Comparisons using “by far” are a powerful tool to emphasize the degree of difference between two or more things in English. This structure frequently appears in IELTS exams, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. Understanding how to use “by far” correctly can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage of “By Far”
“By far” is an idiomatic expression used to emphasize that something is true to a much greater extent than other things in a comparison. It’s often used with superlatives or comparative adjectives to stress that one thing is significantly superior or inferior to others in a particular aspect.
Frequency in IELTS Exams
This structure appears regularly in IELTS exams, particularly in:
- Writing Task 2 essays, where candidates need to compare and contrast ideas.
- Speaking Part 3, when discussing preferences or comparing aspects of society.
- Reading passages, especially in academic texts comparing research findings or historical events.
Examples in context:
- Writing Task 2: “Environmental pollution is by far the most pressing issue facing our planet today.”
- Speaking Part 3: “In my opinion, social media is by far the most influential form of communication in the 21st century.”
- Reading: “The study concluded that regular exercise was by far the most effective method for maintaining long-term health.”
Grammar Formula and Usage
The basic structure for using “by far” in comparisons is:
[Subject] + [verb] + by far + [superlative adjective/the most/the least] + [noun]
or
[Subject] + [verb] + by far + [comparative adjective] + than + [noun]
Application in IELTS Sections
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IELTS Writing:
Use “by far” to emphasize key points in your essays. For example:- “Among all environmental issues, climate change is by far the most critical challenge we face.”
- “Investing in education is by far more beneficial for a country’s development than spending on military defense.”
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IELTS Speaking:
Incorporate “by far” when expressing strong opinions or preferences:- “In my city, the subway is by far the most efficient mode of transportation.”
- “Learning a foreign language is by far more difficult than mastering a new sport.”
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IELTS Reading:
Recognize this structure in academic texts to better understand the author’s emphasis:- “The results showed that Diet A was by far the most effective in reducing cholesterol levels.”
Sample Passages and Analysis
Writing Task 2 Sample
“In the realm of technological advancements, artificial intelligence is by far the most revolutionary development of the 21st century. While other technologies have certainly made significant impacts, AI’s potential to transform various sectors of society is unparalleled. It is by far more versatile than any other innovation, with applications ranging from healthcare to finance, and from education to environmental protection.”
Analysis: The use of “by far” in this passage emphasizes the writer’s strong stance on AI’s importance, demonstrating a clear opinion and the ability to make emphatic comparisons – key skills for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing.
Speaking Part 3 Sample
Examiner: “What do you think is the most significant change in communication in recent years?”
Candidate: “I believe that the rise of social media is by far the most significant change in how we communicate. While other technologies like smartphones have been important, social media platforms have by far the greatest impact on our daily interactions. They’ve changed not just how we talk to each other, but also how we perceive the world and share information. The speed and reach of communication through social media are by far superior to any previous form of mass communication.”
Analysis: The repeated use of “by far” in this response demonstrates the candidate’s ability to express strong opinions and make clear comparisons, essential for achieving a high band score in IELTS Speaking.
Strategies for High Band Scores
To achieve a higher band score using “by far” in comparisons:
- Use it sparingly but effectively to emphasize key points.
- Combine it with a range of superlative and comparative structures.
- Ensure that your comparison is logical and well-supported with examples or reasoning.
Compare these sentences:
- Band 6: “Education is very important for a country’s development.”
- Band 7: “Education is the most important factor for a country’s development.”
- Band 8-9: “Education is by far the most crucial investment a country can make for its long-term development, outweighing even infrastructure or industrial growth.”
The Band 8-9 example uses “by far” to create a more emphatic and sophisticated comparison, demonstrating a higher level of language proficiency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overuse: Using “by far” too frequently can make your language sound repetitive and less natural.
Incorrect: “This book is by far the best. The characters are by far the most interesting, and the plot is by far the most exciting.”
Correct: “This book is by far the best I’ve read this year. Its characters are deeply engaging, and the plot is exceptionally thrilling.” -
Incorrect placement: “By far” should be placed before the superlative or comparative, not after.
Incorrect: “It was the most interesting movie by far I’ve ever seen.”
Correct: “It was by far the most interesting movie I’ve ever seen.” -
Using with non-gradable adjectives: “By far” doesn’t work with adjectives that can’t be graded.
Incorrect: “This solution is by far perfect.”
Correct: “This solution is by far the best option available.” -
Forgetting the article with superlatives: When using superlatives, don’t forget “the.”
Incorrect: “She is by far most talented artist in the group.”
Correct: “She is by far the most talented artist in the group.” -
Using with positive forms: “By far” is used with comparatives or superlatives, not with positive forms of adjectives.
Incorrect: “This city is by far big.”
Correct: “This city is by far bigger than any other in the region.” or “This is by far the biggest city in the region.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “by far” in comparisons can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It allows you to express ideas with greater emphasis and precision, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. Remember to use this structure judiciously, ensuring that your comparisons are logical and well-supported. Practice incorporating “by far” into your language, but be mindful of the common mistakes outlined above. With careful application, this small phrase can make a big difference in showcasing your English language proficiency.
To further improve your skills, try creating sentences using “by far” to compare aspects of your own life, such as your hobbies, your city, or your educational experiences. This practice will help you internalize the structure and use it more naturally during your IELTS exam.