“Inasmuch as” is a fairly formal conjunction that often trips up IELTS test-takers. While not overly common, understanding its use can diversify your grammatical range and potentially boost your score, especially in the Writing section. Let’s explore how “inasmuch as” functions and how it can be effectively employed in your IELTS writing.
Understanding “Inasmuch As”
“Inasmuch as” signifies “to the extent that” or “because.” It’s used to show how something is true or exists within certain limits or conditions.
Let’s look at some examples:
- Speaking (Part 3): “Inasmuch as technology simplifies communication, it can also lead to social isolation, especially among those who overuse it.”
- Analysis: Here, “inasmuch as” highlights a contrasting effect of technology – while making communication easier, it can also cause isolation.
- Writing Task 2: “Inasmuch as fossil fuels contribute to climate change, governments should invest heavily in renewable energy sources.”
- Analysis: The use of “inasmuch as” strengthens the argument by establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between fossil fuels and climate change.
Using “Inasmuch As” Effectively
Meaning and Frequency
While “inasmuch as” adds a formal tone and indicates a nuanced understanding of cause and effect, it’s not as frequent in everyday English as “because” or “since.” However, using it judiciously in your IELTS writing, particularly in Task 2 essays, can demonstrate a broader grammatical range.
Structure and Grammar
“Inasmuch as” typically connects two clauses where one clause explains the extent to which the other is true.
Formula:
[Clause 1] inasmuch as [Clause 2]
- Clause 1: Presents the main idea or statement.
- Clause 2: Explains the condition or limitation of Clause 1.
Example:
The new policy was welcomed by environmental groups, inasmuch as it promoted sustainable practices.
Applying “Inasmuch As” in IELTS Writing
Let’s see how this conjunction can be used in different sections of the IELTS Writing test:
Writing Task 1 (Less Common but Possible):
- “Inasmuch as the graph illustrates a sharp decline in unemployment rates, it also reveals a widening income gap during the same period.”
Writing Task 2 (More Common and impactful):
- “Inasmuch as globalization fosters economic growth, it can also exacerbate income inequality within and between nations.”
Achieving a Higher Band Score
Using “inasmuch as” correctly demonstrates:
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Employing less common but accurate conjunctions.
- Cohesion and Coherence: Clearly linking cause and effect within your writing.
- Lexical Resource: Showcasing a wider vocabulary and understanding of synonyms.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect Punctuation: Always use a comma after the clause that follows “inasmuch as.”
- Overuse: Using “inasmuch as” too frequently can make your writing sound unnatural and forced.
- Informal Context: Avoid using “inasmuch as” in informal writing tasks, such as letters to friends.
Conclusion
Mastering conjunctions like “inasmuch as” can be a valuable asset for achieving a higher band score in the IELTS Writing test. By understanding its meaning, grammatical function, and appropriate contexts for use, you can significantly enhance the clarity, sophistication, and impact of your writing. Continue exploring more complex conjunctions and grammatical structures to further refine your writing skills. To learn about other useful conjunctions, check out this resource on using conjunctions in IELTS writing.