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100 Academic Collocations for High IELTS Band Scores in General Training Writing Task 1 (Letters)

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you are asked to write a letter—which can be formal, semi-formal, or informal—based on a given situation. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate lexical resource (vocabulary range and accuracy) is to use appropriate collocations—word combinations that native speakers naturally use. Using strong and natural collocations shows examiners that you can express your ideas clearly and appropriately in context.

Below is a list of 100 useful collocations, categorized by tone and function, including definitions and example sentences to help you write better IELTS letters.

100 Academic Collocations

A. Formal & Semi-Formal Letter Collocations

  1. Bring to your attention
    To inform someone about something important
    I would like to bring to your attention the ongoing issues with the heating system.
  2. Express dissatisfaction
    To show you are not pleased
    I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received.
  3. Lodge a complaint
    To formally complain
    I would like to lodge a complaint regarding the faulty product I purchased.
  4. Seek clarification
    To ask for more details or explanation
    I am writing to seek clarification on the recent policy changes.
  5. Request assistance
    To ask for help
    I would appreciate it if you could offer assistance regarding the application process.
  6. Grant permission
    To give approval formally
    Could you kindly grant permission for my early departure?
  7. Provide feedback
    To give comments or suggestions
    I am writing to provide feedback on your recent training workshop.
  8. Accept responsibility
    To admit fault
    I accept full responsibility for the inconvenience caused.
  9. Extend an invitation
    To invite someone formally
    I would like to extend an invitation to our annual meeting.
  10. Submit a request
    To officially ask for something
    I am submitting a request for a refund due to the unsatisfactory condition of the item.
  11. Reach a resolution
    To come to an agreement or solution
    I hope we can reach a resolution soon.
  12. Acknowledge receipt
    To confirm you’ve received something
    I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your previous letter.
  13. Meet requirements
    To fulfill conditions
    I have attached all documents required to meet the application requirements.
  14. Issue a refund
    To return money paid
    I kindly request that you issue a refund at your earliest convenience.
  15. Apologize for inconvenience
    To say sorry for trouble caused Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.
  16. Follow up on
    To check or remind about something previously discussed
    I am writing to follow up on my previous complaint.
  17. Make arrangements
    To organize plans
    I would like to make arrangements for a meeting next week.
  18. Comply with regulations
    To follow rules or policies
    We always strive to comply with safety regulations.
  19. Offer compensation
    To provide a payment or gesture for a loss or issue
    I hope you will offer compensation for the delay in service.
  20. Provide documentation
    To give written proof
    I have provided all necessary documentation for the visa application.

B. Informal Letter Collocations

  1. Catch up soon
    To reconnect or update each other
    It’s been a while—let’s catch up soon!
  2. Drop me a line
    To send a message or write
    Don’t forget to drop me a line when you arrive.
  3. Keep in touch
    To maintain contact
    Let’s keep in touch after the course ends.
  4. Look forward to hearing
    To expect a reply
    I look forward to hearing from you soon!
  5. Plan a get-together
    To organize a casual meeting or event
    We should plan a get-together over the weekend.
  6. Take a break
    To rest or relax
    You’ve been working hard—maybe it’s time to take a break.
  7. Thanks a million
    To express strong gratitude
    Thanks a million for your help during my move.
  8. It means a lot
    To express appreciation
    Your support really means a lot to me.
  9. Over the moon
    To be very happy
    I was over the moon to hear about your promotion!
  10. By the way
    To add extra information casually
    By the way, I found that book you were looking for.

C. Problem & Solution Collocations

  1. Face difficulties
    We have been facing difficulties with the delivery schedule.
  2. Sort out the issue
    I hope you can help us sort out the issue quickly.
  3. Take necessary steps
    Please take the necessary steps to resolve the matter.
  4. Come up with a solution
    I hope you can come up with a suitable solution.
  5. Deal with the problem
    I would appreciate it if you could deal with the problem promptly.
  6. Identify the cause
    Please identify the cause of the delay as soon as possible.
  7. Prevent recurrence
    I urge you to take action to prevent recurrence.
  8. Take immediate action
    Immediate action is required to address this concern.
  9. Resolve the matter
    I trust you will do your best to resolve the matter.
  10. Get things back on track
    We need to get things back on track without delay.

