The phrase “come what may” is a versatile and impactful expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance when used correctly. This idiomatic phrase conveys a sense of determination and readiness to face any challenges or circumstances that may arise. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively incorporate “come what may” into your IELTS writing and speaking tasks, providing you with valuable insights to boost your band score.
Understanding “Come What May”
“Come what may” is an idiomatic expression that means “no matter what happens” or “regardless of future events.” It’s used to express a firm resolve or commitment to a course of action, regardless of potential obstacles or consequences. This phrase often appears in IELTS tasks that require candidates to discuss determination, perseverance, or future plans.
Grammatical Structure
The phrase “come what may” is typically used as an adverbial clause, meaning it modifies the main verb of a sentence. Its structure is fixed and should not be altered. Here’s the basic formula:
[Main clause], come what may.
Examples:
- I will finish this project, come what may.
- She’s determined to succeed, come what may.
- We’ll continue our journey, come what may.
Using “Come What May” in IELTS Writing
Incorporating “come what may” into your IELTS Writing tasks can demonstrate a sophisticated command of idiomatic English. Here are some examples of how to use it effectively:
Task 2 Essay
In a Task 2 essay about perseverance or overcoming challenges, you might write:
Many successful entrepreneurs maintain their resolve to achieve their goals, come what may. This unwavering determination often sets them apart from those who give up at the first sign of difficulty.
Analysis: This sentence uses “come what may” to emphasize the steadfast nature of successful entrepreneurs. It adds a layer of sophistication to the argument and showcases advanced vocabulary usage.
Task 1 Letter
In a formal letter discussing future plans:
I assure you that our team will complete the project by the deadline, come what may. We are fully committed to overcoming any obstacles that may arise.
Analysis: Here, “come what may” reinforces the writer’s commitment and determination, adding a strong emphasis to the promise being made.
Enhancing IELTS Speaking with “Come What May”
Using “come what may” in your IELTS Speaking test can significantly improve your fluency and showcase your command of idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples:
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Topic: Describe a goal you have for the future.
“One of my main goals is to start my own business within the next five years. I’m determined to make this dream a reality, come what may. Even if I face financial difficulties or setbacks, I’ll persist in my efforts to establish a successful enterprise.”
Analysis: The use of “come what may” here emphasizes the speaker’s resolve and adds a natural, idiomatic flair to the response.
Part 3 (Discussion)
Question: How important is it for people to have goals?
“I believe having goals is crucial for personal growth and success. When individuals set clear objectives, they’re more likely to persevere, come what may. This attitude of determination can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations, regardless of the challenges they might face.”
Analysis: In this context, “come what may” reinforces the idea of perseverance and adds depth to the discussion about the importance of goal-setting.
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider using “come what may” in more complex sentence structures:
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Despite the economic uncertainties looming on the horizon, the company has pledged to maintain its workforce, come what may, demonstrating an admirable commitment to its employees’ job security.
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The athlete’s resolve to compete in the Olympics, come what may, served as an inspiration to millions, proving that determination can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
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In the face of mounting criticism, the politician vowed to push forward with the controversial policy, come what may, believing it to be in the best interest of the nation.
These examples showcase a more sophisticated use of the phrase, integrated into longer, more complex sentences that demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “come what may,” be careful to avoid these common errors:
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Changing the word order: Incorrect: “What may come, I will succeed.” Correct: “I will succeed, come what may.”
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Adding words to the phrase: Incorrect: “Come whatever may happen.” Correct: “Come what may.”
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Using it as a noun or adjective: Incorrect: “The come what may attitude is important.” Correct: “An attitude of persevering, come what may, is important.”
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Overuse: While “come what may” is a powerful phrase, using it too frequently can seem unnatural. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “come what may” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, demonstrating a sophisticated command of idiomatic English. By incorporating this phrase effectively in your writing and speaking tasks, you can convey determination and readiness to face challenges, potentially boosting your band score. Remember to practice using it in various contexts and sentence structures to ensure natural and impactful usage in your IELTS exam.