“It narrates that” is a phrase that IELTS students often ask me about, and my answer is always the same: You should avoid using it. While grammatically correct, this structure is uncommon in natural English. Native speakers typically use alternative verbs that are more concise and impactful.
Here are a few examples of how “it narrates that” might be used incorrectly, and how to improve them:
Incorrect: The novel it narrates that a young woman travels to a new country.
Correct: The novel tells the story of a young woman who travels to a new country.
Incorrect: The documentary it narrates that climate change is a serious issue.
Correct: The documentary highlights the serious issue of climate change.
As you can see, directly replacing “it narrates that” leads to more natural and fluent English. Let’s explore why this is the case and examine stronger alternatives.
Understanding Why “It Narrates That” Is Uncommon
In formal English, “to narrate” means to tell a story or describe events. However, using “it” as the subject with “narrates that” creates a clunky and indirect sentence structure. Native speakers tend to favor active voice and concise language, opting for verbs that directly convey the meaning.
Better Alternatives to “It Narrates That”
Depending on the context, several alternatives to “it narrates that” will enhance your IELTS writing and speaking:
For stories and accounts:
- The novel tells the story of…
- The film depicts…
- The article recounts…
- The author describes how…
For factual information:
- The report states that…
- The data indicates that…
- The study reveals that…
- Experts suggest that…
For emphasis and clarity:
- The most important point is…
- It is clear that…
- This evidence suggests…
IELTS Writing Task 2 Example
Using Alternatives in IELTS Writing Task 2
Imagine an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay about the impact of technology on communication:
Prompt: Some people believe that technology has made communication easier, while others argue that it has led to isolation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Example using “it narrates that”: The article it narrates that social media can lead to feelings of loneliness.
Improved sentence: The article highlights how social media can lead to feelings of loneliness.
By using “highlights”, the sentence is more direct and impactful, showcasing better vocabulary for a higher band score.
Avoiding Similar Structures
The issue with “it narrates that” extends to similar constructions that are overly formal or wordy:
- It is evident that… (Instead, use: Clearly,…)
- It is important to note that… (Instead, use: Importantly,…)
- The fact that… (Often, this phrase can be removed entirely)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overusing “narrate”: While “narrate” is a valid word, it’s not commonly used in everyday English. Opt for synonyms like “describe,” “explain,” or “show.”
Incorrect subject-verb agreement: Ensure the verb agrees with the subject of your sentence, especially when using singular or plural nouns.
Informal language: Remember that IELTS requires formal or semi-formal language. Avoid colloquialisms and slang when using verbs like “show” or “tell.”
By understanding these common pitfalls and embracing more natural alternatives, you can significantly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your IELTS writing and speaking, ultimately boosting your band score.
