Idioms can make your speech sound more natural and sophisticated.
I’ll show you how to incorporate them effectively into your responses.
Idiomatic expressions are phrases where the meaning isn’t obvious from the individual words.
Using idioms correctly shows a higher level of English proficiency and can impress the examiner. However, it’s important to use them appropriately and not overdo it.
Some Practical Examples
Instead of saying, “I’m very busy,” you could say, “I’m as busy as a bee.” This makes your speech more engaging and varied.
If the examiner asks about your favorite activity, instead of saying, “I like to relax by reading,” you could say, “I like to unwind with a good book.“
Or, if you’re talking about a challenging situation, instead of saying, “It was difficult,” you might say, “It was a tough nut to crack.”
When discussing a successful project, instead of saying, “It was very successful,” you could say, “It was a home run.”
If you’re describing a close friendship, rather than saying, “We understand each other very well,” you might say, “We’re on the same wavelength.”
When talking about a sudden realization, instead of saying, “I suddenly understood,” you could say, “It hit me like a ton of bricks.”
If you’re explaining how you solved a problem quickly, rather than saying, “I found a solution quickly,” you might say, “I nipped it in the bud.”
More Real Life Examples
Instead of saying, “I have many things to do,” you could say, “I’ve got a lot on my plate.” This idiom vividly describes being busy by comparing tasks to food on a plate.
Example: “As a final year student, I’ve got a lot on my plate with exams, job applications, and my thesis all happening at once.”
Rather than saying, “It was very easy,” you might say, “It was a piece of cake.” This expression compares an easy task to eating cake, which most people find enjoyable and effortless.
Example: “I was worried about the job interview, but it turned out to be a piece of cake. The interviewer was friendly, and I knew all the answers.”
Instead of saying, “I’m making progress slowly,” you could say, “I’m making headway bit by bit.” This idiom suggests gradual but steady progress, like a ship moving forward against the tide.
Example: “Learning English was challenging at first, but I’m making headway bit by bit. I can now understand most conversations without subtitles.”
Rather than saying, “I’m very excited,” you might say, “I’m over the moon.” This idiom suggests extreme happiness or excitement, as if one’s joy could launch them beyond Earth.
Example: “When I received my acceptance letter from the university, I was over the moon. It’s been my dream school since childhood.”
Instead of saying, “It was a difficult choice,” you could say, “It was a tough call.” This expression compares making a decision to making a difficult judgment call in sports.
Example: “Choosing between studying abroad and taking an internship was a tough call. Both options had their advantages.”
Rather than saying, “I’m starting again,” you might say, “I’m turning over a new leaf.” This idiom compares starting afresh to turning to a new, clean page in a book.
Example: “After realizing how unhealthy my lifestyle was, I decided to turn over a new leaf. I started exercising regularly and eating better.”
For more expressions, you can visit idioms for every occasion and to learn the Secret to Giving Thoughtful Answers in Speaking Part 3.
Using idiomatic expressions can significantly boost your IELTS Speaking score by making your language sound more natural and fluent.
Keep practicing, and good luck!
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