How to Use “Under No Circumstances” in IELTS Writing and Speaking?

“Under no circumstances” is a powerful and emphatic expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance when used correctly. This phrase is particularly useful in the Writing and Speaking sections, where it can help you express strong opinions or make absolute statements. Let’s explore how to effectively incorporate this phrase into your IELTS preparation and exam strategies.

Understanding “Under No Circumstances”

“Under no circumstances” is an idiomatic expression that means “in no situation” or “no matter what happens.” It is used to express a strong, unequivocal stance or to emphasize that something must not or will not happen.

Examples:

1. Under no circumstances should you reveal your password to anyone.
2. The company stated that under no circumstances would they compromise on product quality.
3. Under no circumstances are students allowed to use mobile phones during the exam.

Emphatic expression in English

Grammar and Usage

When using “under no circumstances,” it’s crucial to understand its grammatical structure to use it effectively in IELTS.

Inverted Word Order

One of the most important aspects of using “under no circumstances” is the inverted word order that follows it. This inversion is similar to question formation in English.

Formula: Under no circumstances + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb

Examples:

1. Under no circumstances should you leave your belongings unattended. (should + you + leave)
2. Under no circumstances will the deadline be extended. (will + the deadline + be extended)
3. Under no circumstances does the hotel accept pets. (does + the hotel + accept)

Usage in Different Tenses

“Under no circumstances” can be used with various tenses, depending on the context:

1. Present Simple: Under no circumstances do we allow smoking in the building.
2. Present Perfect: Under no circumstances has the company ever compromised on safety.
3. Future: Under no circumstances will I attend the meeting tomorrow.
4. Modal Verbs: Under no circumstances should you share confidential information.

Applying “Under No Circumstances” in IELTS Writing

In IELTS Writing, using “under no circumstances” can help you express strong opinions and make your writing more assertive and varied.

Task 2 Essay Example

Topic: Some people believe that children should not be given smartphones. Do you agree or disagree?

Sample paragraph:
While smartphones offer various benefits, I strongly believe that young children should not have unrestricted access to these devices. Under no circumstances should parents allow their children unlimited screen time on smartphones. This strict approach is necessary because excessive smartphone use can lead to addiction, poor social skills development, and potential exposure to inappropriate content online. Instead, parents should focus on encouraging face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities to promote healthy childhood development.

Analysis: In this paragraph, “under no circumstances” is used to emphasize the writer’s strong stance against unlimited smartphone use for children. It adds emphasis and clarity to the argument, demonstrating a high level of language control (Band 7-8).

Task 1 Report Example

For a task describing a process or a cycle, you might use “under no circumstances” to highlight critical safety measures or important steps that must not be skipped.

Sample sentence:
During the water purification process, under no circumstances should the filtration stage be bypassed, as this crucial step removes harmful contaminants and ensures the water is safe for consumption.

Incorporating “Under No Circumstances” in IELTS Speaking

In the Speaking test, using “under no circumstances” can demonstrate your ability to express strong opinions and use complex language structures.

Part 2 Example (Cue Card)

Topic: Describe a rule that you think is very important.

Sample response:
“I’d like to talk about a crucial safety rule in laboratories: under no circumstances should anyone eat or drink in the lab area. This rule is absolutely vital because…”

Part 3 Example (Discussion)

Question: Do you think some rules are unnecessary?

Sample response:
“While some rules might seem unnecessary at first glance, I believe that under no circumstances should we disregard safety regulations, even if they appear inconvenient. For instance…”

IELTS Speaking Test

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect word order:
   Incorrect: Under no circumstances you should leave early.
   Correct: Under no circumstances should you leave early.

2. Using it with negative verbs:
   Incorrect: Under no circumstances we don’t accept cash payments.
   Correct: Under no circumstances do we accept cash payments.

3. Overuse: While it’s a powerful phrase, using it too frequently can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Alternative Expressions

To vary your language, consider these alternatives to “under no circumstances”:

1. On no account
2. In no way
3. By no means
4. Not under any conditions
5. Absolutely not

Example: By no means should you compromise your principles for short-term gains.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “under no circumstances” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Speaking. Remember to use it to express strong opinions or absolute statements, always followed by inverted word order. Practice incorporating this phrase into your IELTS preparation, but be mindful not to overuse it. With proper application, this expression can help you demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and boost your chances of achieving a higher band score.