When preparing for the IELTS speaking test, many candidates focus on grammar and vocabulary, but there’s one key area that can make a significant difference in your score: the use of English idioms and phrasal verbs. These two aspects of language not only demonstrate your language proficiency but also make your speech sound more natural and fluent. Using idioms and phrasal verbs appropriately in the IELTS speaking exam can impress the examiner, showcase your ability to use language creatively, and potentially boost your score in the lexical resource category.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to use idioms and phrasal verbs effectively in your IELTS speaking test, including tips, examples, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Matter in IELTS Speaking
The IELTS speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English effectively. One of the key criteria is lexical resource, which evaluates your range of vocabulary and your ability to use it naturally and accurately. Both idioms and phrasal verbs can help you achieve this by:
- Demonstrating Language Proficiency: Using idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs shows that you are comfortable with the English language and can express yourself in a variety of ways.
- Sounding Natural: Native English speakers often use idioms and phrasal verbs in everyday conversation. Incorporating these expressions into your speech helps you sound more like a native speaker.
- Enhancing Fluency: Idioms and phrasal verbs can help you speak more fluently and express ideas concisely without stumbling for words.
If you want to enhance your vocabulary and fluency, attending Spoken English Classes in Marathahalli can be a great way to practice these skills in a structured environment.
Understanding Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
Before diving into how to use them in the speaking test, it’s important to understand what idioms and phrasal verbs are:
- Idioms: These are phrases whose meanings are not directly related to the meanings of the individual words in the expression. For example, the idiom “kick the bucket” means “to die,” but if you take the phrase literally, it doesn’t make sense.
- Phrasal Verbs: These are combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs that form a new meaning. For example, “give up” means “to quit” or “to stop trying,” which is different from the literal meaning of the individual words.
When you’re ready to dive deeper into these expressions, you can explore options at a Foreign Language Training Institute in Bangalore for specialized language learning.
How to Use Idioms and Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Speaking
Using idioms and phrasal verbs effectively involves more than just memorizing a list of expressions. Here are some tips to help you use them naturally in your speaking test:
1. Use Idioms and Phrasal Verbs When They Fit the Context
Don’t force idioms and phrasal verbs into your conversation. They should flow naturally and be relevant to the topic at hand. For example, if the topic is about traveling, using the idiom “off the beaten track” (meaning “in an unusual or less-visited place”) could be very appropriate.
Example:
- “I love exploring places that are off the beaten track, as they offer unique experiences.”
On the other hand, if you’re discussing your hobbies, you could use the phrasal verb “take up” (meaning “to begin a new activity”).
Example:
- “I decided to take up photography last year, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.”
To practice using such expressions more fluently, you can join English Speaking Classes in Bangalore, where instructors help you master idioms and phrasal verbs in conversational settings.
2. Be Familiar with Common Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
The key to using idioms and phrasal verbs effectively is practice. Familiarize yourself with commonly used expressions and their meanings. This will allow you to use them confidently during the test without having to stop and think too much.
Common Idioms to Use:
- Break the ice (to initiate conversation or ease tension)
- Bite the bullet (to do something unpleasant that you’ve been avoiding)
- Burn the midnight oil (to work late into the night)
Common Phrasal Verbs to Use:
- Come up with (to think of or create something)
- Run into (to encounter unexpectedly)
- Look forward to (to eagerly await something)
You can find resources to enhance your vocabulary at institutes offering IELTS Coaching in Bangalore, where experienced instructors will guide you through idiomatic expressions.
3. Use Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Sparingly
While using idioms and phrasal verbs can boost your score, overusing them can make your speech sound forced or unnatural. Aim for a balanced mix of formal language, phrasal verbs, and idioms. Too many idiomatic expressions can distract the examiner from the main point you’re trying to make.
Example: Instead of saying, “I’ve been burning the midnight oil trying to come up with ideas, but I’ve run into a wall,” you might say, “I’ve been working late to come up with ideas, but I’m stuck.”
This makes your speech sound more natural and avoids overusing expressions.
Read more: How Do Advanced Learners Prepare for IELTS Speaking?
4. Practice Using Idioms and Phrasal Verbs in Daily Conversations
To build confidence and ensure you use idioms and phrasal verbs appropriately, try to incorporate them into your daily conversations. This will help you become more familiar with their usage and sound more natural when using them in the speaking test.
For instance, instead of simply saying, “I had a hard time understanding the lesson,” you can use the phrasal verb “wrap my head around”:
Example:
- “I really struggled to wrap my head around the concept during the lesson, but I understood it eventually.”
5. Know When to Avoid Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
If you’re unsure of an idiom or phrasal verb, it’s better to avoid using it than to risk misusing it. If an expression feels unnatural, opt for simpler vocabulary that you’re more comfortable with. The goal is to sound fluent and accurate, so always prioritize clarity over trying to impress with advanced expressions.
Example: Instead of saying, “I’m really feeling under the weather,” if you’re unsure of the context, just say, “I’m not feeling well.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misusing Idioms: Make sure you understand the correct meaning of idioms before using them. Using idioms incorrectly can confuse the examiner.
- Overuse: Avoid inserting too many idioms and phrasal verbs into your speech. This can make your answers sound unnatural and detract from the clarity of your message.
- Inappropriate Context: Be mindful of the context. Using idioms or phrasal verbs that don’t match the topic of conversation can sound forced.
Incorporating idioms and phrasal verbs into your IELTS speaking test can help you demonstrate your command of the English language and improve your score. However, it’s important to use them correctly and naturally. Practice with common expressions, avoid overuse, and always ensure that the idioms or phrasal verbs you choose fit the context of the conversation. With regular practice, you’ll soon be able to use these expressions effortlessly and confidently during your speaking test. To get individual attentiveness and workout, joining IELTS Training in Marathahalli is beneficial for these skills where trainers will assist to enhance the speaking skills.
Also Check: What are Effective Ways to Overcome Fear of Speaking English?
