for this reason’ for results can complement ‘by reason of’ in both speaking and writing tasks.

Practice Exercises

1. Complete these sentences using ‘by reason of’:
   • The government introduced new policies ___ increasing environmental concerns.
   • Many students choose online learning ___ its flexibility.
   • The company’s profits increased ___ efficient management strategies.

Remember to use this phrase sparingly and in appropriate formal contexts to achieve maximum impact in your IELTS responses.