The “be conditional on + noun” structure is a crucial grammatical pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and using this structure effectively can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into its meaning, usage, and application in IELTS contexts.
Understanding the “Be Conditional On + Noun” Structure
The phrase “be conditional on + noun” is used to express that something depends on or is subject to a particular condition or factor. This structure is commonly encountered in academic and professional contexts, making it particularly relevant for IELTS candidates.
Here are some examples to illustrate its usage:
- The success of the project is conditional on adequate funding.
- Their participation will be conditional on the weather conditions.
- The scholarship is conditional on maintaining a high GPA.
- The contract renewal was conditional on meeting performance targets.
- The merger is conditional on regulatory approval.
In each of these sentences, the outcome or action (success, participation, scholarship, renewal, merger) depends on a specific condition (funding, weather, GPA, performance, approval).
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Variations
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + conditional on + [noun/noun phrase]
It’s important to note that the verb “be” can be conjugated in different tenses:
- Present: is/are conditional on
- Past: was/were conditional on
- Future: will be conditional on
- Present perfect: has/have been conditional on
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using this structure can demonstrate a high level of grammatical control and vocabulary range. For example:
Band 7 example:
“The success of environmental policies is conditional on public support and participation.”
Band 8-9 example:
“The efficacy of global climate agreements is invariably conditional on the unwavering commitment of both developed and developing nations to adhere to stringent emission reduction targets.”
The latter example showcases more sophisticated vocabulary and a more complex sentence structure, which are characteristics of higher band scores.
Sample Passages and Analysis
IELTS Reading
In IELTS Reading passages, you might encounter this structure in academic or professional contexts. For example:
“Recent studies suggest that the long-term viability of renewable energy projects is conditional on government subsidies and technological advancements. While initial investments in solar and wind power have shown promise, their widespread adoption remains conditional on overcoming storage limitations and improving cost-effectiveness.”
Here, the structure is used twice to emphasize the dependencies in the renewable energy sector. Understanding this usage can help you quickly identify key information and relationships within the text.
IELTS Writing Task 1
For Task 1, you might use this structure to describe trends or conditions in graphs or charts:
“The graph indicates that economic growth in developing countries is largely conditional on foreign investment. As the data shows, countries with higher levels of foreign direct investment consistently demonstrate stronger GDP growth rates.”
This usage demonstrates the ability to interpret and describe relationships between different factors presented in visual data.
IELTS Writing Task 2
In Task 2 essays, this structure can be particularly useful for discussing cause-and-effect relationships or policy implications:
“In conclusion, the effectiveness of educational reforms is conditional on several factors, including adequate funding, teacher training, and societal support. While policy makers may propose ambitious changes, their success will ultimately be conditional on addressing these underlying issues comprehensively.”
Using this structure in your conclusion can help you summarize complex ideas concisely and effectively.
Advanced Usage and Common Errors
To achieve higher band scores, consider using variations or more sophisticated synonyms:
- “is dependent on”
- “hinges on”
- “is contingent upon”
- “is predicated on”
For example:
“The resolution of global conflicts is often contingent upon diplomatic negotiations and mutual concessions.”
Common errors to avoid:
-
Incorrect preposition: “conditional of” or “conditional in” instead of “conditional on”
Incorrect: The offer is conditional of your acceptance.
Correct: The offer is conditional on your acceptance. -
Using “conditional” as a verb
Incorrect: The success conditionals on hard work.
Correct: The success is conditional on hard work. -
Misplacing the noun/noun phrase
Incorrect: Conditional on the weather is our decision to go hiking.
Correct: Our decision to go hiking is conditional on the weather.
Conclusion
Mastering the “be conditional on + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express complex relationships and dependencies clearly and concisely. Practice incorporating this structure into your writing and speaking, and be prepared to recognize it in reading and listening tasks. Remember to use it alongside a variety of other advanced structures to demonstrate the full range of your language skills.
To further improve your skills, try creating sentences using this structure related to common IELTS topics such as education, technology, environment, and globalization. This practice will help you become more comfortable with the structure and prepare you for a wide range of potential IELTS questions.