Do you ever feel your English is grammatically perfect but still sounds a bit stiff or textbook? You’re not alone. The secret to sounding fluent isn’t just complex grammar; it’s using the natural, everyday expressions that native speakers use.
For IELTS test-takers, this is especially important. The speaking criteria reward “lexical resource” – using a range of vocabulary and idiom naturally and accurately. But a common mistake is to think this means using slang. It doesn’t!
Today, we’re exploring powerful, colloquial expressions that are perfect for daily use and will boost your IELTS score without breaking the formality rules.
Why These Expressions Are IELTS Gold
Slang (e.g., “gonna,” “wanna,” “lit,” “salty”) is often too informal and can seem out of place in an exam setting. The expressions below are different. They are:
- Colloquial but not slang: They are the standard, widely accepted phrases used in everyday communication by educated native speakers.
- Versatile: They can be used in a variety of contexts.
- Show fluency: Using them correctly signals to the examiner that you understand nuance and natural language.
Let’s dive in!
1. To be up to (something)
- Meaning: To be doing something, often with a sense of secrecy or planning.
- IELTS Context: Perfect for Part 1 questions about your activities.
- Example:
- Examiner: “What are your plans for the weekend?”
- You: “I’m not up to much, to be honest. Probably just catching up on some reading. How about you?”
2. To catch up (with someone) / To catch up on (something)
- Meaning: To meet someone to learn the latest news; or to get up-to-date with work or tasks.
- IELTS Context: Great for topics on friends, family, work, and study.
- Example:
- “I need to catch up with my friend Sarah; I haven’t seen her in ages.”
- “After my holiday, I had to catch up on all my emails and deadlines.”
3. To be into (something)
- Meaning: To be interested in or enjoy something.
- IELTS Context: A fantastic alternative to “I like…” for hobbies and interests (Part 1).
- Example:
- “I’m really into photography and hiking. They help me relax.”
4. It drives me crazy / It bugs me
- Meaning: Something that annoys or irritates you. (“It bugs me” is slightly softer.)
- IELTS Context: Ideal for Part 3 questions about annoyances or problems in society.
- Example:
- “It drives me crazy when people talk loudly on their phones in public places.”
5. To figure (something) out
- Meaning: To solve a problem or understand something.
- IELTS Context: Useful for stories about problems and solutions in Speaking Part 2.
- Example:
- “I didn’t know how to use the new software at first, but I eventually figured it out.”
6. To come up with (something)
- Meaning: To think of an idea, plan, or solution.
- IELTS Context: Excellent for Part 3 discussions on innovation and problem-solving.
- Example:
- “We need to come up with better ways to reduce plastic waste in cities.”
7. To look forward to (something)
- Meaning: To anticipate a future event with pleasure.
- IELTS Context: A key phrase for talking about future plans and hopes.
- Example:
- “I’m really looking forward to the public holiday next week; it will be a nice break.”
8. By the way
- Meaning: Used to introduce a new topic or add information indirectly.
- IELTS Context: Helps you sound natural when adding a side comment, showing fluency.
- Example:
- “I love living in the city. By the way, have you been to the new art gallery downtown?”
9. To get along with (someone)
- Meaning: To have a friendly relationship with someone.
- IELTS Context: Essential for topics on family, friends, and colleagues.
- Example:
- “I get along with my colleagues very well; we have a very positive work environment.”
10. Under the weather
- Meaning: To feel slightly ill or sick.
- IELTS Context: A natural, idiomatic way to talk about health in Part 1.
- Example:
- “I couldn’t go to the party because I was feeling a bit under the weather.”
How to Practice These Expressions
- One at a Time: Focus on learning one or two expressions each day.
- Make Your Own Sentences: Don’t just memorize the examples. Write 2-3 sentences relevant to your life.
- Use Them Or Lose Them: Actively try to use a new expression in your next English conversation or speaking practice session.
Pro Tip for IELTS: Listen for the question. If the examiner asks, “What are you into in your free time?” they are giving you a golden opportunity to use the same natural language in your answer: “Well, I’m really into…”
Your Challenge
Pick your favourite three expressions from this list and try to use them in your next English conversation. You’ll be amazed at how much more natural and fluent you sound.
Which of these expressions is new to you? Let us know in the comments!