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Is “Due to the Fact That” Too Formal for IELTS Writing?

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Many IELTS candidates wonder if using phrases like “due to the fact that” will impress examiners and boost their scores. While grammatically correct, it’s essential to understand the nuances of such phrases to use them effectively. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural and detract from the clarity of your message.

Let’s analyze a few examples:

Example 1:

Example 2:

As you can see, using simpler alternatives often leads to more concise and impactful sentences.

Understanding “Due to the Fact That”

“Due to the fact that” is a prepositional phrase signifying causation. It is grammatically correct but considered overly formal for academic and everyday writing, let alone the IELTS exam.

Frequency in IELTS

This phrase is not particularly common in high-scoring IELTS responses. Examiners look for a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and using simpler, more concise language is often preferred.

Alternatives to “Due to the Fact That”

Let’s explore some common and effective alternatives:

1. Because/Since/As

These conjunctions offer a straightforward way to express causation:

Formula: Because/Since/As + subject + verb

Example:

2. Due to/Owing to

These prepositions provide a more concise alternative:

Formula: Due to/Owing to + noun phrase

Example:

IELTS Writing Example (Task 2):

Topic: Some people believe that the government should invest in public transportation, while others think that private car ownership should be encouraged. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Body Paragraph:

Investing in public transportation can alleviate traffic congestion in cities. Due to the increasing population density in urban areas, the number of private vehicles on the roads has skyrocketed. This leads to gridlock during peak hours, affecting productivity and increasing air pollution. By providing affordable and efficient public transport options, governments can encourage commuters to leave their cars at home, resulting in smoother traffic flow and a cleaner environment.

3. Resulting from/Stemming from

These phrases emphasize the origin or source of the cause:

Formula: Resulting from/Stemming from + noun phrase

Example:

IELTS Speaking Example (Part 3):

Examiner: What are the main environmental problems facing your country?

Candidate: One major concern is air pollution, largely resulting from the high volume of traffic in our cities.

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Achieving a Higher Score

To elevate your writing and speaking, consider these tips:

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Incorrect Preposition Use:

Explanation: “Due to” is followed by a noun phrase, not a clause.

2. Redundancy:

Explanation: Avoid using “the reason” and “due to” together, as it creates unnecessary repetition.

Conclusion

While “due to the fact that” is grammatically sound, it lacks conciseness and can make your IELTS responses sound overly formal. By incorporating a range of alternatives like “because,” “due to,” or “resulting from,” you can enhance the clarity and sophistication of your language, ultimately boosting your chances of achieving a higher band score. Remember to prioritize variety, conciseness, and appropriate tone in your writing and speaking.

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