100 Essential IELTS Phrases
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial step for non-native speakers aiming to study or work in English-speaking countries. Achieving a high score requires not only a strong grasp of English grammar and vocabulary but also the ability to use phrases that demonstrate fluency and coherence. This guide presents 100 essential phrases that are particularly useful for the IELTS exam. These phrases are designed to help you excel in the speaking and writing sections, providing you with the tools to articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively. Organised in alphabetical order, this list will serve as a valuable resource as you prepare for your IELTS exam.
A
1. "According to..."
Definition: Referring to someone else's information or opinion.
Notes: Useful for citing sources.
Example: "According to recent studies, global warming is accelerating."
2. "All things considered..."
Definition: Taking everything into account.
Notes: Useful for conclusions.
Example: "All things considered, it was a successful project."
3. "As a matter of fact..."
Definition: In fact; actually.
Notes: Emphasises a point.
Example: "As a matter of fact, I have already completed that task."
4. "As far as I am concerned..."
Definition: In my opinion.
Notes: Personal opinion.
Example: "As far as I am concerned, we should prioritise education reform."
5. "As a result..."
Definition: Consequently; therefore.
Notes: Shows cause and effect.
Example: "The company made several changes. As a result, productivity increased."
6. "At the end of the day..."
Definition: After all things are considered.
Notes: Useful for summarising.
Example: "At the end of the day, the decision must benefit everyone involved."
B
7. "By and large..."
Definition: Generally; overall.
Notes: Summarises a general point.
Example: "By and large, the new policy has been effective."
8. "Be that as it may..."
Definition: Nevertheless; even though that is true.
Notes: Used to introduce a contrasting point.
Example: "He was late. Be that as it may, he completed the task efficiently."
C
9. "Consequently..."
Definition: As a result.
Notes: Shows logical progression.
Example: "She studied hard. Consequently, she passed the exam."
10. "Considering..."
Definition: Taking into account.
Notes: Precedes a factor or condition.
Example: "Considering the circumstances, they did a great job."
11. "Contrary to popular belief..."
Definition: Opposite to what is commonly thought.
Notes: Introduces a surprising fact.
Example: "Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind."
D
12. "Despite..."
Definition: In spite of.
Notes: Indicates contrast.
Example: "Despite the rain, we enjoyed our trip."
13. "Due to..."
Definition: Because of.
Notes: Explains the reason.
Example: "The event was cancelled due to bad weather."
E
14. "Evidently..."
Definition: Clearly; obviously.
Notes: Indicates a conclusion based on evidence.
Example: "Evidently, more research is needed in this area."
15. "Even though..."
Definition: Although; despite.
Notes: Shows contrast.
Example: "Even though he was tired, he continued to work."
F
16. "For instance..."
Definition: For example.
Notes: Introduces an example.
Example: "Many animals, for instance, dogs and cats, can be trained."
17. "Furthermore..."
Definition: In addition; moreover.
Notes: Adds information.
Example: "The project is on track. Furthermore, we have received positive feedback."
G
18. "Generally speaking..."
Definition: In general.
Notes: Used for generalisation.
Example: "Generally speaking, people are living longer today."
H
19. "However..."
Definition: But; on the other hand.
Notes: Introduces a contrasting idea.
Example: "He is very talented. However, he needs more experience."
20. "Hence..."
Definition: For this reason; therefore.
Notes: Indicates a consequence.
Example: "The roads were icy, hence the delay."
I
21. "I am convinced that..."
Definition: I strongly believe.
Notes: Strong opinion.
Example: "I am convinced that education is the key to success."
22. "I am inclined to believe..."
Definition: I tend to think.
Notes: Tentative opinion.
Example: "I am inclined to believe that technology will solve this problem."
23. "In a nutshell..."
Definition: In brief; summarised.
Notes: Used for summaries.
Example: "In a nutshell, the project was a success."
24. "In addition..."
Definition: Moreover; furthermore.
Notes: Adds information.
Example: "In addition to his skills, he has a great attitude."
25. "In contrast..."
Definition: Conversely; on the other hand.
Notes: Shows contrast.
Example: "In contrast to the previous model, this one is more efficient."
26. "In light of..."
Definition: Considering; taking into account.
Notes: Used to introduce context.
Example: "In light of recent events, we need to revise our plans."
27. "In my opinion..."
Definition: I think.
Notes: Personal opinion.
Example: "In my opinion, this is the best solution."
28. "In order to..."
Definition: To; for the purpose of.
Notes: Indicates purpose.
Example: "We need to work harder in order to meet the deadline."
29. "In summary..."
Definition: To summarise; in brief.
Notes: Concluding phrase.
Example: "In summary, the benefits outweigh the costs."
30. "In the event of..."
Definition: If something happens.
Notes: Prepares for a possibility.
Example: "In the event of an emergency, follow the instructions."
31. "It appears that..."
Definition: It seems that.
Notes: Indicates a tentative conclusion.
