“Had It Been Within Our Control, We Would Have Fixed It” – This sentence structure often leaves IELTS students perplexed, wondering about its meaning and usage. In this article, we’ll break down this seemingly complex structure, unravel its nuances, and equip you with the knowledge to confidently use it in your IELTS writing and speaking, ultimately boosting your band score.
Let’s start by understanding this structure in context with a few examples:
- Speaking Part 2: Describe a time you were unable to solve a problem. “There was a major power outage in my neighbourhood. Had it been within our control, we would have fixed it immediately. However, we were at the mercy of the electricity company.”
- Writing Task 2: Some people believe that technology has made our lives more stressful. “While technology offers numerous benefits, it has also introduced new avenues for stress. Had it been within our control to foresee these drawbacks, we would have implemented measures to mitigate them from the outset.”
Notice how this structure conveys a sense of regret or a hypothetical situation in the past. Now, let’s delve deeper into its grammatical construction.
Deconstructing the Structure: Meaning and Usage
The sentence “Had it been within our control, we would have fixed it” expresses a hypothetical past situation and its imagined consequence. It suggests that something was not within our control in the past, and therefore, a desired outcome didn’t happen.
This structure is essentially a third conditional sentence with an inversion.
Grammar Breakdown: The Third Conditional with Inversion
Formula:
Had + subject + past participle (verb 3), subject + would/could/might + have + past participle
Breaking it down:
- “Had it been…” – This is an inversion of the more common “If it had been…”. Inversions add a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing.
- “within our control” – This phrase signifies the hypothetical condition that was not met in the past.
- “we would have fixed it” – This expresses the imagined consequence that would have occurred if the condition had been true.
Application in IELTS:
- Writing Task 2: When presenting arguments, you can effectively use this structure to discuss hypothetical situations and their potential outcomes.
- Speaking Part 3: This structure can elevate your responses by showcasing your ability to discuss complex ideas and hypothetical scenarios.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Example Application in IELTS
Writing Task 2:
Prompt: Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public transportation, while others think that it is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Response: “Advocates for increased spending argue that had robust public transportation systems been established earlier, we would have witnessed a significant reduction in traffic congestion and air pollution. Conversely, opponents contend that…”
Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: Do you think individuals have a responsibility to protect the environment?
Candidate: Absolutely. Had each of us been more conscious of our environmental footprint in the past, we might have averted some of the climate challenges we face today.
Elevating Your Usage for a Higher Band Score
- Combine with other structures: Instead of repetitive use, integrate this structure with other conditional sentences or hypothetical expressions for a more dynamic and sophisticated writing style.
- Vocabulary Enhancement: Replace “fixed” with more specific and impactful verbs based on the context. For instance: “resolved,” “addressed,” “rectified,” or “mitigated.”
- Vary your sentence structure: Experiment with word order and sentence length to avoid monotony and maintain reader interest.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Incorrect tense agreement: Ensure that the verbs within the structure maintain consistent past perfect and conditional tenses.
- Overuse: While impactful, avoid overusing this structure. Employ it strategically to emphasize specific points.
- Informal Context: Remember, this structure carries a formal tone and may not be suitable for every IELTS speaking task.
Conclusion
Mastering the “Had it been within our control, we would have fixed it” structure empowers you with a powerful tool to articulate complex ideas and hypothetical scenarios effectively. By understanding its construction, nuances, and application in different IELTS contexts, you can significantly enhance the grammatical range and sophistication of your language, paving the way for a higher band score.
