Is “As Respected By” Grammatically Correct? A Deep Dive for IELTS Success

Many IELTS candidates, aiming to enhance their lexical resource score, often reach for complex phrases. One such phrase is “as respected by,” which can seem sophisticated but is often grammatically incorrect and unnatural in standard English. Let’s analyze why this is the case and explore alternative expressions to boost your IELTS score.

Here are a few examples of how “as respected by” might be used incorrectly:

• Incorrect: The new law, as respected by the majority, aims to reduce pollution.
• Incorrect: The CEO, as respected by his employees, always encouraged innovation.

These sentences, while attempting to convey respect, employ the phrase awkwardly. Now, let’s delve into better alternatives and understand why they work.

Understanding “As Respected By” and Its Alternatives

The phrase “as respected by” is often misused when attempting to express the idea that something or someone is held in high regard by a particular group. The problem lies in the use of “as” and the passive voice, creating an unnatural and grammatically incorrect structure.

Preferred Alternatives

Instead of “as respected by,” consider these alternatives:

1. Respected by: This simple and direct phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning.
   • Example: The new law, respected by the majority, aims to reduce pollution.
2. Held in high regard by: This phrase adds a more formal tone.
   • Example: The CEO, held in high regard by his employees, always encouraged innovation.
3. As shown/demonstrated by: This structure is useful for providing evidence of the respect.
   • Example: The team’s dedication to the project, as demonstrated by their long hours and meticulous work, was respected by everyone.
4. [Noun] of [group]: This concise structure implies respect.
   • Example: The decision of the court was respected by all parties.

Respect in IELTS Writing

Applying Alternatives in IELTS Writing

These alternatives can be seamlessly integrated into various sections of the IELTS writing exam:

• Task 1 (Describing graphs/charts): “The data shows a clear increase in public transport use, respected by environmental groups advocating for sustainable practices.”
• Task 2 (Essay writing): “Freedom of speech, while a fundamental right, must be balanced with the responsibility to avoid hate speech, a principle held in high regard by most democratic societies.”

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect use of “as”: “As” is often misused as a connector in this context. Remember that “as” implies a comparison or reason.
   • Incorrect: The artist, as respected by his peers, continued to create groundbreaking work.
   • Correct: The artist, respected by his peers, continued to create groundbreaking work.
2. Overusing the passive voice: While the passive voice has its place, overusing it can lead to awkward and unclear sentences.
   • Incorrect: The new policy was seen as controversial by some, but as respected by others.
   • Correct: The new policy sparked controversy among some, while others respected the decision.

Conclusion

While the phrase “as respected by” might seem appealing, it often leads to grammatically incorrect and unnatural sentences. By opting for clearer and more concise alternatives, you can effectively convey respect while maintaining grammatical accuracy. This, in turn, will contribute to a higher score in the lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy criteria of the IELTS exam. Remember to practice incorporating these alternatives into your writing and speaking to enhance your fluency and accuracy.