Common Idioms for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Idioms for IELTS Writing: Idioms play a major role in helping test takers secure a band 9 score in IELTS Writing. Hence, it is ideal for students to broaden their range of idioms and phrases. Having a stronghold of a wide array of idioms and knowing their correct implementation can help test takers ace their IELTS Writing. That being said, here are some of the most common idioms used in IELTS Writing you should know to score better. 

Common Idioms for IELTS Writing

For students preparing to study abroad, one challenge is knowing how to ‘Break the Ice’ and start conversations confidently. In earlier lines, we might have been ‘Beating Around the Bush,’ but now it’s time to focus on the topic.

Idioms are combinations of words used in everyday language to express ideas, emotions, or situations more vividly. While it’s not necessary to know every idiom, having a strong understanding of key phrases can significantly enhance your IELTS Writing performance.

Idioms and phrasal verbs are widely used in informal communication to convey meaning effectively. Mastering the most common idioms can help you express yourself naturally and boost your Lexical Resource score. Below is a curated list of essential idioms for IELTS Writing that you can start using in your essays.                                                                                                    

1. Agreeing and Disagreeing

Idioms in the Agreeing and Disagreeing category help you express agreement or disagreement clearly and naturally. They make your writing more engaging when discussing different viewpoints in Task 2 essays. Examples: see eye to eye, be on the same page, not see eye to eye. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms Expressing Agreeing and Disagreeing	Example Sentence
I couldn’t agree more	I couldn’t agree more with the statement that education is the key to success.
That’s absolutely right	That’s absolutely right; renewable energy should be our top priority.
I’m in complete agreement	I’m in complete agreement that social media has transformed communication.
Without a shadow of a doubt	Without a shadow of a doubt, climate change is a pressing global issue.
I see eye to eye with	I see eye to eye with experts who believe in sustainable development.
I beg to differ	I beg to differ with those who claim technology isolates people.
I’m afraid I disagree	I’m afraid I disagree with the notion that money brings happiness.
That’s debatable	Whether online learning is superior to traditional methods is debatable.
I take issue with	I take issue with the argument that stricter laws always reduce crime.
That’s questionable	The claim that social media improves relationships is questionable.
I share the same view	I share the same view that cultural diversity strengthens society.
That rings true	The statement about work-life balance affecting productivity rings true.
I stand corrected	After reviewing the evidence, I stand corrected about nuclear energy’s safety.
That’s beside the point	While cost is important, that’s beside the point when discussing public health.
I’m of the same mind	I’m of the same mind that environmental protection requires global cooperation.
That’s out of the question	Ignoring climate change is out of the question for responsible governments.
I couldn’t disagree more	I couldn’t disagree more with those who dismiss mental health concerns.
That’s spot on	Your observation about urban planning challenges is spot on.
I’m on the fence	I’m on the fence about whether artificial intelligence will benefit humanity.
That’s far from the truth	The idea that all young people are lazy is far from the truth.

2. Expressing Causes and Effects

Idioms in the Expressing Causes and Effects category allow you to link actions and their outcomes, which is crucial for coherence in essays. They help demonstrate cause-effect relationships effectively. Examples: give rise to, lead to, result in. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms Expresing Expressing Causes and Effects	Example Sentence
As a result of	As a result of globalisation, cultural boundaries have become increasingly blurred.
Due to the fact that	Due to the fact that pollution levels are rising, governments must act swiftly.
This leads to	Poor urban planning leads to traffic congestion and environmental problems.
Consequently	The economy suffered during the pandemic; consequently, unemployment rates soared.
This brings about	Technological advancement brings about both opportunities and challenges.
The root cause of	The root cause of educational inequality lies in inadequate funding.
This stems from	The housing crisis stems from decades of poor policy decisions.
In the wake of	In the wake of the financial crisis, many families lost their homes.
This gives rise to	Social media usage gives rise to new forms of communication disorders.
On account of	On account of climate change, many species face extinction.
This triggers	Economic instability triggers mass migration to developed countries.
The upshot of	The upshot of deforestation is irreversible damage to ecosystems.
This spawns	Rapid urbanization spawns numerous infrastructure challenges.
By virtue of	By virtue of their education, skilled workers earn higher wages.
This culminates in	Years of neglecting public health culminates in widespread disease outbreaks.
Owing to	Owing to technological advances, communication has become instantaneous.
This precipitates	Political instability precipitates economic uncertainty and social unrest.
The fallout from	The fallout from poor environmental policies affects future generations.
This engenders	Cultural diversity engenders creativity and innovation in societies.
In light of	In light of recent research, dietary recommendations have changed significantly.

