“In order not to” is a common phrase used to express the purpose of avoiding something. Mastering its use can significantly enhance your grammar score in the IELTS exam, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. Let’s explore how to use it effectively to demonstrate clarity and sophistication in your language.
Here are some examples of how “in order not to” can be used in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking:
- “I practice speaking English every day in order not to lose my fluency.”
- Here, “in order not to” connects the action of “practicing speaking English” with the purpose of “not losing fluency”.
- “I’m taking an online IELTS preparation course in order not to fall behind in my studies.”
- In this example, “in order not to” links the action of “taking a course” with the purpose of avoiding falling behind.
Writing task 2:
- “Governments should invest in renewable energy sources in order not to rely solely on fossil fuels, which are detrimental to the environment.”
- This sentence uses “in order not to” to show the purpose of investing in renewable energy sources is to avoid dependence on fossil fuels.
Listening:
- You might hear a speaker say, “She left the house early in order not to miss her train.”
- This example uses “in order not to” to explain the reason behind the action of leaving early.
Understanding “In Order Not To”
“In order not to” conveys a negative purpose, highlighting the action taken to prevent an undesirable outcome. Its use demonstrates a good command of English grammar and adds a formal tone to your writing and speaking. This phrase is particularly useful in the IELTS exam to showcase your ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely.
The Formula and Its Applications
In order not to + base form of the verb
Let’s break it down:
- In order: This phrase introduces the purpose clause.
- Not: This negates the verb, indicating avoidance.
- To: This infinitive marker precedes the base form of the verb.
- Base form of the verb: This denotes the action being taken to avoid the outcome.
Applications:
- Speaking: Use “in order not to” when explaining your reasons for doing something to avoid a negative consequence. For example, “I study English every day in order not to forget what I have learned.”
- Writing Task 1 (describing a process): You can use it to explain a step taken to prevent a negative outcome in a process. For instance, “The mixture is heated gently in order not to burn the ingredients.”
- Writing Task 2: Effectively use this phrase to express the reasons behind arguments or opinions. For example, “Governments should implement stricter regulations in order not to exacerbate the problem of climate change.”
Illustrative Examples in IELTS Contexts
Writing Task 1
The graph below shows the number of tourists visiting a particular country over a ten-year period.
Sample Sentence:
“The government invested heavily in tourism infrastructure in order not to lose their competitive edge as a leading travel destination.”
Analysis:
This sentence effectively uses “in order not to” to explain the government’s motivation for investing in tourism. It highlights their proactive approach to maintaining their position in the global tourism market.
Writing Task 2
Some people believe that the best way to improve public health is by promoting healthy lifestyles. Others believe that it is more important to focus on treating illnesses. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Sample Paragraph:
“While treating illnesses is undeniably crucial, promoting healthy lifestyles is paramount in order not to solely rely on reactive healthcare approaches. Encouraging individuals to adopt healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can prevent a multitude of health problems from arising in the first place.”
Analysis:
This paragraph effectively uses “in order not to” to emphasize the proactive nature of promoting healthy lifestyles as a means to reduce reliance on reactive healthcare. It strengthens the argument for prioritizing preventative measures in public health.
Achieving a Higher Band Score
To elevate your IELTS score, consider these tips when using “in order not to”:
- Vary your vocabulary: Explore synonyms like “so as not to,” “to avoid,” or “lest.”
- Combine with complex structures: Integrate “in order not to” with other grammatical structures like conditional sentences or participle clauses to demonstrate grammatical range and accuracy. For example, “Having learned from past mistakes, the company implemented stricter safety regulations in order not to repeat the same errors.”
- Maintain natural flow: Ensure the phrase fits seamlessly within your sentence and paragraph, contributing to the overall coherence and cohesion of your writing.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect tense: Ensure the verb tense aligns with the main clause.
- Double negative: Avoid using “in order not to” with another negative word, creating redundancy.
- Overuse: While useful, using “in order not to” repeatedly can sound repetitive. Vary your language for a more sophisticated and engaging style.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in order not to” provides you with a valuable tool to express purpose and reason clearly and effectively in the IELTS exam. By understanding its structure, applications, and potential pitfalls, you can confidently incorporate it into your writing and speaking, showcasing your grammatical range and precision to achieve a higher band score. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts to consolidate your understanding and enhance your fluency.
