100 Useful Phrases for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
This guide groups 100 useful phrases for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 by purpose. Each phrase includes a natural example so you can adapt the language to your own argument instead of memorising a fixed essay template.
Introducing Opinions
Usage note: State a position that answers the exact question. Replace the example topic and avoid stacking two opinion phrases in one sentence.
1. In my view, …
Example: In my view, public transport should receive more funding.
2. From my perspective, …
Example: From my perspective, remote work benefits both employees and employers.
3. I would argue that …
Example: I would argue that prevention is more effective than punishment.
4. It seems to me that …
Example: It seems to me that school uniforms promote a sense of equality.
5. I firmly believe that …
Example: I firmly believe that access to clean water is a basic right.
6. I am convinced that …
Example: I am convinced that cities must protect more green spaces.
7. I partly agree that …
Example: I partly agree that technology reduces face-to-face interaction.
8. I agree to some extent that …
Example: I agree to some extent that university education should be free.
9. My position is that …
Example: My position is that governments should regulate harmful advertising.
10. There is a strong case for …
Example: There is a strong case for investing in early childhood education.
11. I tend to support the view that …
Example: I tend to support the view that flexible schedules improve productivity.
12. Although both views have merit, I believe …
Example: Although both views have merit, I believe rehabilitation should be prioritised.
Presenting Arguments
Usage note: Follow each argument with an explanation or evidence. Adapt the noun phrase after “reason,” “argument,” or “consideration” to your topic.
13. One compelling argument is that …
Example: One compelling argument is that cycling reduces urban pollution.
14. The main reason is that …
Example: The main reason is that preventive care lowers long-term costs.
15. A key consideration is …
Example: A key consideration is the effect on low-income households.
16. It is often argued that …
Example: It is often argued that competition encourages innovation.
17. Supporters maintain that …
Example: Supporters maintain that stricter laws improve road safety.
18. Critics contend that …
Example: Critics contend that the policy would restrict personal choice.
19. Those who favour this view point out that …
Example: Those who favour this view point out that online courses widen access.
20. A further argument in favour of this is …
Example: A further argument in favour of this is its relatively low cost.
21. The strongest objection is that …
Example: The strongest objection is that the proposal may increase inequality.
22. This view is based on the assumption that …
Example: This view is based on the assumption that all families have internet access.
23. It is important to recognise that …
Example: It is important to recognise that individual circumstances vary.
24. Another point worth considering is …
Example: Another point worth considering is the pressure placed on teachers.
25. The evidence suggests that …
Example: The evidence suggests that regular exercise improves concentration.
Adding Ideas
Usage note: Use these phrases to add a genuinely new but related point. “Moreover” and “furthermore” are formal; do not use them before every sentence.
26. Furthermore, …
Example: Furthermore, the scheme would create local jobs.
27. Moreover, …
Example: Moreover, renewable energy can reduce dependence on imports.
28. In addition, …
Example: In addition, smaller classes allow more individual feedback.
29. Additionally, …
Example: Additionally, the new rules may improve public confidence.
30. Another important point is that …
Example: Another important point is that public parks support mental health.
31. Equally important is …
Example: Equally important is the need to train existing staff.
32. Not only does this …, but it also …
Example: Not only does this cut waste, but it also saves money.
33. Besides this, …
Example: Besides this, volunteering helps students develop practical skills.
34. A related benefit is …
Example: A related benefit is the reduction in traffic congestion.
35. This is accompanied by …
Example: This is accompanied by greater demand for affordable housing.
36. Alongside this, …
Example: Alongside this, schools should teach digital literacy.
37. An additional factor is …
Example: An additional factor is the ageing of the population.
Giving Examples
Usage note: Choose examples that directly prove the preceding claim. They may be real or plausible, but avoid invented statistics and vague references to “research.”
38. For example, …
Example: For example, protected cycle lanes can encourage commuters to leave their cars at home.
39. For instance, …
Example: For instance, libraries often provide free internet access.
40. A clear example of this is …
Example: A clear example of this is the growth of solar power in sunny regions.
41. This can be seen in …
Example: This can be seen in cities that have pedestrianised their centres.
42. To illustrate, …
Example: To illustrate, flexible hours allow parents to avoid peak travel times.
43. One illustration of this is …
Example: One illustration of this is the use of apprenticeships in skilled trades.
44. Such as …
Example: Schools can teach practical skills, such as budgeting and first aid.
45. A case in point is …
Example: A case in point is Singapore’s extensive public transport network.
46. This is particularly evident in …
Example: This is particularly evident in rural areas with limited medical services.
47. Consider, for example, …
Example: Consider, for example, a student who cannot afford a laptop.
48. This may involve …
Example: This may involve subsidising childcare for low-income workers.
49. Typical examples include …
Example: Typical examples include recycling schemes and deposit-return systems.
Comparing and Contrasting
Usage note: Make the two items being compared explicit. Use “whereas” or “while” within one sentence and “however” or “by contrast” between sentences.
