Many words we use in English would be inappropriate in IELTS Writing. We have selected common words students and candidates keep using in their writing you should avoid. These words are too informal for IELTS unless you write a letter to a friend in IELTS General. However, Writing Task 2 and writing tasks in IELTS Academic require more formal language.
The problem is that you don’t always know which words in English are informal, and which are formal. That is why we are going to show you some of the most common ones you should avoid in IELTS writing. This will help you achieve a high score.
Read and learn the words below. We have provided some informal examples and suggested how you can substitute them with more formal words or phrases.
- In the nutshell = In conclusion / To conclude
In the nutshell, while equality of opportunity is an attractive concept, attempting to put this idea into practice can do more harm than good.
To conclude, while equality of opportunity is an attractive concept, attempting to put this idea into practice can do more harm than good.
- A couple of = several
A couple of members have not replied for over three years.
Several members have not replied for over three years.
- Kind of/ sort of = somewhat / to some degree
The resort has kind of changed over the last few years.
The resort has changed somewhat over the last few years.
- Lots of/ A lot of = Many / much
A lot of people think that boys are naturally more aggressive than girls.
Many people maintain that boys are naturally more aggressive than girls.
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- You/ Your = One / Passive voice
If you give appropriate guidance to children, they won’t be adversely affected.
Provided children are given appropriate guidance, they are unlikely to be adversely affected.
If one is given appropriate guidance, they are unlikely to be adversely affected.
- A phone = a telephone
People spend hours and hours on the phone.
People spend much of their time on the telephone.
- A photo = a photograph
a colour/black-and-white photograph
The report contains diagrams and colour photographs.
The book includes numerous colour photographs, but many are not sharp or their colours are washed out.
- Info = information
You can find the info about upcoming local events in the newspaper
Information about upcoming local events is printed in the newspaper.
- A uni = university
a university campus/degree/professor
The majority of the employees have university degrees.
- So on / etc. / and so forth = A, B, and C
We should consider the cultural context, the physical environment, the personalities of those involved, etc.
The cultural context, the physical environment, and the personalities of those involved should be considered.
- At the end of the day = In conclusion / To conclude
At the end of the day, parents should help their children to develop self-control and respect for others.
To conclude, parents should help their children to develop self-control and respect for others.
- Once in a blue moon = hardly ever, rarely
I talk to my neighbours once in a blue moon.
Nowadays people rarely communicate with their neighbours.
- Since the dawn of time = for centuries, throughout history
The country has been exposed to many cultural influences since the dawn of time.
For centuries, the country has been exposed to many cultural influences.
The country has been exposed to many cultural influences throughout its history.
- A big deal = important; an important step.
Most patients don’t think that getting enough sleep is a big deal but study after study shows how important it is for good health.
The majority of patients do not consider getting enough sleep to be important but the research reveals how important it is for good health.
READ ABOUT: How to recognise signals and signposts in IELTS Listening
- Get = obtain / receive
In the second experiment, they got a very clear result.
In the second experiment, they obtained a very clear result.
- Give = provide / present
The author gives no documentary references to support her assertions.
The author provides no documentary references to support her assertions.
- So / very = extremely
These antiques are so beautiful and so valuable.
These antiques are both beautiful and extremely valuable.
- Show = demonstrate / illustrate / reveal
The graph shows the breakdown of actual expenses by two categories.
The graph illustrates the breakdown of actual expenses by two categories.
- Bad = poor / negative
The warm winter has had a very bad impact on the ski industry.
The warm winter has had a very negative effect/impact on the ski industry.
- Big = large / sizable
a sizeable amount/area/house
a large amount of work
a large house
- Find out = discover
Its purpose is to find out the truth of what happened and identify any lessons that may help to prevent a repetition.
Its purpose is to discover the truth of what happened and identify any lessons that may help to prevent a repetition.
- Think about = consider
Many people think about the film as a controversial one.
Many people consider the film controversial.
- Look at = examine
Forensic scientists are looking at the wreckage for clues about the cause of the explosion.
Forensic scientists are examining the wreckage for clues about the cause of the explosion.
- Point out = Indicate
Various studies point out that some forms of alternative medicine are extremely effective.
Various studies indicate that some forms of alternative medicine are extremely effective.
- Guys / Fellows / Dudes = people / individuals / everyone
It’s a general rule that applies to all those dudes and benefits them.
This is a general rule that applies to everyone and benefits everyone.
- Stuff / Things = Aspects / Issues / Ways
environmental/ethical/personal issues
Lighting is a very important thing in filmmaking.
Lighting is a vitally important aspect of filmmaking.
- So = Therefore
So, awareness measures and training were crucial.
Awareness measures and training were therefore crucial.
- And = Additionally
And, there are excellent photos in each chapter.
Additionally, there are excellent photographs in each chapter.
- But = However
But that is not a reason to avoid taking action.
However, that is not a reason to avoid taking action.
- Also = Moreover
Also, traditional foods are an important aspect of culture and social life.
Moreover, traditional foods are an important aspect of culture and social life.
Remember, you may not lose scores if you use these words and expressions. However, it can be the reason why you are stuck between 6 and 6.5. In order to prevent you from this, we have created a unique fully online IELTS preparation course.
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