Example: "It appears that the company is performing well."
32. "It goes without saying..."
Definition: Obviously.
Notes: Introduces an obvious fact.
Example: "It goes without saying that safety is our priority."
L
33. "Last but not least..."
Definition: Finally; importantly.
Notes: Introduces the final point.
Example: "Last but not least, I want to thank everyone for their hard work."
34. "Likewise..."
Definition: Similarly.
Notes: Shows similarity.
Example: "He was late. Likewise, his colleague arrived after the meeting started."
M
35. "Moreover..."
Definition: Furthermore; in addition.
Notes: Adds information.
Example: "The new system is faster. Moreover, it is more reliable."
N
36. "Nevertheless..."
Definition: However; in spite of that.
Notes: Shows contrast.
Example: "It was raining. Nevertheless, we went for a walk."
37. "Not only... but also..."
Definition: Emphasising two points.
Notes: Shows dual importance.
Example: "She is not only a talented singer but also a skilled dancer."
O
38. "On the contrary..."
Definition: Opposite to what has been said.
Notes: Shows opposition.
Example: "It wasn't boring. On the contrary, it was very engaging."
39. "On the other hand..."
Definition: Conversely.
Notes: Introduces a contrasting point.
Example: "He is very organised. On the other hand, he can be inflexible."
40. "Overall..."
Definition: In general.
Notes: Summarises a general view.
Example: "Overall, the project was a success."
P
41. "Particularly..."
Definition: Especially.
Notes: Emphasises a point.
Example: "She is particularly skilled in data analysis."
42. "Provided that..."
Definition: If; on the condition that.
Notes: Shows condition.
Example: "We can proceed, provided that we have the necessary funds."
Q
43. "Quite frankly..."
Definition: Honestly; to be truthful.
Notes: Indicates candidness.
Example: "Quite frankly, I don't think this plan will work."
R
44. "Regardless of..."
Definition: Without considering.
Notes: Shows disregard.
Example: "Regardless of the outcome, we must try our best."
45. "Regarding..."
Definition: Concerning; about.
Notes: Introduces a topic.
Example: "Regarding your question, I think we should discuss it further."
S
46. "So to speak..."
Definition: In a manner of speaking.
Notes: Indicates a figurative expression.
Example: "He is, so to speak, the backbone of the team."
47. "Such as..."
Definition: For example.
Notes: Introduces examples.
Example: "We need to consider various factors, such as cost and time."
48. "Supposing that..."
Definition: Assuming; if.
Notes: Shows condition.
Example: "Supposing that we succeed, what are the next steps?"
49. "Similarly..."
Definition: Likewise; in a similar way.
Notes: Shows similarity.
Example: "The first experiment failed. Similarly, the second attempt was unsuccessful."
50. "Subsequently..."
Definition: Afterwards; later.
Notes: Indicates a sequence.
Example: "He worked hard. Subsequently, he was promoted."
T
51. "To a certain extent..."
Definition: Partially; somewhat.
Notes: Shows limitation.
Example: "I agree with you to a certain extent."
52. "To put it simply..."
Definition: In brief; to summarise.
Notes: Simplifies complex information.
Example: "To put it simply, we need to improve our communication."
53. "To some extent..."
Definition: Partially; to a degree.
Notes: Shows limitation.
Example: "To some extent, I understand your point of view."
54. "To sum up..."
Definition: In summary; to summarise.
Notes: Concluding phrase.
Example: "To sum up, we need to work harder to achieve our goals."
55. "Taking everything into account..."
Definition: Considering all factors.
Notes: Summarises.
Example: "Taking everything into account, we decided to extend the deadline."
U
56. "Ultimately..."
Definition: In the end; finally.
Notes: Indicates final result.
Example: "Ultimately, the decision rests with the board."
57. "Undoubtedly..."
Definition: Certainly; without doubt.
Notes: Shows certainty.
Example: "Undoubtedly, this is the best solution."
V
58. "Versus..."
Definition: Against; in contrast to.
Notes: Shows comparison.
Example: "We need to consider cost versus benefit."
W
59. "Whereas..."
Definition: While; on the contrary.
Notes: Shows contrast.
Example: "She prefers tea, whereas he likes coffee."
60. "With regard to..."
Definition: Concerning; about.
Notes: Introduces a topic.
Example: "With regard to your request, we need more information."
Y
61. "Yet..."
Definition: But; however.
Notes: Shows contrast.
Example: "He is very experienced, yet he still makes mistakes."
Bonus Phrases
62. "As it stands..."
Definition: In the current situation.
Notes: Shows the current status.
Example: "As it stands, we need to delay the project."
63. "Bear in mind..."
Definition: Consider; remember.
Notes: Gives advice.
Example: "Bear in mind that this is only a temporary solution."
64. "In due course..."
Definition: At the appropriate time.
Notes: Indicates future timing.
Example: "We will address that issue in due course."
65. "In essence..."
Definition: Essentially; basically.
Notes: Summarises core point.
