The IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training requires candidates to write letters in three distinct styles: formal, semi-formal, and informal. Understanding and appropriately using idioms can significantly enhance your writing quality and demonstrate sophisticated language skills. This comprehensive guide presents 100 carefully selected idioms categorized by formality level, complete with explanations and practical examples.
Understanding Letter Types in IELTS
Before diving into the idioms, it’s crucial to understand when to use each formality level:
- Formal letters: Official complaints, job applications, business correspondence
- Semi-formal letters: Letters to landlords, neighbors, or acquaintances
- Informal letters: Personal letters to friends and family
Formal Idioms (35 expressions)
1. At your earliest convenience
Meaning: As soon as possible, when it suits you
Example: “I would appreciate if you could respond at your earliest convenience.”
2. Bring to your attention
Meaning: To inform someone about something important
Example: “I am writing to bring to your attention the recent issues with the service.”
3. In light of
Meaning: Considering or because of
Example: “In light of recent developments, I must reconsider my application.”
4. I am compelled to
Meaning: I feel obligated to
Example: “I am compelled to express my dissatisfaction with the current situation.”
5. Draw your attention to
Meaning: To make someone notice something
Example: “I would like to draw your attention to the error in my billing statement.”
6. Take into consideration
Meaning: To think about carefully
Example: “Please take into consideration my years of experience in this field.”
7. I regret to inform you
Meaning: I am sorry to tell you
Example: “I regret to inform you that I cannot attend the scheduled meeting.”
8. Under the circumstances
Meaning: Given the current situation
Example: “Under the circumstances, I believe a full refund is appropriate.”
9. I trust that
Meaning: I believe/hope that
Example: “I trust that you will handle this matter with utmost priority.”
10. Shed light on
Meaning: To clarify or explain
Example: “Could you please shed light on the company’s new policy regarding remote work?”
11. I would be grateful if
Meaning: I would appreciate if
Example: “I would be grateful if you could provide me with the necessary documentation.”
12. Look into the matter
Meaning: To investigate
Example: “I request that you look into the matter and provide a suitable solution.”
13. I am writing with regard to
Meaning: I am writing about
Example: “I am writing with regard to the position advertised in yesterday’s newspaper.”
14. Duly noted
Meaning: Properly acknowledged
Example: “Your concerns have been duly noted and will be addressed accordingly.”
15. In due course
Meaning: At the appropriate time
Example: “You will receive a response in due course.”
16. I wish to express
Meaning: I want to say
Example: “I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your assistance.”
17. Bring to a close
Meaning: To end or conclude
Example: “I would like to bring to a close this unfortunate chapter and move forward.”
18. Take the liberty of
Meaning: To do something without permission (politely)
Example: “I have taken the liberty of attaching my resume for your consideration.”
19. I am of the opinion that
Meaning: I believe that
Example: “I am of the opinion that this policy requires immediate revision.”
20. Kindly bear in mind
Meaning: Please remember
Example: “Kindly bear in mind that the deadline is approaching quickly.”
21. I would like to point out
Meaning: I want to mention/highlight
Example: “I would like to point out that the contract terms were not clearly explained.”
22. It has come to my attention
Meaning: I have become aware
Example: “It has come to my attention that there have been several complaints about the service.”
23. I am writing to enquire about
Meaning: I am writing to ask about
Example: “I am writing to enquire about the status of my application.”
24. Rest assured
Meaning: Be confident that
Example: “Rest assured that we will resolve this issue promptly.”
25. I would like to emphasize
Meaning: I want to stress
Example: “I would like to emphasize the urgency of this matter.”
26. Please find attached
Meaning: I have included with this letter
Example: “Please find attached the required documents for your review.”
27. I look forward to hearing from you
Meaning: I expect your response
Example: “I look forward to hearing from you regarding this proposal.”
28. I would appreciate
Meaning: I would be thankful for
Example: “I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.”
29. On behalf of
Meaning: Representing
Example: “I am writing on behalf of the residents of this community.”
30. I am pleased to inform you
Meaning: I am happy to tell you
Example: “I am pleased to inform you that your application has been approved.”
31. Should you require
Meaning: If you need
Example: “Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
32. I would like to request
Meaning: I want to ask for
Example: “I would like to request a meeting to discuss this matter further.”
33. Please accept my apologies
Meaning: I am sorry
Example: “Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.”
34. I am writing to confirm
Meaning: I am writing to verify
Example: “I am writing to confirm the details of our upcoming appointment.”
35. I trust this meets with your approval
Meaning: I hope you agree with this
Example: “I trust this meets with your approval and look forward to your response.”
