Many Filipinos grow up speaking a unique blend of English and Tagalog (or other local languages), resulting in expressions and sentence patterns known as Filipinoisms or Filipinisms. While these are acceptable in local settings, they can negatively impact your IELTS Speaking and Writing scores, particularly in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.
This post identifies common Filipino English habits, explains why they lower your score, and provides Band 7+ alternatives with definitions, examples, FAQs, do’s and don’ts, and top strategies for success.
What Are Filipinoisms / Filipinisms?
Filipinoisms (also known as Filipinisms) refer to grammatical, lexical, or phonological deviations from standard English that are unique to the Philippines. They are often direct translations, outdated expressions, or overly formal phrases misused in casual contexts.
Common Types, Definitions, and Band-7+ Alternatives
1. Overly Formal or Outdated Expressions
- ❌ Attached herewith is the file.
- ✅ The file is attached.
- ❌ Please be informed that…
- ✅ I’d like to inform you that…
Why it’s wrong: These phrases are legalistic or outdated, unsuitable for IELTS Writing and Speaking. Use modern, clear English.
2. Redundant Phrases
- ❌ Advance planning, repeat again, final and last, true facts
- ✅ Planning, repeat, final, facts
Why it’s wrong: These expressions are tautologies—repetitions of meaning—and are seen as wordy or unsophisticated in IELTS.
3. Incorrect Use of Prepositions
- ❌ Discuss about the topic
- ✅ Discuss the topic
- ❌ Congratulate to her
- ✅ Congratulate her
Why it’s wrong: These are non-standard prepositional uses unique to Filipino English.
4. Literal Translations from Tagalog
- ❌ Open the lights (from “Buksan mo ang ilaw”)
- ✅ Turn on the lights
- ❌ I will go ahead
- ✅ I’ll go now or I’ll leave now
Why it’s wrong: These are direct translations from Filipino and are often unnatural in English.
5. False Friends (Words That Mean Something Else in English)
- ❌ He was salvaged by the police
- ✅ He was killed by the police (⚠ In global English, “salvage” means “to save”)
- ❌ We will be back momentarily
- ✅ We’ll be back shortly (In Filipino English, “momentarily” is often misused)
6. Taglish or Code-Switching
- ❌ You know po, the weather is, ano, super init talaga.
- ✅ The weather is extremely hot.
Why it’s wrong: IELTS requires standard English with minimal use of filler words or native language.
7. Misuse of Vocabulary for Politeness
- ❌ Can I borrow your pen? (when asking to keep it permanently)
- ✅ Can I have your pen?
- ❌ Come again?
- ✅ Could you say that again? or Sorry, I didn’t catch that.
Why it’s wrong: Misunderstood or overly polite phrases can confuse examiners.
8. Reversed Logic in Sentences
- ❌ That’s why I’m late because I missed the bus.
- ✅ I was late because I missed the bus.
Why it’s wrong: Redundant cause-effect logic from Filipino speech lowers coherence in IELTS.
9. Unnatural Expressions
- ❌ I’m not feeling so good today, but I’m still OK only.
- ✅ I’m not feeling well today, but I’m doing fine.
Why it’s wrong: “OK only” or “like that only” are non-standard colloquialisms from Filipino English.
10. Pluralization Errors
- ❌ Many informations / equipments / advices
- ✅ Much information / equipment / advice
Why it’s wrong: These uncountable nouns cannot be pluralized in standard English.
Dos and Don’ts for Avoiding Filipinoisms
DO:
- Learn standard collocations and idiomatic expressions.
- Practice native-like pronunciation and phrasing.
- Get feedback on your speaking and writing from IELTS specialists.
- Replace memorized phrases with natural-sounding alternatives.
DON’T:
- Don’t directly translate from Filipino to English.
- Don’t use “formal-sounding” language to impress.
- Don’t use Taglish or local colloquialisms.
- Don’t rely on what sounds “OK” locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use Filipino-accented English in IELTS Speaking?
A: A light accent is acceptable, but clarity and pronunciation matter more. Avoid mispronunciations and aim for international intelligibility.
Q2: Is it okay to use local idioms or sayings?
A: No. IELTS favors universal, globally understood language. Use standard idioms or avoid them if unsure.
Q3: How can I “unlearn” Filipinoisms?
A: Practice by:
- Listening to native podcasts (BBC, NPR)
- Mimicking IELTS Speaking samples
- Writing essays and getting professional feedback
Top Strategies to Avoid Filipinoisms
- Compare: Keep a “Filipinism vs. IELTS English” notebook.
- Record & Reflect: Record your speaking answers, then spot Filipinoisms.
- Immerse: Watch news and documentaries in standard English.
- Rewrite: Take common Taglish expressions and rewrite them in Band-9 English.
- Practice with a Coach: Get feedback on expressions that sound “off” or “unnatural.”
Final Thoughts
Filipinoisms may be a natural part of local communication, but they can hinder your ability to demonstrate fluency, coherence, grammar accuracy, and lexical range in IELTS. With awareness, practice, and targeted learning, you can replace them with globally recognized, high-level English and take a big step toward your Band 7+ IELTS goal.
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