3. Contrasting and Comparing

Idioms in the Contrasting and Comparing category are useful for highlighting similarities or differences between ideas, perspectives, or trends. They strengthen comparative and analytical skills in your writing. Examples: on the other hand, by contrast, in comparison. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms Related to Contrasting and Comparing	Example Sentence
On the other hand	Traditional education emphasizes discipline; on the other hand, modern approaches focus on creativity.
By contrast	Rural areas offer tranquility; by contrast, cities provide numerous opportunities.
In stark contrast	Developed nations have advanced healthcare; in stark contrast, developing countries lack basic facilities.
That said	Online learning offers flexibility; that said, it cannot replace face-to-face interaction.
Nevertheless	The project was expensive; nevertheless, it brought significant long-term benefits.
Conversely	Public transport reduces pollution; conversely, private vehicles increase it.
On the flip side	Technology improves efficiency; on the flip side, it may cause job displacement.
In comparison	Public schools serve diverse populations; in comparison, private schools are more selective.
However	Renewable energy is sustainable; however, initial costs are substantial.
While this may be true	While this may be true that globalization creates opportunities, it also increases inequality.
Despite this	The treatment is expensive; despite this, patients report excellent outcomes.
Nonetheless	The evidence is limited; nonetheless, experts recommend precautionary measures.
At the same time	Exercise improves health; at the same time, excessive training can cause injuries.
In contrast to	In contrast to previous generations, young people today are more environmentally conscious.
On the contrary	Some believe technology isolates people; on the contrary, it connects global communities.
Whereas	Traditional media follows editorial standards, whereas social media lacks content regulation.
Even so	The research has limitations; even so, it provides valuable insights.
Be that as it may	The solution seems complex; be that as it may, immediate action is necessary.
Alternatively	Government funding could support research; alternatively, private investment might be more efficient.
Notwithstanding	Notwithstanding the challenges, renewable energy adoption continues to grow globally.

4. Introducing Examples

Idioms in the Introducing Examples category help you provide supporting evidence or illustrations, making your arguments more concrete and persuasive. Examples: for instance, such as, take the case of. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms for Introducing Examples	Example Sentence
For instance	Many cities struggle with pollution; for instance, Beijing has implemented car restrictions.
Take the case of	Take the case of Singapore, which successfully combines economic growth with environmental protection.
A prime example	Finland’s education system is a prime example of how to achieve academic excellence.
To illustrate	To illustrate the impact of technology, consider how smartphones have changed communication.
Such as	Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming more affordable.
By way of example	By way of example, Denmark generates over 40% of its electricity from wind power.
Consider the following	Consider the following: countries with universal healthcare report higher life expectancy.
A case in point	A case in point is South Korea’s rapid economic development through education investment.
To cite an example	To cite an example, Costa Rica has achieved carbon neutrality through forest conservation.
Namely	Several factors contribute to urban problems, namely overpopulation and inadequate infrastructure.
In particular	Social media affects various age groups, in particular teenagers and young adults.
Specifically	The government should focus on environmental issues, specifically air and water quality.
To give you an idea	To give you an idea of climate change impact, Arctic ice has decreased by 13% per decade.
As evidenced by	Technology improves education quality, as evidenced by interactive learning platforms.
This is exemplified by	Global cooperation is essential, and this is exemplified by successful vaccine distribution programs.
As demonstrated by	Sustainable practices benefit businesses, as demonstrated by companies reducing operational costs.
For example	For example, electric vehicles are becoming mainstream as battery technology improves.
As shown by	Economic policies affect social mobility, as shown by Scandinavian welfare systems.
This can be seen in	Cultural preservation efforts can be seen in indigenous language revitalisation programs.
As illustrated by	Urban planning affects quality of life, as illustrated by pedestrian-friendly city designs.

