IELTS Writing -Key Words & Expressions

By learning to use common phrases and set expressions, you can add variety and interest to
your writing. You will also be able to write more quickly and effectively during exams, when time
is limited.
Of course, you won't need to use all of the expressions on the IELTS. Ideally, you should
be comfortable using at least three or four expressions from each group below, so they come to
mind easily during the IELTS. It is also helpful to have someone call them out so you can test
your spelling. Unfortunately, students sometimes make spelling errors even in these commonly
occurring expressions. Practice sufficiently so you don't lose points unnecessarily on something
that's within your control.
KEY WORDS for IELTS WRITING

Stating Your Opinion

In my view, To me,

From my point of view, I think

It seems to me that I believe

From my perspective To my way of thinking

It appears that I suppose

I realize I understand

I imagine I feel

Giving Examples
For example, For instance,

such as In other words,

As like

that is namely

To illustrate To paraphrase

Comparing
Similar to As...as

in common also

Either...or In the same way,

Neither...nor At the same time

Just as resemble

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Contrasting
However, But

On the contrary, On the other hand,

Differ from Nevertheless

Although Though

Otherwise Instead

Alternatively, Even though

Generalizing
Generally, Generally speaking,

Overall, On the whole,

In general, By and large,

It seems to me that I believe

All in all, Basically,

Essentially, As a rule,

All things considered For the most part

Expressing Certainty
Certainly, Undoubtedly,

Doubtless, No doubt,

Definitely, Of course,

Expressing Partial Agreement

Up to a point, Almost,

In a way, So to speak,

Showing cause
Due to Because

Because of Owing to

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Showing effect
Therefore, As a result,

Consequently, For this reason,

Thus, So,

Thereby Eventually,

Hence, The reason why

Marking time
First, Last

Second, Lastly,

Third, Then,

Firstly, First of all,

Secondly, Before

Thirdly, After

During While

To begin with At the same time

Simultaneously After this / that

Since Meanwhile

Afterwards Following this

When As soon as

Adding Information
Furthermore In addition

Also And

Moreover Similarly

Likewise As well as

Besides Too

Even What’s more

Expressing condition

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If Whether

In case Unless

Provided that So that

Concluding
To summarize In conclusion

Lastly, Finally,

To conclude with, In short,

ELTS Letter Writing - Useful Words & Expressions

To complete your IELTS letter writing task within 20 minutes, it is helpful to know some common
phrases and set expressions. Being able to use these will allow you to express your ideas quickly and
effectively, without thinking about each and every word. While you're learning their meaning, also make
sure you can spell them perfectly. Finally, try the quiz at the bottom of the page to see how well you
know these important expression.

Apologizing

I'm sorry about...

I am sorry that...

I'm very sorry about...

I'm very sorry for...

Please forgive me for...

I'd like to apologize for...

Please accept my apologies.

Please accept my sincere apologies. (very formal)

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Asking for Help

I'd be grateful if you could...

I would be grateful if you could...

I would appreciate it if you could...

Could you please...

I was wondering of you could help me.(informal)

I would like to know...

Asking for Information

I am writing to enquire about...

I am writing to find out about...

What I am looking for is...

I would like to know about/if...

Closing

I look forward to seeing you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I look forward to meeting you.

Complaining / expressing dissatisfaction

I'm writing to express my dissatisfaction with...

I'm writing to express my annoyance with...

I am not happy about...

...was very disappointing.

Conveying regards

Please give my best regards to your family.

Please pass on my best wishes to your wife and children.

Please give my regards to your parents.

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Expressing satisfaction

I was delighted to hear that...

I was very happy to learn that...

I was thrilled to find out that...

I was glad to hear that...

...was very enjoyable.

Expressing concern / sympathy

I was sorry to hear about... (your accident/ illness)

I am writing to express my concern about...

Giving bad news

I regret to inform you that...(semi-formal)

I am sorry to tell you that...(informal)

I regret to advise you that...(formal)

I am afraid I have some bad news.(informal)

Giving good news

I am pleased to inform you that...(semi-formal)

I am delighted to tell you that...(informal)

I am happy to advise you that...(formal)

I thought you might like to know that...

Giving reasons

This is because...

This is because of...

This is due to... (formal)

This is as a result of...(formal)

This is owing to...(formal)

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Making suggestions

Would it be a good idea to...

Perhaps it would be a good idea to...

Thanking

Thanks.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you kindly.

I can't thank you enough.

No words can express my gratitude.

I am extremely grateful for...

I very much appreciate your ______ing

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