The phrase “such is life” is a common idiomatic expression in English that can add depth and nuance to your IELTS writing and speaking responses. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly can help you demonstrate a high level of language proficiency. Let’s explore the meaning, usage, and application of “such is life” sentences in the context of IELTS.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage of “Such Is Life”
“Such is life” is an idiomatic expression used to express resignation or acceptance of an unfortunate situation or circumstance. It’s equivalent to saying “that’s life” or “life is like that.” This phrase is often used to acknowledge that unpleasant things happen in life and we must accept them.
Examples:
- “I didn’t get the job I wanted, but such is life. I’ll keep looking.”
- “Our vacation was rained out, but such is life. We’ll try again next year.”
- “He lost the game in the final seconds. Such is life in sports.”
In these examples, “such is life” is used to express acceptance of disappointment or setbacks.
Grammar and Structure: Using “Such Is Life” in Sentences
The phrase “such is life” is typically used as a standalone sentence or as a clause at the end of a sentence. It’s important to note that the structure remains fixed – you don’t change the word order or conjugate the verb.
Grammatical structure:
- As a standalone sentence: “Such is life.”
- As a clause: [Main clause], such is life.
Examples:
- “We planned an outdoor wedding, but it rained all day. Such is life.”
- “I studied hard for the exam, but still didn’t pass. Such is life.”
- “She missed her flight due to traffic. Such is life when traveling.”
In IELTS, using this phrase correctly can demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic expressions naturally.
Applying “Such Is Life” in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you can use “such is life” to add a philosophical or reflective tone to your essay, especially when discussing challenges or setbacks.
Example paragraph:
“While technological advancements have improved many aspects of our lives, they have also led to job losses in certain industries. Such is life in the modern era; progress often comes at a cost. However, it’s crucial for societies to adapt and provide support for those affected by these changes.”
This usage demonstrates a mature understanding of complex issues, which can contribute to a higher band score in Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.
Using “Such Is Life” in IELTS Speaking
In the IELTS Speaking test, using “such is life” can show your ability to use idiomatic language naturally. It’s particularly useful in Part 2 (Long Turn) and Part 3 (Discussion) when describing experiences or expressing opinions.
Example in Speaking Part 2:
“I remember when I missed an important job interview due to a traffic jam. I was incredibly frustrated at the time, but I realized there was nothing I could do about it. Such is life in big cities; sometimes unexpected events disrupt our plans. This experience taught me to always leave extra time for important appointments.”
Example in Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: “How do people in your country typically react to setbacks?”
Candidate: “Well, in my country, people generally try to maintain a positive attitude in the face of setbacks. There’s a common saying that translates to ‘such is life‘ which people often use when things don’t go as planned. This reflects a cultural tendency to accept that life isn’t always perfect and that we need to adapt to challenges.”
Using “such is life” in these contexts can help you achieve a higher band score in Fluency and Coherence, as well as Lexical Resource.
Advanced Usage and Variations for Higher Band Scores
To aim for band 7 and above, consider using variations or more sophisticated structures incorporating the “such is life” sentiment:
- “Life’s vicissitudes are unavoidable; such is the nature of our existence.”
- “In the unpredictable realm of international politics, setbacks and surprises are commonplace. Such is the reality of diplomacy.”
- “The ebb and flow of economic fortunes affect us all; such is the cyclical nature of markets.”
These more complex structures demonstrate a higher level of vocabulary and grammatical range, which are key factors in achieving top band scores.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Changing the word order: “Is life such” or “Life is such” are incorrect.
Correct: “Such is life.” -
Using it too frequently: Overuse can make your speech or writing seem repetitive.
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Using it in formal academic writing: While it’s fine for IELTS, it might be too colloquial for very formal academic papers.
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Misunderstanding the tone: “Such is life” is resigned and accepting, not enthusiastic or optimistic.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “such is life” and similar idiomatic expressions can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English and the ability to use language naturally and effectively. Remember to practice using this phrase in context, and consider how you might incorporate it into your responses for different IELTS tasks. As with all language learning, such is life – progress comes with practice and patience!