5. Explaining and Clarifying Ideas

Idioms in the Explaining and Clarifying Ideas category help make complex ideas easier to understand, ensuring clarity in your writing. Examples: in other words, to put it simply, that is to say. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms for Explaining and Clarifying Ideas	Example Sentence
In other words	The policy aims to reduce inequality; in other words, it seeks fairer distribution of resources.
To put it simply	To put it simply, climate change requires immediate global action to prevent catastrophe.
That is to say	Education should be accessible to all; that is to say, financial barriers must be removed.
What I mean is	What I mean is that technological progress should benefit all members of society.
To clarify	To clarify, sustainable development balances economic growth with environmental protection.
Put differently	Put differently, investing in renewable energy is investing in our future.
To be more specific	To be more specific, urban air pollution affects respiratory health in children.
In essence	In essence, effective leadership requires both vision and practical implementation skills.
The point is	The point is that education systems must adapt to technological changes.
To elaborate	To elaborate, social media platforms should implement stricter content moderation policies.
Let me explain	Let me explain why cultural diversity strengthens economic development in modern societies.
To break it down	To break it down, sustainable cities require efficient transport, green spaces, and renewable energy.
Simply put	Simply put, preventive healthcare is more cost-effective than treating diseases later.
In plain English	In plain English, artificial intelligence will transform most industries within the next decade.
To rephrase	To rephrase, governments must balance economic development with environmental responsibility.
What this means is	What this means is that international cooperation is essential for addressing global challenges.
To make it clear	To make it clear, educational reform should prioritize critical thinking over memorization.
In simpler terms	In simpler terms, renewable energy sources will eventually replace fossil fuels completely.
To spell it out	To spell it out, income inequality undermines social cohesion and economic stability.
The bottom line is	The bottom line is that investing in public transportation reduces both pollution and traffic congestion.

6. Expressing Personal Opinion

Idioms in the Expressing Personal Opinion category allow you to express viewpoints confidently, which is important for opinion essays. Examples: in my view, as far as I am concerned, I reckon. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms for Expressing Personal Opinion	Example Sentence
In my view	In my view, governments should prioritize mental health services in healthcare systems.
From my perspective	From my perspective, renewable energy investment is crucial for economic sustainability.
I believe that	I believe that cultural exchange programs strengthen international relationships significantly.
In my opinion	In my opinion, technology should enhance rather than replace human interaction.
As far as I’m concerned	As far as I’m concerned, environmental protection should take precedence over short-term profits.
It seems to me	It seems to me that educational systems need fundamental reform to remain relevant.
I’m convinced that	I’m convinced that sustainable urban planning is essential for future city development.
My take on this is	My take on this is that social media literacy should be taught in schools.
I would argue that	I would argue that universal healthcare is both a moral imperative and economic necessity.
In my estimation	In my estimation, climate change education should be mandatory in all curricula.
I tend to think	I tend to think that work-life balance significantly impacts employee productivity and satisfaction.
From where I stand	From where I stand, international students bring valuable diversity to educational institutions.
I’m inclined to believe	I’m inclined to believe that artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it eliminates.
To my mind	To my mind, investing in renewable energy creates long-term economic benefits for nations.
I’m of the opinion	I’m of the opinion that cultural preservation efforts require both government and community support.
It strikes me that	It strikes me that modern education should emphasize creativity alongside academic achievement.
I maintain that	I maintain that public transportation investment yields significant environmental and economic returns.
I hold the view	I hold the view that technological advancement should be guided by ethical considerations.
I’m firmly convinced	I’m firmly convinced that early childhood education is the foundation of societal development.
My position is that	My position is that governments must balance individual freedom with collective responsibility.

