33 Inspiring IELTS Sentence Constructs

Writing is an art. It blends together thought and its linguistic expression. Being a language test, IELTS focuses more on them later. Utilizing the right language to intelligently articulate your thought is the name of the game.

To give you a headstart, Manya has come up with the following list of 33 inspiring IELTS Writing sentence constructs. The list is not exhaustive and is not intended to be memorized, but is rather curated to inspire you.

Essay Introduction Phrases

There are a number of ways in which an essay, Task 2 especially, can be impressively opened. You may use these phrases off-the-shelf, but it is recommended that you customize them to add your personal touch.

1. This essay will analyze the reasoning behind <the essay topic>, supported by factual points and arguments.
2. In this essay, I intend to look into the advantages and disadvantages of <the essay topic> and explain why the advantages outnumber the disadvantages.
3. This essay will look into both the sides of <the essay topic> and present an objective assessment.
4. This essay offers my opinion on why <the essay topic> has occurred and what effects it is having.
5. This essay aims to offer two solutions to <the essay topic> emphasizing on <a common parameter in both solutions>.

Essay Conclusion Phrases

On similar lines, the following conclusion phrases can be used.

1. It is increasingly likely that <the essay conclusion>.
2. Owing to the above analysis, it can be concluded that <the essay conclusion>.
3. Comparing the advantages and disadvantages, one can see that <the essay opinion>.
4. All things considered, <the essay conclusion> is inevitable.

Maintaining Thought Flow

IELTS essays require a strong, cohesive thought flow, within a paragraph as well as across paragraphs. This can be developed with the help of a mixture of phrases similar to the following.

Continuation Of A Thought/Similarity/Emphasis

1. Further
2. Furthermore
3. In addition
4. With this in mind
5. In view of/in light of
6. For example
7. To give an illustration
8. Likewise

Discontinuation Of A Thought/Contrast
1. However
2. Despite this
3. In spite of
4. On the other hand
5. In contrast
6. Yet
7. Nonetheless
8. Notwithstanding

Using Conjunctions i.e. ‘Joining’ Words

IELTS gives a higher band score if you can articulate two or more related ideas together, using conjunctions. It is all about the syntax, believe us! The following list will show how individual sentences marked in brackets are joined into a single sentence.

1. While [robots are technologically advanced], [they cannot replace humans in creative abilities].
2. Although [the inflation is higher this year], [economists are not sounding the red alarm].
3. Unless [there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt], [the accused cannot be convicted].
4. As much as [the nation loves basketball], [the fandom for soccer is on a rise].
5. Regardless of [your nationality], [you are required to submit your passport for verification].

Imagine the magic you can do when you combine more than one conjunctions!

1. As much as [the Queen loved her brother], [she could not forgive him for his treachery], because [she was a principled woman] and [considered her duty above her relations].

Using Commas and Which

Using commas and ‘which’ to provide additional information is a nuanced writing style. If mastered, it is bound to give you a 7+ band on the IELTS.

1. A goose, which was similar to the duck I saw when I went running, attacked me.

Let’s take it up a notch!

1. Since college mathematics is considered difficult, most students opt out of it [comma] [which] restricts their career options and forces them to settle for lower-paying jobs that are difficult to prosper in.

Using Idioms

Idioms are a sophisticated feature of the English language. Competent users use them “at the drop of a hat”. See? Idioms are an excellent tool to use on the IELTS Speaking section but refrain from using them on the Writing section. Why? Because idioms tend to be informal and are not generally used in formal writing, which is what the IELTS Writing section is all about. There may be a few idioms that can pass the formality test, but, as a rule, stay away from all idioms while writing.

A Parting Bonus

While the following pairs of words are not recommended sentence structures or phrases, it is essential to know them well because their incorrect usage will certainly lower your score.

• Adverse and averse
• Affect and effect
• Compliment and complement
• Criteria and criterion
• Discreet and discrete
• Elicit and illicit
• Farther and further
• Imply and infer
• Insure and ensure
• Number and amount
• Precede and proceed
• Principal and principle
• It’s and its
• They’re and their
• Who’s and whose
• You’re and your

How many of the above did you know? How about the whole article? Feel free to share these IELTS Writing tips in your network. And above all, use them in your practice essays. Do let us know what you think.

Get. Set. Practice!