Have you ever come across the phrase “Were it a priority, I would focus on it” and wondered about its grammatical structure and usage in IELTS Writing? This seemingly complex sentence construction, often employed to express a hypothetical situation and its conditional outcome, can indeed enhance your writing prowess if used correctly.
Let’s illustrate its application with a few examples:
- Speaking (Part 3): “Were online education more accessible, I believe traditional universities would need to adapt their teaching methods significantly.”
- Writing Task 2 (Opinion Essay): “Were governments to invest more heavily in renewable energy sources, the detrimental effects of climate change could be mitigated.”
- Writing Task 1 (Letter): “Were it not for your unwavering support, I would not have been able to achieve this remarkable feat.”
In each of these examples, the phrase conveys a hypothetical situation (the priority of online education, government investment in renewable energy, or the support received) and its conditional consequence.
Deconstructing the Phrase: Meaning and Significance in IELTS
The phrase “Were it a priority, I would focus on it” utilizes a grammatical structure known as the inverted conditional. This structure adds a level of formality and sophistication to your writing, demonstrating your command over complex grammatical structures, a crucial factor in achieving a band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing.
This construction is particularly useful in opinion-based essays (Task 2) where you are required to present your viewpoint on a given issue. It allows you to articulate complex ideas effectively and present a balanced argument by acknowledging alternative viewpoints.
Grammar Breakdown: Inversion in Conditional Sentences
The sentence “Were it a priority, I would focus on it” is an example of a second conditional sentence expressed using inversion. Let’s break it down:
Normal Second Conditional: If it were a priority, I would focus on it.
Inverted Second Conditional: Were it a priority, I would focus on it.
Formula:
Were + subject + verb (past tense), subject + would/could/might + main verb
Analysis:
- Inversion: Notice the change in word order. In the inverted form, the auxiliary verb “were” comes before the subject (“it”). This inversion eliminates the need for the word “if” while retaining the conditional meaning.
- Past Tense: Although referring to a hypothetical present or future situation, we use the past tense (“were”) in the conditional clause to indicate unlikelihood or improbability.
- “Would,” “Could,” “Might”: These modal verbs express the conditional outcome in the main clause, indicating the result if the hypothetical situation were true.
Mastering IELTS Writing with Inverted Conditionals
Writing Task 2:
Prompt: Some people believe that the government should provide free university education for all students. Others believe that students should pay for their own education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Response:
…While free university education for all would undoubtedly have its merits, the economic feasibility of such a scheme needs to be considered. Were the government to shoulder the entire burden of tuition fees, it could potentially lead to a decline in the quality of education due to insufficient funding for resources and infrastructure. On the other hand, expecting students to bear the full cost of their education might deter those from disadvantaged backgrounds from pursuing higher studies…
Writing Task 1 (Letter):
Prompt: You recently attended a conference that you found very useful. Write a letter to the conference organizer thanking them.
Sample Response:
…Were it not for the meticulously curated program and the diverse range of speakers, I would not have gained such invaluable insights into the latest developments in my field. The networking opportunities provided were equally beneficial, allowing me to connect with leading experts and peers from across the globe…
Elevating Your Score: Advanced Usage and Variations
To further enhance your writing and achieve a higher band score, consider these variations:
- Using other auxiliary verbs: While “were” is commonly used, you can use other past tense auxiliary verbs like “had” and “should.” For example: “Had I known about the workshop earlier, I would have certainly attended.”
- Inversion in other conditional structures: Although more common with the second conditional, inversion can be used with the third conditional as well. For example: “Had the company invested in new technology, it might not have faced bankruptcy.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Be aware of these common errors when using inverted conditionals:
- Incorrect verb tense: Using the present tense instead of the past tense in the conditional clause.
- Incorrect: Is it a priority, I would focus on it.
- Correct: Were it a priority, I would focus on it.
- Missing inversion: Forgetting to invert the subject and verb in the conditional clause.
- Incorrect: If it were a priority, I would focus on it.
- Correct: Were it a priority, I would focus on it.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of using inverted conditionals like “Were it a priority, I would focus on it” can significantly enrich your IELTS writing, allowing you to express complex ideas with eloquence and precision. Remember to practice implementing this structure in various contexts and avoid common errors to confidently tackle the writing tasks and achieve your desired band score.