7. Emphasising Importance

Idioms in the Emphasising Importance category highlight key points, showing the examiner which ideas are significant in your argument. Examples: play a vital role, be of utmost importance, carry weight. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms for Emphasising Importance	Example Sentence
It is crucial that	It is crucial that governments invest in renewable energy infrastructure immediately.
Above all else	Above all else, education systems must prepare students for future employment challenges.
Of utmost importance	Of utmost importance is the need to address climate change through international cooperation.
It cannot be overstated	It cannot be overstated how vital clean water access is for global health.
Most importantly	Most importantly, sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
It is imperative that	It is imperative that societies address income inequality to maintain social stability.
Of paramount concern	Of paramount concern is ensuring that technological advancement benefits all social classes.
It is essential that	It is essential that urban planning prioritizes both efficiency and livability.
The key point is	The key point is that preventive healthcare saves both lives and resources.
It is vital that	It is vital that educational institutions adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes.
What matters most	What matters most is ensuring equal opportunities for all members of society.
It is critical that	It is critical that governments address mental health with the same urgency as physical health.
The crux of the matter	The crux of the matter is that sustainable practices must become standard business operations.
It is fundamental that	It is fundamental that democracies protect freedom of speech while preventing harmful content.
At the heart of	At the heart of successful urban development lies comprehensive public transportation systems.
It bears emphasising	It bears emphasizing that cultural diversity strengthens rather than weakens national identity.
Of critical importance	Of critical importance is the need to invest in scientific research and development.
It is indispensable	It is indispensable that international trade agreements consider environmental impact assessments.
The overriding concern	The overriding concern should be ensuring that technological progress serves humanity’s best interests.
It is of the essence	It is of the essence that educational reforms address both academic and practical skills.

8. Giving Reasons

Idioms in the Giving Reasons category are useful for explaining why something happens or why a point matters, strengthening the logic of your essay. Examples: due to, owing to, on account of. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms for Giving Reasons	Example Sentence
The reason being	Public transportation should be prioritised, the reason being its environmental and economic benefits.
This is because	Renewable energy adoption is accelerating; this is because costs have decreased significantly.
Given that	Given that urbanisation is inevitable, cities must plan for sustainable growth.
Since	Since climate change affects all nations, international cooperation is absolutely essential.
On the grounds that	The policy was implemented on the grounds that it would reduce inequality.
For the simple reason that	Education funding should increase for the simple reason that it drives economic growth.
In view of the fact that	In view of the fact that pollution affects health, stricter regulations are necessary.
Considering that	Considering that technology evolves rapidly, educational curricula must be regularly updated.
Seeing that	Seeing that mental health issues are rising, healthcare systems need comprehensive reform.
By reason of	By reason of their expertise, scientists should guide environmental policy decisions.
Inasmuch as	Inasmuch as cultural diversity enriches societies, immigration policies should reflect this value.
For the reason that	Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the reason that it supports economic development.
In that	Social media is problematic in that it can spread misinformation rapidly.
Because of the fact that	Because of the fact that jobs are changing, education must emphasize adaptability.
What with	What with climate change accelerating, renewable energy investment cannot be delayed.
Thanks to	Thanks to technological advancement, global communication has become instantaneous and affordable.
In light of	In light of increasing automation, workers need continuous skill development opportunities.
Owing to	Owing to population growth, urban planning must prioritize sustainable development strategies.
As a consequence of	As a consequence of globalization, local cultures face both opportunities and threats.
By dint of	By dint of persistent effort, developing nations can achieve sustainable economic growth.

9. Providing Solutions

Idioms in the Providing Solutions category are handy in problem-solution essays to suggest remedies or ways forward. Examples: one way to tackle this, a possible solution is, can be addressed by. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms for Providing Solutions	Example Sentence
One way forward	One way forward in addressing climate change is investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure.
A viable solution	A viable solution to urban congestion is developing comprehensive public transportation networks.
The answer lies in	The answer lies in combining technological innovation with traditional environmental conservation methods.
To tackle this issue	To tackle this issue of educational inequality, governments must increase funding for underprivileged areas.
A practical approach	A practical approach to reducing pollution is implementing stricter industrial emission standards.
To remedy this situation	To remedy this situation of youth unemployment, vocational training programs should be expanded.
The solution is to	The solution is to create international frameworks for regulating artificial intelligence development.
To address this problem	To address this problem of aging populations, immigration policies need comprehensive reform.
A way out of this	A way out of this economic crisis is investing in sustainable industries and green jobs.
To resolve this matter	To resolve this matter of healthcare access, governments should implement universal coverage systems.
The key lies in	The key lies in balancing economic development with environmental protection through sustainable practices.
To overcome this challenge	To overcome this challenge of digital divide, infrastructure investment must prioritize rural areas.
A possible remedy	A possible remedy for social media addiction is implementing digital literacy education programs.
To sort this out	To sort this out regarding housing affordability, governments should regulate speculative investment practices.
The way to go	The way to go in improving education quality is investing in teacher training and development.
To iron out these problems	To iron out these problems with urban planning, citizen participation in decision-making is essential.
A workable solution	A workable solution to traffic congestion is promoting flexible work arrangements and remote employment.
To get around this issue	To get around this issue of energy dependency, countries should diversify their renewable energy sources.
To fix this problem	To fix this problem of income inequality, progressive taxation and minimum wage policies are necessary.
A step in the right direction	A step in the right direction would be implementing carbon pricing mechanisms across all industries.

