IELTS Writing -
Key Words & Expressions
By learning to use common phrases and set expressions, you can add variety and interest to your writing. You will also be able to write more quickly and effectively during exams, when time is limited.
Of course, you won't need to use all of the expressions on the IELTS. Ideally, you should be comfortable using at least three or four expressions from each group below, so they come to mind easily during the IELTS. It is also helpful to have someone call them out so you can test your spelling. Unfortunately, students sometimes make spelling errors even in these commonly occurring expressions. Practice sufficiently so you don't lose points unnecessarily on something that's within your control.
KEY WORDS for IELTS WRITING
Stating Your Opinion
In my opinion,
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According to me,
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In my view,
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To me,
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From my point of view,
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I think
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It seems to me that
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I believe
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From my perspective
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To my way of thinking
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It appears that
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I suppose
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I realize
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I understand
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I imagine
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I feel
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Giving Examples
For example,
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For instance,
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such as
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In other words,
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as
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like
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that is
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namely
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To illustrate
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To paraphrase
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Comparing
Similar to
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As...as
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in common
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also
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Either...or
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In the same way,
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Neither...nor
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At the same time
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Just as
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resemble
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Contrasting
However,
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But
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On the contrary,
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On the other hand,
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Differ from
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Nevertheless
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Although
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Though
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Otherwise
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Instead
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Alternatively,
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Even though
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Generalizing
Generally,
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Generally speaking,
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Overall,
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On the whole,
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In general,
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By and large,
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It seems to me that
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I believe
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All in all,
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Basically,
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Essentially,
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As a rule,
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All things considered
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For the most part
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Expressing Certainty
Certainly,
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Undoubtedly,
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Doubtless,
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No doubt,
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Definitely,
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Of course,
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Expressing Partial Agreement
More or less,
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To some extent,
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Up to a point,
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Almost,
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In a way,
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So to speak,
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