Many IELTS students aim to impress examiners with complex vocabulary. However, using words incorrectly can actually lower your score. One phrase that often causes confusion is “it authenticates that.” This guide will explore why this phrase is usually incorrect and provide you with accurate alternatives to enhance your IELTS writing and speaking.
Let’s analyze some examples:
Incorrect: The certificate it authenticates that he completed the course.
Correct: The certificate authenticates that he completed the course.
Incorrect: The museum displayed an ancient scroll, and it authenticates that the civilization used a written language.
Correct: The museum displayed an ancient scroll, authenticating the civilization’s use of a written language.
As you can see, using “it authenticates that” creates a grammatically incorrect sentence. Now, let’s delve deeper into why.
Understanding “Authenticate” and Its Usage
“Authenticate” is a verb meaning to prove something is genuine or valid. It’s often used in the context of:
- Historical artifacts: Archaeologists authenticated the ancient coins.
- Documents: The lawyer authenticated the will.
- Signatures: The bank teller asked me to authenticate the check.
The key point is that “authenticate” already implies the act of proving something. Adding “it” as a subject before the verb creates redundancy and makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Grammatically Correct Alternatives for IELTS
1. Direct Subject + Verb
The simplest solution is often the best. Use the object being authenticated as the subject of the verb “authenticate.”
Example:
- Incorrect: The stamp, it authenticates that the document is from the 1800s.
- Correct: The stamp authenticates the document as being from the 1800s.
2. “Serves to Authenticate”
This structure emphasizes the purpose of the object.
Example:
- Incorrect: The inscription on the back of the painting, it authenticates that it’s a genuine Van Gogh.
- Correct: The inscription on the back of the painting serves to authenticate it as a genuine Van Gogh.
3. Active Voice for Clarity
In IELTS writing, clear and concise language is essential. Using the active voice often achieves this better than the passive voice.
Example:
- Incorrect: The king’s seal, it authenticates that the decree is real.
- Correct: The king’s seal authenticates the decree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Redundancy: Using “it” before “authenticate” is redundant.
- Word Order: Ensure the subject, verb, and object are in the correct order.
- Passive Voice Overuse: While the passive voice has its place, aim for active voice constructions for clarity.
Historical Artifact Authentication
Achieving a Higher IELTS Score
Using “authenticate” correctly demonstrates your grammatical range and precision. To further impress the examiners:
- Vary your vocabulary: Explore synonyms for “authenticate” like “verify,” “validate,” “substantiate,” or “corroborate.”
- Provide context: Don’t just state that something is authentic. Explain why its authenticity is significant. For example, “The newly discovered manuscript authenticates the existence of a previously unknown civilization in the region.”
Conclusion
Mastering grammar is crucial for a high IELTS score. By understanding why “it authenticates that” is incorrect and using the alternative structures provided, you can express yourself with greater accuracy and sophistication. Keep practicing, and remember that even small grammatical improvements can make a big difference!