Semi-Formal Idioms (35 expressions)
36. I hope this letter finds you well
Meaning: A polite greeting
Example: “I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits.”
37. I’m getting in touch
Meaning: I am contacting you
Example: “I’m getting in touch regarding the apartment rental.”
38. I’d like to bring up
Meaning: I want to mention Example: “I’d like to bring up the issue of the noisy neighbors.”
39. It would be great if
Meaning: It would be good if
Example: “It would be great if we could arrange a meeting next week.”
40. I was wondering if
Meaning: I want to know if
Example: “I was wondering if you could help me with this problem.”
41. Keep in mind
Meaning: Remember
Example: “Please keep in mind that the lease expires next month.”
42. I wanted to let you know
Meaning: I wanted to inform you
Example: “I wanted to let you know that I’ll be moving out at the end of the month.”
43. Just to clarify
Meaning: To make clear
Example: “Just to clarify, the rent includes utilities, correct?”
44. I’d appreciate it if
Meaning: I would be grateful if
Example: “I’d appreciate it if you could fix the heating system soon.”
45. It’s worth mentioning
Meaning: It’s important to say
Example: “It’s worth mentioning that I’ve been a reliable tenant for three years.”
46. I wanted to check
Meaning: I wanted to verify
Example: “I wanted to check if the maintenance work has been scheduled.”
47. Could you please
Meaning: A polite request
Example: “Could you please arrange for the garden to be maintained regularly?”
48. I hope you don’t mind
Meaning: I hope it’s okay
Example: “I hope you don’t mind me asking about the parking situation.”
49. It would be helpful if
Meaning: It would be useful if
Example: “It would be helpful if you could provide a contact number for emergencies.”
50. I thought I should mention
Meaning: I felt I should tell you
Example: “I thought I should mention that the kitchen faucet is leaking.”
51. I’d like to suggest
Meaning: I want to recommend
Example: “I’d like to suggest that we install better security lighting.”
52. Just a quick note
Meaning: A brief message
Example: “Just a quick note to inform you about the upcoming inspection.”
53. I wanted to follow up
Meaning: I wanted to check on progress
Example: “I wanted to follow up on our conversation about the rent increase.”
54. It might be a good idea
Meaning: Perhaps we should consider
Example: “It might be a good idea to have the plumbing checked before winter.”
55. I’d be happy to
Meaning: I would be willing to
Example: “I’d be happy to show potential buyers around the property.”
56. Let me know if
Meaning: Tell me if
Example: “Let me know if you need any references from previous landlords.”
57. I was hoping
Meaning: I wanted
Example: “I was hoping we could discuss the possibility of renewing the lease.”
58. It’s come to my attention
Meaning: I’ve noticed
Example: “It’s come to my attention that the building’s Wi-Fi has been unreliable.”
59. I’d like to point out
Meaning: I want to mention
Example: “I’d like to point out that I’ve never been late with rent payments.”
60. Would it be possible
Meaning: Could you/Is it feasible
Example: “Would it be possible to install air conditioning in the bedroom?”
61. I wanted to ask
Meaning: I wanted to inquire
Example: “I wanted to ask about the policy regarding pets in the building.”
62. It seems like
Meaning: It appears that
Example: “It seems like the heating system needs professional attention.”
63. I hope we can
Meaning: I wish we could
Example: “I hope we can work together to resolve this issue quickly.”
64. Just to be clear
Meaning: To make sure we understand
Example: “Just to be clear, the deposit will be returned within 30 days, right?”
65. I thought you should know
Meaning: I felt you should be informed
Example: “I thought you should know that the neighbors have been complaining about noise.”
66. It would mean a lot
Meaning: It would be very important
Example: “It would mean a lot if you could consider my request for a lease extension.”
67. I’d like to confirm
Meaning: I want to verify
Example: “I’d like to confirm the date for the property inspection.”
68. Could we possibly
Meaning: Would it be possible for us to
Example: “Could we possibly arrange for weekly cleaning services?”
69. I hope this works
Meaning: I hope this is acceptable
Example: “I hope this works for your schedule, and we can meet on Friday.”
70. Thanks in advance
Meaning: Thank you ahead of time
Example: “Thanks in advance for looking into this matter.”
Informal Idioms (30 expressions)
71. How’s it going?
Meaning: How are you?
Example: “Hey Sarah, how’s it going? I hope you’re doing well.”
72. Just wanted to drop you a line
Meaning: I wanted to write to you briefly
Example: “Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you about my new job.”
73. Guess what?
Meaning: I have news to tell you
Example: “Guess what? I finally got accepted into university!”
