“In compliance with” is a formal phrase frequently used in legal, business, and academic contexts to indicate adherence to rules, regulations, or standards. While it might not be as common as other phrases in everyday English, understanding its usage can significantly enhance your vocabulary and demonstrate a high level of grammatical accuracy in the IELTS exam, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections.
Let’s consider some examples of how “in compliance with” might appear in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Writing Task 2:
“Governments should ensure that all businesses operate in compliance with environmental regulations.”
Speaking Part 3:
“Do you think it’s important for international companies to operate in compliance with local laws?”
Listening Section:
“The new building project was completed in compliance with all safety standards.”
In each of these examples, “in compliance with” is used to convey a sense of conformity to established guidelines or requirements. Mastering this phrase and its synonyms will not only broaden your vocabulary but also allow you to express complex ideas with greater precision and sophistication.
Understanding “In Compliance With”
“In compliance with” signifies acting in accordance with a particular rule, law, request, or demand. It is commonly used in formal and professional settings, highlighting a commitment to adhering to established guidelines.
Frequency in IELTS
While not overly common, “in compliance with” can appear in various IELTS sections, including:
- Listening: You might hear it in lectures, discussions, or news reports.
- Reading: This phrase is frequently found in academic texts, legal documents, or articles related to regulations and standards.
- Writing Task 2: It can be effectively used in essays discussing laws, regulations, business practices, or social issues.
- Speaking Part 3: Using “in compliance with” in Part 3 showcases a strong vocabulary when discussing complex societal or global issues.
Grammatical Structure and Usage
The phrase “in compliance with” typically functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb, noun, or adjective in a sentence.
Formula:
[Subject] + [Verb] + in compliance with + [Noun/Noun phrase]
Example:
- The company operates in compliance with all safety regulations.
- All construction work must be carried out in compliance with building codes.
Applying “In Compliance With” in IELTS
Writing
Task 1 (Report):
“The graph illustrates the number of companies found in compliance with environmental regulations over a five-year period.”
Task 2 (Essay):
“It is imperative for corporations to conduct their operations in compliance with ethical business practices to ensure long-term sustainability and public trust.”
Speaking
Part 1:
Examiner: “Do you think following rules is important?”
You: “Absolutely, following rules ensures order and fairness. For instance, driving in compliance with traffic laws prevents accidents and keeps everyone safe.”
Part 3:
Examiner: “How can governments ensure businesses operate responsibly?”
You: ” Governments can implement stringent regulations and monitor companies to guarantee they function in compliance with those standards. This could involve regular audits, penalties for violations, and incentives for companies consistently adhering to the rules.”
Enhancing Your Score: Synonyms and Alternatives
Using synonyms and alternative expressions can diversify your language and demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary, which can positively impact your IELTS score.
Here are some synonyms for “in compliance with”:
- In accordance with
- In line with
- Adhering to
- Conforming to
- Observing
- Following
- Abiding by
Remember to choose the synonym that best suits the context and maintains the formal tone, especially in writing.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect Preposition:
One common mistake is using the wrong preposition after “compliance.”
Incorrect: The company is in compliance to the regulations.
Correct: The company is in compliance with the regulations.
Informal Language:
Avoid using informal alternatives like “sticking to” or “going along with” in formal writing tasks.
Incorrect: The company is just sticking to the rules.
Correct: The company operates in compliance with the established regulations.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in compliance with” and its synonyms can significantly enhance your lexical resource and grammatical range in the IELTS exam. By understanding its meaning, grammatical function, and appropriate contexts, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing and speaking, demonstrating a higher level of language proficiency and boosting your chances of achieving a desirable band score. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts to solidify your understanding and improve fluency.