Many IELTS learners strive for a higher band score by incorporating more complex grammatical structures into their writing. However, it’s easy to stumble when venturing beyond familiar territory. One such area is the use of impersonal structures like “it appreciates that,” a phrase often misused, leading to unnatural and grammatically incorrect sentences.
Let’s analyze a few examples to understand why this phrase is problematic:
Incorrect: It appreciates that climate change is a serious issue.
Correct: It is widely appreciated that climate change is a serious issue.
Incorrect: The company appreciates that customers may have concerns.
Correct: The company understands that customers may have concerns.
The issue stems from attributing appreciation, a human emotion, to impersonal entities like “it” or inanimate objects. While we commonly use “it” in structures like “it is important” or “it is believed,” these follow established grammatical patterns for expressing general truths or widely held beliefs.
Understanding Impersonal Structures in IELTS Writing
Impersonal structures are valuable tools in IELTS writing, allowing you to express ideas objectively and formally. They are particularly useful in Task 1 when describing trends or processes, and in Task 2 when presenting arguments or generalizations.
Common Impersonal Structures:
- It is + adjective + that clause: It is essential that governments take action on climate change.
- It is + past participle + that clause: It is believed that the economy will recover soon.
- There is + noun phrase + that clause: There is growing concern that pollution levels are rising.
Alternatives to “It Appreciates That”
Instead of attributing appreciation inaccurately, consider these alternatives:
- It is understood that…
- It is acknowledged that…
- It is recognized that…
- It is widely accepted that…
These phrases maintain objectivity and formality while conveying the intended meaning accurately. For instance:
Original: The report appreciates the complexity of the issue.
Improved: The report acknowledges the complexity of the issue.
IELTS Writing Accuracy
Achieving Grammatical Accuracy for Band 7+
Using impersonal structures correctly demonstrates a strong command of grammar, a key factor in achieving a Band 7 or higher. Here’s how to refine your usage:
- Choose the appropriate structure: Consider the nuance you want to convey. “It is vital that…” carries more weight than “it is suggested that…”
- Maintain subject-verb agreement: Pay attention to singular and plural forms. “It is thought…” but “There are concerns…”
- Avoid redundancy: Don’t overuse impersonal structures. Vary your sentence structures for a more engaging and sophisticated writing style.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect pronoun use: Using “it” when the subject should be a specific noun.
- Incorrect: The company, it appreciates your patience.
- Correct: The company appreciates your patience.
Mismatched structures: Combining elements from different impersonal structures.
- Incorrect: It is widely believed there is a solution.
- Correct: It is widely believed that there is a solution.
By understanding the nuances of impersonal structures and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly enhance the clarity, accuracy, and overall quality of your IELTS writing.