10. Supporting Arguments

Idioms in the Supporting Arguments category help reinforce your points and make your argument more convincing, improving coherence and lexical range. Examples: backed by evidence, supported by, take into consideration. To learn more, refer to the detailed table below.

Idioms for Supporting Arguments	Example Sentence
This is supported by	This is supported by extensive research showing that exercise improves mental health significantly.
Evidence suggests that	Evidence suggests that early childhood education has lasting positive effects on cognitive development.
Research indicates that	Research indicates that diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous groups in problem-solving tasks.
Studies have shown	Studies have shown that countries with universal healthcare have better population health outcomes.
Statistics reveal that	Statistics reveal that renewable energy jobs are growing faster than traditional energy employment.
Data confirms that	Data confirms that public transportation investment reduces both pollution and traffic congestion significantly.
Experts agree that	Experts agree that climate change requires immediate action to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
It has been proven that	It has been proven that multilingual education enhances cognitive flexibility and cultural understanding.
Experience demonstrates that	Experience demonstrates that sustainable urban planning improves both economic efficiency and quality of life.
History shows that	History shows that societies investing in education and innovation achieve long-term economic prosperity.
This is evidenced by	This is evidenced by numerous countries successfully transitioning to renewable energy while maintaining economic growth.
Findings indicate that	Findings indicate that mental health support in workplaces significantly increases productivity and job satisfaction.
This is borne out by	This is borne out by decades of research linking environmental quality to public health outcomes.
Analysis reveals that	Analysis reveals that income inequality correlates strongly with social instability and reduced economic mobility.
This is validated by	This is validated by international comparisons showing superior outcomes in countries with comprehensive social programs.
Observations confirm that	Observations confirm that technological integration in education improves student engagement and learning outcomes.
This is substantiated by	This is substantiated by longitudinal studies tracking the benefits of early intervention programs.
Evidence points to	Evidence points to the conclusion that sustainable practices ultimately reduce long-term operational costs.
This is corroborated by	This is corroborated by independent studies conducted across different cultural and economic contexts.
Research validates that	Research validates that cultural diversity in organizations leads to increased innovation and better decision-making.

Tips for Using Idioms in IELTS Writing 

Idioms can be used as a tool to convey and articulate your feelings and ideas in IELTS Writing. Albeit a powerful tool, you must be cautious whilst using them in the exam. Overusing them can hamper your fluency and your overall score. Have a look at the creative below to use idioms in IELTS Writing.

• Use idioms sparingly; one or two per essay are sufficient to enhance your writing.
• Ensure idioms fit the topic and context accurately to avoid confusion.
• Stick to commonly recognized idioms rather than rare or complex ones.
• Maintain a formal tone; avoid idioms that are too casual or conversational.
• Use idioms to support your arguments, not replace reasoning or evidence.
• Practice including idioms in essays to get comfortable with their correct usage.
• Pay attention to grammar and collocations, as some idioms have fixed structures.
• Avoid literal translations from your native language; they may not make sense in English.
• Use idioms strategically to emphasize key points or make ideas more vivid.
• Always proofread your writing to ensure idioms enhance clarity and do not distract from your argument.

So that was all about the most common idioms for IELTS Writing. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic. 

Get Your IELTS Writing Score Checked For FREE

Related Reads

IELTS Exam: Registration, Exam Dates, Calendar	IELTS Exam Eligibility: Qualification, Criteria, Documents
IELTS Exam Registration: Step-by-Step Guide, How to Register	IELTS Exam Fees: Cost, Payment Methods(Updated)
IELTS Exam Dates India: Month-Wise Calendar, Schedule	IELTS Test Centres: City, State Centers

FAQs

We hope this blog on the topic ‘Common Idioms for IELTS Writing Task 2′ helped you learn something new. If you are planning to study abroad, preparing for the IELTS exam is a key step in your journey. For expert guidance, call us at 1800 572 000.