Many IELTS students aim to impress examiners with complex vocabulary. However, using less common phrases incorrectly can actually harm your score. One such phrase is “it gauges that,” often misused in an attempt to sound academic. This article clarifies the usage of impersonal structures and explores stronger alternatives to enhance your writing.
Let’s analyze some examples:
- Incorrect: It gauges that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity.
- Correct: Experts gauge that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity.
- Correct: It is widely acknowledged that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity.
The first sentence is incorrect because “it gauges that” is not a standard English construction. We’ll delve into why this is grammatically incorrect and explore more appropriate alternatives in the following sections.
Understanding Impersonal Structures and “Gauge”
In English, we often use impersonal structures to express opinions or facts without attributing them to a specific source. These structures avoid using “I” or “we,” creating a more formal and objective tone suitable for academic writing.
The verb “gauge,” meaning to estimate or assess, is often misused in these structures. While “gauge” is a useful verb, it needs a clear subject, often an expert or a measuring instrument.
Alternatives to “It Gauges That”
Let’s explore grammatically correct and impactful alternatives:
1. Using Verbs with Impersonal Subjects:
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| It is believed | It is believed that the economy will recover next year. |
| It is considered | It is considered impolite to interrupt someone while they are speaking. |
| It is argued | It is argued that technology has both positive and negative impacts. |
| It is suggested | It is suggested that further research is needed in this area. |
2. Using Adverbs and Modal Verbs:
| Adverb/Modal Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| Widely | Climate change is widely recognized as a pressing global issue. |
| Generally | It is generally accepted that exercise is beneficial for health. |
| Often | It is often suggested that reducing meat consumption can help the environment. |
| May/Might/Could | It could be argued that social media has both advantages and disadvantages. |
Applying Impersonal Structures in IELTS Writing
Let’s examine how to effectively incorporate these structures in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Task 1 (Writing about a graph/chart/diagram):
- Instead of: “The graph gauges that there was a sharp increase in sales.”
- Write: “The graph shows a sharp increase in sales.”
Task 2 (Essay Writing):
- Instead of: “It gauges that technology has made our lives easier.”
- Write: “It is widely acknowledged that technology has made our lives easier, although some argue that it has also led to increased social isolation.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are common errors students make with impersonal structures:
- Incorrect Verb Agreement: “It is believe that…” should be “It is believed that…”
- Misplaced Modifiers: “It is important to carefully consider the evidence” should be “It is important to consider the evidence carefully.”
- Overuse: Using too many impersonal structures can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure for a more engaging and natural tone.
Conclusion
By mastering impersonal structures and understanding the nuances of verbs like “gauge,” you can enhance the clarity, formality, and overall impact of your IELTS writing. Remember to practice using these structures in various contexts to improve your fluency and confidence.