“In Relation To” is a versatile phrase commonly seen in academic writing and frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding its usage can significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas effectively and achieve a higher band score. This guide will delve into the meaning, grammatical structure, and application of “in relation to,” providing you with the tools to use it confidently in your IELTS writing and speaking.
Let’s look at a few examples of how “in relation to” functions within a sentence:
-
Speaking (Part 3): “In relation to the previous question about technology’s impact, I believe it has revolutionized the way we communicate, both positively and negatively.” – Here, “in relation to” seamlessly links your response to the previous topic, demonstrating coherence.
-
Writing Task 2: “Governments should prioritize investment in renewable energy sources in relation to combating climate change.” – In this context, “in relation to” highlights the purpose or objective of the investment.
-
Listening (Section 4): “The professor argues that understanding historical context is crucial in relation to interpreting literature.” – This example showcases how “in relation to” emphasizes the connection between historical context and literary interpretation.
Understanding “In Relation To”
Meaning and Usage
“In relation to” signifies a connection or association between two things. It’s used to introduce a topic or point that is relevant to something that has already been mentioned or is understood. Think of it as a more formal synonym for phrases like “concerning,” “regarding,” “with respect to,” or “in the context of.”
Frequency in IELTS
The phrase “in relation to” is particularly relevant for IELTS as it aligns with the assessment criteria for both writing and speaking, which emphasize the need for:
- Coherence and Cohesion: Using “in relation to” effectively demonstrates your ability to connect ideas smoothly and logically.
- Lexical Resource: Employing less common and more sophisticated phrases like “in relation to” showcases a wider vocabulary range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Using “in relation to” correctly within complex sentence structures highlights your grammatical proficiency.
Grammatical Structure and Application
“In relation to” typically functions as a prepositional phrase, meaning it modifies a noun or pronoun and provides additional information about it.
Formula:
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Object] + in relation to + [Noun/Noun Phrase]
Example:
- The study analyzed consumer behavior in relation to online advertising.
Breakdown:
- Subject: The study
- Verb: analyzed
- Object: consumer behavior
- Prepositional Phrase: in relation to online advertising
IELTS Exam Preparation
Using “In Relation To” in IELTS
Writing Task 2
-
Introducing Supporting Arguments: “In relation to the economic benefits, tourism can create numerous job opportunities.”
-
Drawing Comparisons: “The two articles had contrasting viewpoints in relation to the impact of social media on mental health.”
Speaking Part 3
-
Connecting Ideas: “In relation to what you said about the importance of education, I believe…”
-
Providing Specific Examples: “In relation to the issue of pollution, one solution could be…”
Elevating Your Language: Alternatives to “In Relation To”
While “in relation to” is a valuable phrase, using synonyms can diversify your language and demonstrate a broader vocabulary:
- Concerning: “There are growing concerns concerning the decline of biodiversity.”
- Regarding: “The government has implemented new policies regarding immigration.”
- With respect to: “The study found significant results with respect to the effectiveness of the new treatment.”
- In the context of: “In the context of globalization, cultural exchange has become increasingly important.”
You can find examples of how these phrases are used in various contexts on websites like IELTS.NET. For instance, you can see how “while” is used in different sentence structures here: https://www.ielts.net/while/.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
-
Incorrect Preposition: Using prepositions other than “to” after “in relation.” Incorrect: “In relation with” or “In relation of“.
-
Redundancy: Using “in relation to” excessively within a sentence or paragraph. Ensure each use adds clarity and flow.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in relation to” and its synonyms is a key step towards achieving a higher band score in your IELTS exam. By understanding its meaning, grammatical function, and application, you can express your ideas with greater clarity, sophistication, and coherence. Remember to practice using “in relation to” in various contexts related to common IELTS themes such as education, technology, or the environment. Consistent practice will ultimately enhance your fluency and boost your confidence on test day.
