“Were She More Experienced, She Would Handle It Better” – This sentence might seem like a grammatical puzzle at first, but it’s a powerful tool for expressing hypothetical situations in English. Mastering this structure, known as the inverted conditional, can significantly boost your IELTS score, particularly in writing and speaking where sophisticated grammar is key to achieving a band 7 or higher.
Let’s look at a few examples of how this structure appears in different sections of the IELTS:
Speaking Part 3:
- “Were the government to invest more in renewable energy, do you think it would have a significant impact on the environment?” (Examiner uses inverted conditional to pose a complex hypothetical question)
Writing Task 2:
- “Some people believe that the benefits of globalization outweigh its drawbacks. Others argue that globalization has led to greater inequality. Were governments to prioritize local economies, would this reduce the negative impacts of globalization?” (Prompt uses inverted conditional to introduce a potential solution to a problem)
Now, let’s delve deeper into this unique grammatical structure and see how you can use it to your advantage.
Deconstructing the Inverted Conditional
This structure is called “inverted” because it inverts the subject and verb in the conditional clause, eliminating the need for “if”. This inversion adds a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing and speaking. It’s important to note that this form is typically used with the past subjunctive, which uses “were” for all subjects (even “he”, “she”, and “it”).
Frequency in IELTS: While not as common as the first or second conditional, understanding the inverted conditional demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar and can earn you valuable points for grammatical range and accuracy.
Form and Function: Mastering the Inverted Conditional
Here’s the formula for constructing an inverted conditional sentence:
Were + Subject + to + Verb (base form)…, Subject + would/could/might + Verb (base form).
Let’s break it down:
- “Were”: This signals the hypothetical situation. Remember, we use “were” even with singular subjects.
- Subject + to + Verb (base form): This forms the “if” clause in a disguised way.
- Subject + would/could/might + Verb (base form): This is the main clause, outlining the result of the hypothetical situation.
Examples:
- Normal Conditional: If she had more experience, she would handle it better.
- Inverted Conditional: Were she to have more experience, she would handle it better.
Notice how the meaning remains the same, but the inverted structure sounds more formal and impactful.
Inverted Conditional Example
Applying the Inverted Conditional: From Theory to IELTS Success
Writing Task 2:
Let’s say you’re writing about the benefits of learning a foreign language:
“Learning a second language not only enhances cognitive skills but also fosters cultural understanding. Were more schools to incorporate language learning into their curriculum from a younger age, we might see a more empathetic and globally-minded generation.“
In this example, the inverted conditional strengthens the argument by presenting a hypothetical scenario and its potential positive outcome.
Speaking Part 3:
Imagine the examiner asking you about the future of work:
Examiner: “Some people believe that robots will replace human workers in the future. What’s your opinion?”
You: “It’s certainly a possibility. Were robots to take over many of the manual jobs, it would be crucial for governments to invest heavily in retraining and education programs to prepare people for new roles in the workforce.“
By using the inverted conditional, you demonstrate your ability to discuss complex ideas and potential future scenarios in a sophisticated and fluent manner.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Subject-verb agreement: Remember to use “were” for all subjects in the inverted “if” clause, even singular subjects like “he”, “she”, and “it”.
- Overuse: While impressive, avoid overusing the inverted conditional. Use it strategically when you want to emphasize a hypothetical situation or add a formal tone.
Conclusion
The inverted conditional, while seemingly complex, is a valuable tool for any IELTS candidate aiming for a high band score. By understanding its structure, practicing its use, and being mindful of potential pitfalls, you can confidently incorporate this grammatical structure into your writing and speaking, demonstrating your mastery of English grammar and impressing the examiner. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to diverse grammatical structures are key to unlocking your full potential in the IELTS exam.
