“In accordance with” is a formal prepositional phrase commonly used in academic and professional contexts, including IELTS exams. It means “in agreement with” or “in conformity with” and is often followed by a noun or noun phrase. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage
The phrase “in accordance with” is used to show that something is done in a way that follows or agrees with a rule, law, or plan. It’s particularly useful in IELTS essays or speaking responses that discuss policies, regulations, or standard procedures.
Examples:
- The company operates in accordance with international safety standards.
- All experiments were conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines.
- Employees must dress in accordance with the company’s dress code.
- The building was constructed in accordance with local zoning laws.
- The survey was carried out in accordance with the research protocol.
In Accordance With Diagram
Grammar and Structure
The basic structure of this phrase is:
[Subject] + [Verb] + in accordance with + [Noun/Noun Phrase]
It’s important to note that the noun or noun phrase following “in accordance with” should be something that can be followed or adhered to, such as rules, laws, standards, or guidelines.
Examples for IELTS Writing Task 2:
“In accordance with recent environmental regulations, many companies are now required to reduce their carbon emissions.”
Analysis: This sentence could be used in an essay about environmental policies or corporate responsibility.
“The government’s new education policy, in accordance with international best practices, aims to improve literacy rates across the country.”
Analysis: This example demonstrates how to use the phrase in a complex sentence structure, which can help achieve a higher band score in IELTS Writing.
“Universities are updating their curricula in accordance with the rapidly changing job market demands.”
Analysis: This sentence shows how the phrase can be used to discuss trends or changes in society, a common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Examples for IELTS Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: “How do you think companies should handle customer data?”
Candidate: “I believe companies should handle customer data in accordance with strict privacy laws to protect individuals’ rights and prevent misuse of personal information.”Examiner: “What role should the government play in regulating social media?”
Candidate: “In my opinion, the government should create guidelines in accordance with democratic principles to ensure freedom of speech while also protecting users from harmful content.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s crucial to use complex grammatical structures and show a wide range of vocabulary. Here are some advanced ways to use “in accordance with”:
Combining with other structures:
“Not only does the company operate in accordance with international standards, but it also exceeds them in several areas.”Using in a concession clause:
“While the project was carried out in accordance with the original plan, several unforeseen challenges arose during implementation.”Incorporating into a passive voice construction:
“The policy was formulated in accordance with expert recommendations and is expected to be implemented nationwide.”Using with modifiers:
“The study was conducted strictly in accordance with ethical guidelines set by the medical board.”Incorporating into a complex sentence with multiple clauses:
“Despite initial resistance, the new regulations, which were developed in accordance with international agreements, have led to significant improvements in air quality.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect preposition:
Incorrect: “In accordance to the rules”
Correct: “In accordance with the rules”Using with inappropriate nouns:
Incorrect: “In accordance with John”
Correct: “In accordance with John’s instructions”Redundant use with similar phrases:
Incorrect: “In compliance and in accordance with the law”
Correct: “In accordance with the law” or “In compliance with the law”Overuse in a single paragraph or essay:
Instead of repeatedly using “in accordance with,” consider synonymous phrases like “in line with,” “in compliance with,” or “adhering to” for variety.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in accordance with” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Remember to use it in formal contexts, ensure the following noun is appropriate, and incorporate it into complex sentence structures for higher band scores. Practice using this phrase in your writing and speaking to become more comfortable with it. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider how you might use this phrase in essays about law, policy, education, or business practices.
For further practice, try incorporating “in accordance with” into responses for these IELTS topics:
- Describe a new law you would like to have in your country
- Discuss the importance of rule adherence in sports
- Explain the benefits of cross-disciplinary research in academia
Remember, while using sophisticated phrases like “in accordance with” can improve your score, it’s equally important to use them naturally and in the right context. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!