74. By the way
Meaning: Incidentally
Example: “By the way, did you hear about Tom’s engagement?”
75. It’s been ages
Meaning: It’s been a long time
Example: “It’s been ages since we last met up for coffee.”
76. Can’t wait to
Meaning: I’m very excited to
Example: “Can’t wait to see you at the reunion next month!”
77. You’ll never believe
Meaning: Something surprising happened
Example: “You’ll never believe what happened to me yesterday!”
78. What’s up?
Meaning: What’s happening?/How are you?
Example: “Hey Mike, what’s up? Haven’t heard from you in a while.”
79. Thanks a bunch
Meaning: Thank you very much
Example: “Thanks a bunch for helping me move last weekend.”
80. No big deal
Meaning: It’s not important/serious
Example: “Don’t worry about being late – it’s no big deal.”
81. Catch up
Meaning: To talk and share news
Example: “We should catch up soon over dinner.”
82. Keep me posted
Meaning: Keep me informed
Example: “Keep me posted about your job interview results.”
83. It’s about time
Meaning: Finally/It should have happened sooner
Example: “It’s about time you got a promotion – you deserve it!”
84. What a relief
Meaning: I’m so glad
Example: “What a relief that your surgery went well!”
85. I’m over the moon
Meaning: I’m extremely happy
Example: “I’m over the moon about getting into my dream college.”
86. Take it easy
Meaning: Relax/Don’t worry
Example: “Take it easy with the job search – the right opportunity will come.”
87. Fingers crossed
Meaning: I hope for good luck
Example: “Fingers crossed that the weather will be nice for our picnic.”
88. That’s awesome
Meaning: That’s great/wonderful
Example: “That’s awesome that you’re learning to play guitar!”
89. What a bummer
Meaning: That’s disappointing
Example: “What a bummer that your vacation got cancelled.”
90. I’m dying to
Meaning: I really want to
Example: “I’m dying to hear all about your trip to Japan.”
91. It’s a piece of cake
Meaning: It’s very easy
Example: “Don’t worry about the exam – it’s a piece of cake.”
92. Break a leg
Meaning: Good luck
Example: “Break a leg with your presentation tomorrow!”
93. Hang in there
Meaning: Don’t give up/Stay strong
Example: “I know work is stressful right now, but hang in there.”
94. Drop me a line
Meaning: Contact me/Write to me
Example: “Drop me a line when you get settled in your new city.”
95. It’s a long shot
Meaning: It’s unlikely to succeed
Example: “Getting tickets to that concert is a long shot, but worth trying.”
96. I’m all ears
Meaning: I’m ready to listen
Example: “Tell me about your new relationship – I’m all ears!”
97. That’s the last straw
Meaning: That’s the final annoying thing
Example: “That’s the last straw – I’m definitely changing apartments.”
98. Give me a shout
Meaning: Contact me
Example: “Give me a shout if you need help with anything.”
99. It’s not rocket science
Meaning: It’s not very difficult
Example: “Don’t worry about cooking dinner – it’s not rocket science.”
100. See you soon
Meaning: I’ll meet you again shortly
Example: “Thanks for the lovely evening – see you soon!”
Tips for Using Idioms in IELTS Writing Task 1
1. Match the Tone
Always ensure your idioms match the required formality level. Using informal expressions in formal letters will negatively impact your score.
2. Use Sparingly
Don’t overuse idioms. One or two well-placed expressions per letter are sufficient to demonstrate your language range.
3. Context is Key
Make sure the idiom fits naturally into your sentence and enhances your meaning rather than complicating it.
4. Practice Integration
Practice incorporating these idioms into complete letters to ensure they flow naturally with your writing style.
5. Understand Completely
Only use idioms you fully understand. Misusing an expression can confuse your meaning and lower your score.
Conclusion
Mastering these 100 idioms will significantly enhance your IELTS Writing Task 1 performance. Remember that effective communication is about choosing the right expression for the right situation. Practice using these idioms in context, and you’ll develop the confidence to use them naturally in your IELTS exam.
The key to success lies in understanding not just what these expressions mean, but when and how to use them appropriately. With consistent practice and attention to formality levels, these idioms will become valuable tools in your English communication arsenal.
#IELTSGuidePhil #IELTSWriting #IELTSPreparation #EnglishIdioms #IELTSTask1 #EnglishLanguageLearning #IELTSTips #EnglishWriting #IELTSStudy #EnglishGrammar #IELTSExam #EnglishExpressions #IELTSPractice #EnglishVocabulary #IELTSSuccess #EnglishCommunication
IELTS Guide Phil 
Leave a comment