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Idiomatic but Academic Phrases for IELTS Writing Task 2: Boost Your Band Score with Style and Precision

When preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2, many test-takers ask the same question: “Can I use idioms in academic writing?” The short answer is yes, but only if you use the right type.

The IELTS exam rewards candidates who demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary, but your language must also be appropriate for an academic essay. That’s where idiomatic but academic phrases come in—they help you sound natural, polished, and sophisticated without crossing the line into informal English.

In this post, we’ll explore what these phrases are, how to use them effectively, and provide examples, common mistakes, and top strategies for scoring Band 7 and above.

What Are Idiomatic but Academic Phrases?

These are natural-sounding expressions commonly used in formal and semi-formal writing. They are not clichés or slang, but they reflect idiomatic usage and maintain an academic tone.

Examples:

  • “At the heart of the issue…”
  • “It is worth noting that…”
  • “There is no denying that…”
  • “A case in point is…”
  • “This raises the question of…”

These phrases improve the flow and clarity of your writing, while showcasing your lexical resource.

Categories of Idiomatic but Academic Phrases

1. Introducing Ideas

  • “It is widely acknowledged that…”
  • “There is growing concern about…”
  • “The issue of ___ has sparked considerable debate.”

2. Adding Emphasis or Importance

  • “At the heart of the matter lies…”
  • “This is particularly true in the case of…”
  • “What is more,…”
  • “It is worth emphasizing that…”

3. Providing Examples or Evidence

  • “A case in point is…”
  • “This can be illustrated by…”
  • “For instance, consider the case of…”

4. Making Concessions

  • “While it is true that…”
  • “Admittedly,…”
  • “There is some merit to the argument that…”

5. Stating Opinions

  • “In my view,…”
  • “From my perspective,…”
  • “It could be argued that…”

6. Drawing Conclusions

  • “All things considered,…”
  • “This suggests that…”
  • “In light of the above…”

Sample IELTS Task 2 Use

Question: Some people think that governments should invest in public transportation. Others believe more should be spent on road infrastructure. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Paragraph:

It is widely acknowledged that traffic congestion is a growing issue in many urban areas. A case in point is Manila, where daily commutes often exceed two hours. While some argue that expanding road networks could alleviate this, there is no denying that improved public transport would have a longer-lasting impact. In light of the above, it seems logical that governments prioritize mass transit development.

Common Mistakes

MistakeExplanation
Using overly casual idioms“Hit the nail on the head,” “a piece of cake,” or “spill the beans” are too informal
Overusing phrasesRepeating the same idiom multiple times weakens your impact
Using clichésPhrases like “every coin has two sides” are overused and vague
Misplacing idiomsIdioms must fit contextually and grammatically

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

  • Choose idioms that suit a formal register
  • Use phrases that add clarity or emphasis
  • Practice incorporating 1–2 idiomatic expressions per essay

Don’t:

  • Use idioms you’re not confident about
  • Add idioms for the sake of complexity
  • Sacrifice clarity for style

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will idioms help me score Band 7 in Lexical Resource?

A: Yes—if used appropriately. They demonstrate vocabulary range and flexibility, but they must be formal and natural.

Q: Should I memorize a list of idioms?

A: Focus on understanding and practicing 10–20 idiomatic but academic phrases, rather than memorizing obscure expressions.

Q: Can I use idioms in Speaking as well?

A: Absolutely! In fact, speaking allows more natural idioms, including semi-formal ones like “on the same page,” “step up,” or “cut corners.”

Top Strategies for IELTS Success

  1. Create a Phrase Bank
    Collect 20–30 useful academic expressions organized by essay function (introducing, concluding, giving examples, etc.).
  2. Practice with Real Questions
    Use IELTS prompts and incorporate 2–3 phrases in your body paragraphs.
  3. Replace Generic Phrases
    Instead of “This is important,” say “This is central to the argument.”
  4. Use Band 9 Essays as Models
    Analyze how expert writers use academic phrasing naturally.
  5. Avoid Overload
    Limit yourself to 2–3 idiomatic expressions per essay to avoid sounding forced.

Final Thoughts

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you don’t need to sound like a literature professor—but you do need to write clearly, persuasively, and with variety. The right idiomatic but academic phrases help you organize your ideas, add emphasis, and demonstrate lexical flexibility—all of which lead to higher band scores.

Use them wisely, sparingly, and appropriately, and they’ll give your writing the polish it needs.

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