50. Similarly, …
Example: Similarly, both policies aim to reduce private car use.
51. Likewise, …
Example: Likewise, older employees may benefit from flexible schedules.
52. In the same way, …
Example: In the same way, early intervention can prevent later difficulties.
53. By comparison, …
Example: By comparison, rail travel produces fewer emissions.
54. In contrast, …
Example: In contrast, private schools may have greater resources.
55. By contrast, …
Example: By contrast, rural residents have fewer transport options.
56. However, …
Example: However, the initial cost may be difficult to justify.
57. Nevertheless, …
Example: Nevertheless, the long-term benefits are substantial.
58. Whereas …, …
Example: Whereas cars offer convenience, trains carry more people efficiently.
59. While …, …
Example: While exams are easy to standardise, they measure a narrow range of skills.
60. Unlike …, …
Example: Unlike fossil fuels, wind power produces no direct emissions.
61. On the one hand …; on the other hand, …
Example: On the one hand, tourism creates jobs; on the other hand, it can damage habitats.
62. Despite this difference, …
Example: Despite this difference, both approaches require public support.
Showing Cause and Effect
Usage note: Check the grammar: “because” introduces a clause, while “because of” and “owing to” take a noun phrase. Do not claim causation unless the logic is clear.
63. Because …, …
Example: Because housing is expensive, many young adults live with their parents.
64. Because of …, …
Example: Because of rising housing costs, many young adults stay at home.
65. Owing to …, …
Example: Owing to staff shortages, waiting times have increased.
66. Due to …, …
Example: Due to heavy traffic, air quality has deteriorated.
67. As a result of …, …
Example: As a result of better sanitation, life expectancy has risen.
68. This stems from …
Example: This problem stems from a lack of affordable childcare.
69. This can be attributed to …
Example: The decline can be attributed to changing consumer habits.
70. One reason for this is …
Example: One reason for this is the high cost of specialist equipment.
71. This is largely caused by …
Example: This is largely caused by excessive demand for housing.
72. This gives rise to …
Example: Long working hours give rise to stress and fatigue.
73. This contributes to …
Example: Poor insulation contributes to high household energy use.
74. This leads to …
Example: A lack of exercise leads to poorer health outcomes.
75. This has the effect of …
Example: The subsidy has the effect of making childcare more affordable.
Expressing Results
Usage note: A result phrase should refer back to a clear cause. Vary sentence structure, but prefer precision over using the most formal-sounding connector.
76. As a result, …
Example: As a result, fewer commuters choose to drive.
77. Consequently, …
Example: Consequently, demand for city-centre parking has fallen.
78. Therefore, …
Example: Therefore, governments should prioritise preventive medicine.
79. Thus, …
Example: Thus, the policy could benefit society as a whole.
80. For this reason, …
Example: For this reason, financial education should begin at school.
81. Accordingly, …
Example: Accordingly, employers may need to provide additional training.
82. The result is that …
Example: The result is that many graduates begin work with substantial debt.
83. This means that …
Example: This means that rural patients must travel further for treatment.
84. This may result in …
Example: This may result in greater pressure on public services.
85. This can lead to …
Example: This can lead to a more skilled and adaptable workforce.
86. The likely outcome is …
Example: The likely outcome is a gradual reduction in household waste.
87. In turn, …
Example: Higher wages increase spending and, in turn, support local businesses.
88. Thereby …
Example: The programme improves access, thereby reducing regional inequality.
Concluding an Essay
Usage note: Restate your position and synthesise the main reasons; do not add a new argument. Adapt the wording so the conclusion does not simply copy your introduction.
89. In conclusion, …
Example: In conclusion, the environmental benefits outweigh the financial costs.
90. To conclude, …
Example: To conclude, both individuals and governments have a role to play.
91. To sum up, …
Example: To sum up, public investment is necessary but must be carefully targeted.
92. Overall, …
Example: Overall, flexible working is beneficial when properly managed.
93. On balance, …
Example: On balance, the advantages of urbanisation are greater than its drawbacks.
94. Taking everything into account, …
Example: Taking everything into account, prevention remains the most effective approach.
95. Having considered both views, …
Example: Having considered both views, I favour a mixed system.
96. For the reasons outlined above, …
Example: For the reasons outlined above, I support stricter advertising controls.
97. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that …
Example: It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the policy should be expanded.
98. The most effective approach would be to …
Example: The most effective approach would be to combine regulation with education.
99. Ultimately, …
Example: Ultimately, long-term planning is more valuable than a temporary solution.
100. In summary, …
Example: In summary, affordable transport improves both access and productivity.
Adapt, Do Not Memorise
Start with the function you need, choose one suitable phrase, and complete it with your own precise idea. For example, adapt “One compelling argument is that …” to the question:
Topic: Should cities restrict cars? Adapted sentence: One compelling argument for restricting private cars is that doing so would reduce both congestion and air pollution.
Continue with the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay types guide or study Band 9 sample essays to see cohesive language used in context.