“Owing to the fact that” is a formal phrase often used in academic and professional writing to introduce a reason or explanation for something. In the context of IELTS, using this phrase appropriately can demonstrate a high level of language proficiency and contribute to achieving a better band score. Let’s explore how to use this phrase effectively in your IELTS essays and responses.
Understanding “Owing to the Fact That”
“Owing to the fact that” is a formal way of saying “because” or “due to the fact that”. It is used to introduce a reason or explanation for a situation or event. This phrase is particularly useful in academic writing and formal contexts, making it valuable for IELTS Writing Tasks.
Grammatical Structure
The basic structure of sentences using this phrase is:
[Main clause] + owing to the fact that + [subordinate clause]
For example:
- The experiment was postponed owing to the fact that the equipment malfunctioned.
In this sentence, “The experiment was postponed” is the main clause, and “the equipment malfunctioned” is the subordinate clause introduced by “owing to the fact that”.
Using “Owing to the Fact That” in IELTS Writing
Incorporating this phrase into your IELTS essays can help demonstrate a sophisticated command of English. However, it’s crucial to use it appropriately and not overuse it. Here are some examples of how you can use this phrase in different IELTS Writing Task 2 topics:
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Education:
Owing to the fact that technology has become an integral part of modern education, many schools are investing in digital resources. -
Environment:
The local wildlife population has decreased dramatically, owing to the fact that their natural habitats have been destroyed by urban development. -
Technology:
Remote work has become increasingly popular, owing to the fact that advancements in communication technology have made it more feasible. -
Health:
The government has implemented stricter food safety regulations, owing to the fact that there has been a rise in foodborne illnesses in recent years. -
Society:
Many young people are delaying marriage, owing to the fact that they prioritize career development and financial stability.
Alternatives and Variations
While “owing to the fact that” is a useful phrase, it’s important to have alternatives to avoid repetition and demonstrate range in your writing. Here are some synonymous expressions:
- Due to the fact that
- Because of
- As a result of
- On account of
- In view of the fact that
For example:
- The company’s profits increased, due to the fact that they launched a successful marketing campaign.
- The flight was delayed because of bad weather conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “owing to the fact that”, be careful to avoid these common errors:
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Overuse: Using this phrase too frequently can make your writing seem repetitive and unnatural.
Incorrect: Owing to the fact that it was raining, and owing to the fact that I forgot my umbrella, and owing to the fact that no taxis were available, I arrived at work completely soaked.
Correct: I arrived at work completely soaked because it was raining, I forgot my umbrella, and no taxis were available.
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Incorrect placement: “Owing to the fact that” should introduce a subordinate clause, not a main clause.
Incorrect: Owing to the fact that the traffic was heavy. We arrived late to the meeting.
Correct: We arrived late to the meeting, owing to the fact that the traffic was heavy.
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Redundancy: Avoid using “owing to the fact that” when a simpler “because” or “due to” would suffice.
Redundant: The plants died owing to the fact that they didn’t receive enough water.
Better: The plants died because they didn’t receive enough water.
Achieving Higher Band Scores with Sophisticated Language
Using phrases like “owing to the fact that” can contribute to achieving higher band scores in IELTS, particularly in the Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy criteria. However, it’s crucial to use them correctly and in appropriate contexts.
For Band 7:
- The city’s air quality has improved, owing to the fact that stricter emission controls have been implemented.
For Band 8:
- The intricate ecosystem of the coral reef is under threat, owing to the fact that rising ocean temperatures have led to widespread coral bleaching.
For Band 9:
- The paradigm shift in educational methodologies has been necessitated, owing to the fact that traditional teaching approaches have proven inadequate in addressing the multifaceted challenges of the 21st-century job market.
Remember, achieving high band scores isn’t just about using complex phrases, but about using them accurately and appropriately within well-structured and coherent arguments.
Conclusion
“Owing to the fact that” is a valuable phrase for IELTS candidates to master. When used correctly, it can enhance the formal tone of your writing and demonstrate sophisticated language use. However, it’s essential to use it judiciously, alongside a range of other complex structures and vocabulary. Practice incorporating this phrase into your writing, but always ensure that your language remains natural and your arguments clear and coherent. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a higher band score in your IELTS Writing tasks.