“It is impossible that” is a phrase that pops up frequently in English, often to express strong disbelief or the unlikeliness of a situation. While it might seem straightforward, understanding its nuances and mastering its use can significantly enhance your grammatical range and sophistication in the IELTS exam. This article will delve into the intricacies of this phrase, providing you with the tools and techniques to wield it confidently and achieve a higher band score.
Let’s start by looking at some examples of how “it is impossible that” can be used across different sections of the IELTS:
Speaking Part 3:
“Do you think robots will replace humans in all jobs?”
“It is impossible that robots could ever fully replicate the empathy and complex decision-making skills of humans, especially in fields like healthcare or education.”
Writing Task 2:
“Some people believe that the government should provide free housing for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
“While providing affordable housing is a noble goal, it is impossible that any government could realistically offer free housing to all its citizens without facing severe economic consequences.”
Listening Section 2:
(In a lecture about climate change): “… and the rate of glacial melt is unprecedented. It is impossible that we will not see significant sea-level rise in the coming decades.”
As you can see from these examples, “it is impossible that” allows you to express a strong opinion or certainty about the impossibility of something. Now, let’s explore this structure in more detail.
Deconstructing “It Is Impossible That”
Meaning and Usage
“It is impossible that” signifies a strong belief that something cannot happen or is highly improbable. It is often used in situations where you want to express a degree of certainty or to refute a point.
Grammatical Structure
This structure uses the following format:
It + is + impossible + that + subject + verb (present tense) + rest of the clause
For example:
- It is impossible that she finished the marathon in under three hours.
Let’s break down the grammatical components:
- It: This acts as a dummy subject, standing in for the real subject of the sentence (the impossible situation).
- Is: This is the linking verb, connecting the subject (“it”) to the adjective “impossible.”
- Impossible: This is an adjective describing the likelihood of the situation.
- That: This introduces the subordinate clause, which explains the impossible situation.
- Subject + Verb + Rest of the clause: This forms the subordinate clause, outlining the impossible scenario.
Mastering “It Is Impossible That” in IELTS
Expressing Strong Disbelief
In the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Part 3 where you are required to express opinions on more abstract topics, “it is impossible that” can be a powerful tool to convey your viewpoint.
For example:
- “Some people believe that money leads to happiness. What do you think?”
- “While financial security is important, it is impossible that money alone can bring true happiness. There are many other factors like relationships and personal fulfillment that contribute to a fulfilling life.”
Refuting a Claim
In Writing Task 2, you might need to disagree with a given statement. Using “it is impossible that” can help you present a strong counter-argument.
For example:
- “Some people argue that all criminals should be imprisoned for life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “While severe punishments are sometimes necessary, it is impossible that a blanket policy of life imprisonment for all criminals would be effective or just. It fails to consider individual circumstances, the possibility of rehabilitation, and the potential for overcrowding in prisons.”
impossible-concept|Impossible concept illustration|An abstract illustration representing the concept of something being impossible, with a big red cross over a question mark.
Alternatives and Variations
To further enhance your lexical resource score, consider these alternatives to “it is impossible that”:
- It is inconceivable that…
- It is highly unlikely that…
- There is no way that…
- It is out of the question that…
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect Tense: Remember to use the present tense after “that.”
- Incorrect: It is impossible that he has finished the work already.
- Correct: It is impossible that he finishes the work already.
- Overuse: While useful, avoid overusing “it is impossible that.” Use it strategically to emphasize strong points.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “it is impossible that” and its variations can significantly boost your grammatical range and sophistication in the IELTS exam. By understanding its structure, exploring its various applications, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently express strong disbelief, refute claims, and present well-structured arguments. Remember to practice implementing this structure in your speaking and writing, and soon it will become a valuable tool in your IELTS arsenal.