“In the eyes of” is a common idiom in English, often appearing in IELTS reading passages and proving useful for achieving a higher band score in speaking and writing. It indicates how something or someone is perceived or judged by a particular person or group. Let’s explore its usage with examples:
- Speaking (Part 3): “In the eyes of many, online education is revolutionizing traditional learning methods.” Here, the phrase highlights a widely held perspective on online education.
- Writing (Task 2): “Some argue that economic progress is the most important measure of a country’s success. However, in the eyes of others, social well-being holds equal or even greater importance.” This demonstrates contrasting viewpoints on societal progress.
- Reading: “The discovery was hailed as a breakthrough in the eyes of the scientific community.” This sentence implies that the scientific community viewed the discovery positively.
Understanding “In the Eyes of”
This phrase is not literal; it refers to perception or judgment rather than physical sight. It emphasizes whose perspective is being considered, often highlighting subjectivity or differing opinions.
In IELTS, understanding the nuanced meaning of “in the eyes of” is crucial for comprehending reading passages and responding accurately to questions. Using it appropriately in your writing and speaking demonstrates a strong command of idiomatic language, contributing to a higher lexical resource score.
Grammar and Usage
Formula and Grammatical Structure:
In the eyes of + [person/group] + [clause/phrase]
Examples:
- In the eyes of the law, all citizens are equal.
- The project was a success in the eyes of the investors.
- She remained optimistic in the eyes of adversity.
Applying “In the Eyes of” in IELTS:
Speaking:
- Part 1: When discussing personal values or beliefs, you can use “in the eyes of” to explain how your family or culture views a particular topic. For example, “In the eyes of my grandparents, hard work is the key to success.”
- Part 3: When discussing societal issues or abstract concepts, this phrase can introduce diverse perspectives and demonstrate your ability to consider different viewpoints.
Writing:
- Task 2: “In the eyes of” is particularly useful for presenting contrasting viewpoints in argumentative essays. For instance, “While some believe that globalization has primarily positive effects, in the eyes of others, it exacerbates inequality.”
Reading:
Be prepared to identify the specific perspective indicated by “in the eyes of” and how it contributes to the overall message of the passage.
Enhancing Your Score with Similar Phrases
To further enrich your language and demonstrate flexibility, consider these alternatives to “in the eyes of”:
- From the perspective of: This phrase offers a more formal alternative.
- Example: “From the perspective of environmentalists, the new policy is a step backwards.”
- According to: Suitable for introducing expert opinions or commonly held beliefs.
- Example: “According to recent studies, spending time in nature can improve mental well-being.”
- In the view of: A less formal alternative, suitable for expressing personal opinions.
- Example: “In the view of many young people, social media plays a vital role in their lives.”
Common Errors to Avoid:
- Incorrect preposition: Avoid using prepositions other than “of” after “in the eyes.”
- Incorrect: In the eyes with the public.
- Correct: In the eyes of the public.
- Redundancy: Do not use “in the eyes of” redundantly when the context already implies a particular perspective.
- Redundant: In the opinion of the judge, in the eyes of the law, the defendant is guilty.
- Concise: In the opinion of the judge, the defendant is guilty.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in the eyes of” and its synonyms will undoubtedly enhance your ability to express nuanced ideas and achieve a higher band score in the IELTS exam. Remember to practice incorporating these phrases into your speaking and writing, paying close attention to the grammatical structure and context. By expanding your vocabulary and refining your grammatical accuracy, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in your IELTS journey.