D. Request & Suggestion Collocations

  1. Put forward a suggestion
    I would like to put forward a suggestion regarding the event schedule.
  2. Consider my request
    I hope you will kindly consider my request.
  3. Make a proposal
    I would like to make a proposal to improve staff communication.
  4. Give it some thought
    I hope you will give it some thought and let me know your decision.
  5. Offer an alternative
    I would like to offer an alternative date for the meeting.
  6. Request information
    I am writing to request information about your courses.
  7. Make a recommendation
    May I make a recommendation regarding the new software?
  8. Propose a change
    I would like to propose a change to the work schedule.
  9. Ask for permission
    I am writing to ask for permission to take a few days off.
  10. Raise a concern
    I wish to raise a concern about the safety measures in place.

E. Gratitude & Appreciation Collocations

  1. Express appreciation
    I am writing to express my appreciation for your generous support.
  2. Extend gratitude
    I would like to extend my gratitude to you for your help.
  3. Be extremely grateful
    I would be extremely grateful if you could look into this matter.
  4. Show my thanks
    I would like to show my thanks by inviting you to dinner.
  5. Offer thanks
    Please accept my sincere thanks for your continued assistance.
  6. Deeply appreciate
    I deeply appreciate the effort you put into organizing the event.
  7. Grateful for your support
    I am truly grateful for your support during my training.
  8. A heartfelt thank you
    A heartfelt thank you for your kind hospitality.
  9. Appreciate your time
    I greatly appreciate your time and attention.
  10. Thank you in advance
    Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

F. Apology Collocations

  1. Offer a sincere apology
    I would like to offer a sincere apology for the confusion caused.
  2. Apologize for the delay
    I apologize for the delay in responding to your message.
  3. Regret the inconvenience
    We regret the inconvenience caused by the cancellation.
  4. Express regret
    I wish to express regret for missing the meeting.
  5. Accept my apologies
    Please accept my apologies for any misunderstanding.
  6. Sorry for the oversight
    I am sorry for the oversight in the document.
  7. Apologize for the oversight
    I apologize for the oversight and will correct it immediately.
  8. Deeply sorry
    I am deeply sorry for not informing you sooner.
  9. Take full responsibility
    I take full responsibility for the scheduling conflict.
  10. Amend the mistake
    I will do my best to amend the mistake quickly.

G. Professional/Work-Related Collocations

  1. Meet the deadline
    I assure you that we will meet the deadline.
  2. Work under pressure
    I have always been able to work under pressure.
  3. Take on responsibilities
    I am ready to take on additional responsibilities.
  4. Carry out tasks
    I am confident in my ability to carry out assigned tasks.
  5. Gain experience
    I am looking forward to gaining more experience in customer service.
  6. Attend a workshop
    I recently attended a workshop on team management.
  7. Submit a report
    I am required to submit a report by Friday.
  8. Complete the assignment
    I was unable to complete the assignment due to illness.
  9. Handle the workload
    I am finding it difficult to handle the current workload.
  10. Improve communication
    I believe this strategy will improve communication among staff.

H. Travel & Relocation Collocations

  1. Book a flight
    I had to book a flight at the last minute.
  2. Move house
    I recently moved house and apologize for the delayed response.
  3. Experience travel delays
    I experienced travel delays due to bad weather.
  4. Arrange accommodation
    I would appreciate it if you could help arrange accommodation.
  5. Apply for a visa
    I have applied for a visa but haven’t received confirmation yet.
  6. Plan the itinerary
    I am currently planning the itinerary for my trip.
  7. Relocate to another city
    I will relocate to another city next month.
  8. Stay in touch while away
    Let’s stay in touch while you are away.
  9. Cancel the reservation
    I had to cancel the reservation due to unforeseen events.
  10. Change of address
    Please note my change of address for future correspondence.

I. Ending a Letter – Collocations

  1. Await your response
    I look forward to your reply and await your response.
  2. Feel free to contact
    Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.
  3. Hope to hear from you soon
    I hope to hear from you soon regarding the matter.
  4. Let me know
    Please let me know if you require any further clarification.
  5. Look forward to your reply
    I look forward to your reply at your earliest convenience.
  6. In case of any questions
    In case of any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
  7. Do not hesitate to reach out
    Please do not hesitate to reach out if anything is unclear.
  8. Wishing you all the best
    Wishing you all the best in your new role.
  9. Best regards
    Best regards,
    John Smith
  10. Yours sincerely/faithfully
    Yours sincerely,
    Emily Brown

Final Thoughts

Using accurate and natural collocations is a powerful way to boost your lexical resource score in the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1. Whether you’re writing a complaint, making a request, or thanking someone, choosing the right word combinations helps you communicate effectively and professionally. Practice these collocations in your writing to make your letters sound more authentic and refined.

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