“It audits that” might sound strange at first glance, and you’re right to be confused! This phrase isn’t grammatically correct in standard English. The word “audits” usually refers to official inspections of financial records or processes. It doesn’t fit grammatically with the structure “it…that.”
However, this unusual phrase could highlight a common error IELTS students make: subject-verb agreement and using placeholder subjects like “it.” Let’s break down why you might think this phrase exists and how to use “it” correctly in your writing to achieve a band 7 or higher.
Understanding the Confusion: “It” as a Placeholder Subject
The pronoun “it” often acts as a placeholder subject in English sentences, especially when referring to:
- Time, weather, distance: It’s 10 am. It’s raining heavily. It’s a long way to Tipperary.
- Postponed subjects: It is important to study grammar. It is widely believed that…
In these cases, “it” doesn’t refer to a specific noun but helps structure the sentence.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The confusion with “it audits that” likely stems from incorrectly applying “it” in a sentence. Let’s analyze some common errors:
Incorrect: It audits that the company needs better financial controls.
Why it’s wrong: The verb “audits” doesn’t agree with the placeholder “it.” “Audits” require a plural noun or a specific singular noun as the subject.
Correct: An audit reveals that the company needs better financial controls.
Analysis: Here, we’ve replaced “it audits that” with a more suitable subject, “An audit,” which agrees with the verb “reveals.”
Using “It” Effectively for IELTS Writing
Here’s how to use “it” correctly and effectively in your IELTS writing:
1. Reporting Information:
- It is estimated that… It is estimated that over 2 billion people use social media daily.
- It is widely believed that… It is widely believed that regular exercise improves mental health.
2. Highlighting Important Points:
- It is essential to… It is essential to have a clear understanding of grammar for a high IELTS score.
- It is worth noting that… It is worth noting that the study had some limitations.
3. Introducing Opinions and Beliefs:
- It seems that… It seems that the government is considering new environmental policies.
- It appears that… It appears that the economy is slowly recovering.
Achieving Clarity and Accuracy:
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Always ensure the verb agrees with the subject, even when using “it.”
- Avoid Ambiguity: Be clear about what “it” refers to. If in doubt, rephrase the sentence.
- Formal Language: While “it” is acceptable in formal writing, use it judiciously and avoid informal contractions like “it’s” or “it’d.”
Conclusion:
While “it audits that” is not a grammatically correct phrase, understanding the role of “it” as a placeholder subject is crucial for IELTS writing. Mastering the correct usage of “it” will enhance your sentence structure, clarity, and overall band score. Remember to pay close attention to subject-verb agreement and avoid ambiguity.