Example: "In essence, the proposal is about improving efficiency."
66. "In the meantime..."
Definition: Until something happens.
Notes: Indicates interim period.
Example: "We will prepare the documents. In the meantime, please gather the data."
67. "In the same vein..."
Definition: Similarly; likewise.
Notes: Shows similarity.
Example: "His comments were in the same vein as his previous statements."
68. "On balance..."
Definition: After considering all factors.
Notes: Summarises.
Example: "On balance, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
69. "Such as it is..."
Definition: As it currently exists.
Notes: Indicates acceptance of current state.
Example: "We must work with the budget, such as it is."
70. "That being said..."
Definition: Despite what was just mentioned.
Notes: Introduces a contrasting point.
Example: "The results are promising. That being said, we still have challenges ahead."
71. "There is no denying..."
Definition: It is undoubtedly true.
Notes: Shows certainty.
Example: "There is no denying the importance of education."
72. "To a large extent..."
Definition: Mostly; largely.
Notes: Shows extent.
Example: "To a large extent, the success depends on teamwork."
73. "To illustrate..."
Definition: To give an example.
Notes: Introduces an example.
Example: "To illustrate, consider the case of..."
74. "Without a doubt..."
Definition: Certainly; undoubtedly.
Notes: Shows certainty.
Example: "Without a doubt, this is our best option."
75. "With this in mind..."
Definition: Considering this.
Notes: Shows consideration.
Example: "With this in mind, we should proceed cautiously."
Additional Phrases
76. "Admittedly..."
Definition: As acknowledged.
Notes: Concession.
Example: "Admittedly, it was a challenging task."
77. "As a consequence..."
Definition: Therefore; as a result.
Notes: Cause and effect.
Example: "As a consequence of the delay, we missed the deadline."
78. "By the same token..."
Definition: Likewise; similarly.
Notes: Shows similarity.
Example: "He is known for his punctuality. By the same token, he expects others to be on time."
79. "First and foremost..."
Definition: Most importantly.
Notes: Emphasises priority.
Example: "First and foremost, we need to address the budget issues."
80. "For the most part..."
Definition: Generally; mostly.
Notes: Summarises.
Example: "For the most part, the meeting was productive."
81. "In light of this..."
Definition: Considering this.
Notes: Shows consideration.
Example: "In light of this, we need to revise our strategy."
82. "In the first place..."
Definition: Initially; to begin with.
Notes: Emphasises the origin.
Example: "We should never have agreed in the first place."
83. "It follows that..."
Definition: Therefore; as a result.
Notes: Logical conclusion.
Example: "If you work hard, it follows that you will succeed."
84. "It is worth noting..."
Definition: Important to mention.
Notes: Highlights significance.
Example: "It is worth noting that attendance is mandatory."
85. "Needless to say..."
Definition: Obviously.
Notes: Shows obviousness.
Example: "Needless to say, safety is our top priority."
86. "Notwithstanding..."
Definition: Despite; in spite of.
Notes: Shows contrast.
Example: "Notwithstanding the challenges, we made progress."
87. "Of paramount importance..."
Definition: Very important.
Notes: Shows importance.
Example: "Of paramount importance is our commitment to quality."
88. "On reflection..."
Definition: After reconsideration.
Notes: Shows reconsideration.
Example: "On reflection, I believe we should change our approach."
89. "On this basis..."
Definition: Based on this.
Notes: Shows reasoning.
Example: "On this basis, we should proceed with the project."
90. "Put simply..."
Definition: In simple terms.
Notes: Simplifies explanation.
Example: "Put simply, we need more resources."
91. "Strictly speaking..."
Definition: Precisely; accurately.
Notes: Shows precision.
Example: "Strictly speaking, the term refers to..."
92. "Subsequent to..."
Definition: Following; after.
Notes: Shows sequence.
Example: "Subsequent to the meeting, we decided to..."
93. "That is to say..."
Definition: In other words.
Notes: Clarifies meaning.
Example: "That is to say, we need more time."
94. "To all intents and purposes..."
Definition: Practically; in effect.
Notes: Shows practical impact.
Example: "To all intents and purposes, the plan is complete."
95. "To be precise..."
Definition: Exactly; accurately.
Notes: Shows precision.
Example: "To be precise, the project will start on Monday."
96. "Under these circumstances..."
Definition: Given these conditions.
Notes: Shows consideration.
Example: "Under these circumstances, we must reconsider our options."
97. "Until now..."
Definition: Up to this point.
Notes: Shows timing.
Example: "Until now, we have seen consistent progress."
98. "What is more..."
Definition: Furthermore; in addition.
Notes: Adds emphasis.
Example: "What is more, the results have been positive."
99. "With all due respect..."
Definition: Politely disagreeing.
Notes: Shows politeness.
Example: "With all due respect, I disagree with your opinion."
100. "Without further ado..."
Definition: Without delay.
Notes: Shows immediacy.
Example: "Without further ado, let's start the presentation."
