Using Idioms and Phrasal Verbs in Speaking: Dos and Don’ts

Unlock Your IELTS Speaking Score: Mastering Idioms and Phrasal Verbs (Dos and Don'ts)

Hey there, future IELTS champions! As your friendly neighbourhood IELTS instructor, I’ve seen countless students pour their hearts and souls into preparing for this exam. You’re honing your grammar, expanding your vocabulary, and practising your fluency. But there’s one area that often holds a lot of potential – and a lot of pitfalls – for boosting your Speaking score: idioms and phrasal verbs.

These colourful expressions are the lifeblood of natural, native-like English. They can transform your responses from merely correct to remarkably engaging. However, misused or forced idioms can do more harm than good, potentially lowering your score and making you sound unnatural.

So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive deep into the world of idioms and phrasal verbs. We’ll uncover the secrets to using them effectively to boost your IELTS Speaking score, explore common pitfalls, and equip you with the knowledge to wield these linguistic tools with confidence.

Why Bother with Idioms and Phrasal Verbs for IELTS Speaking?

Let’s be upfront: the IELTS Speaking test isn't just about answering questions correctly. It's about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and naturally. The examiners are looking for a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and this is where idioms and phrasal verbs shine.

Here's why they are your secret weapon:

• •
  Higher Lexical Resource Score: The Lexical Resource criterion assesses the range and accuracy of your vocabulary. Using a variety of idioms and phrasal verbs appropriately signals to the examiner that you have a sophisticated command of the English language, going beyond basic vocabulary. This can directly translate into a higher band score.

• •

  Natural Fluency and Cohesion: Native speakers pepper their conversations with idioms and phrasal verbs. Integrating them into your answers makes your speech sound more fluid, spontaneous, and less like a rehearsed speech. This contributes to a better overall impression of your fluency.

• •

  Expressing Nuance and Emotion: Idioms often carry connotations and emotional weight that a single word might not convey. They allow you to express yourself with greater precision and impact.

• •

  Demonstrating Cultural Understanding: Language is deeply intertwined with culture. Understanding and using common idioms shows an awareness of the cultural context of the language.

Think of it this way: Instead of saying "It was very difficult," you could say, "It was a tough nut to crack." Or, instead of "I decided to stop working on that project," you could say, "I decided to call it a day on that project." See the difference? The latter phrases are more vivid and engaging.

The Golden Rule: Accuracy and Naturalness are King

Before we delve into specific examples and strategies, let’s establish the most crucial principle: Idioms and phrasal verbs are only beneficial if used correctly and naturally.

• •
  Correct Usage: This means understanding the precise meaning of the idiom or phrasal verb and using it in a context where it makes sense. Misunderstanding the meaning can lead to hilarious (but score-damaging) errors.

• •
  Natural Usage: This means integrating them seamlessly into your speech without sounding forced or like you're trying too hard. If you have to pause for a long time to recall an idiom, or if it sounds out of place, it's best to stick to simpler language.

Idioms: Painting with Words

Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of the individual words. They are often metaphorical and have a figurative meaning.

Common IELTS-Friendly Idioms and How to Use Them

Let's explore some commonly used idioms that are relevant to IELTS topics and how you can weave them into your answers.

1. Describing Difficulty/Challenges:

• •
  A tough nut to crack: Something very difficult to understand or solve.
• •
  Example: "The question about environmental policy was quite challenging; it was a tough nut to crack."

• •
  Bite the bullet: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

• •
  Example: "Although I wasn't looking forward to the early morning commute, I had to bite the bullet and go to work."

• •
  The ball is in your court: It's up to you to make the next decision or step.

• •
  Example: "I've presented my proposal, and now the ball is in their court to decide whether to approve it."

2. Describing Success/Failure:

• •
  Hit the nail on the head: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
• •
  Example: "You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that lack of communication was the main issue in our team."

• •
  Go the extra mile: To make a special effort.

• •
  Example: "She always goes the extra mile to help her students understand the material."

• •
  Miss the boat: To fail to take advantage of an opportunity.

• •
  Example: "I wish I had applied for that scholarship earlier; I think I missed the boat."

3. Describing Opinions/Ideas:

• •
  See eye to eye: To agree with someone.
• •
  Example: "My brother and I don't always see eye to eye on political issues, but we respect each other's opinions."

• •
  On the same page: To have a shared understanding.

• •
  Example: "Before we start the project, let's make sure we're all on the same page regarding the objectives."

• •
  Beat around the bush: To avoid saying something directly, usually because it is unpleasant.

• •
  Example: "Please don't beat around the bush; just tell me what you think."

4. Describing Feelings/States:

• •
  Under the weather: Feeling unwell.
• •
  Example: "I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I might take it easy."

• •
  Over the moon: Extremely happy.

• •
  Example: "She was over the moon when she received her university acceptance letter."

• •
  In a nutshell: Briefly, in a few words.

• •
  Example: "In a nutshell, the book is about a journey of self-discovery."

Table 1: Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking Topics

Phrasal Verbs: The Versatile Building Blocks

Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with a preposition or adverb (or sometimes both) to create a new meaning. They are incredibly common in spoken English and can add a sophisticated touch to your vocabulary.

Why Phrasal Verbs Matter for Your Score

• •
  Demonstrates Command: Using phrasal verbs appropriately shows that you have a good understanding of English grammar and vocabulary. They are an integral part of everyday conversation.

• •

  Adds Variety: Relying on single-word verbs can make your speech sound repetitive. Phrasal verbs offer a richer and more varied way of expressing actions.

• •

  Contextual Nuance: Many phrasal verbs have subtle meanings that can add precision to your descriptions.

Common IELTS-Friendly Phrasal Verbs and Their Usage

Let's look at some phrasal verbs that frequently appear in IELTS discussions and how you can use them.

1. Actions and Activities:

• •
  Carry out: To perform or complete a task or experiment.
• •
  Example: "The scientists will carry out a series of experiments to test their hypothesis."

• •
  Set up: To establish or start something (a business, an event, etc.).

• •
  Example: "She decided to set up her own online tutoring business."

• •
  Look into: To investigate or examine something.

• •
  Example: "The police are looking into the cause of the accident."

• •
  Find out: To discover information.

• •
  Example: "I need to find out what time the train departs."

• •
  Put off: To postpone or delay something.

• •
  Example: "We had to put off our holiday due to unforeseen circumstances."

2. Describing Relationships and Interactions:

• •
  Get along with: To have a friendly relationship with someone.
• •
  Example: "I get along well with my colleagues; we have a good team spirit."

• •
  Look up to: To admire and respect someone.

• •
  Example: "She has always looked up to her grandmother for her wisdom and strength."

• •
  Break up: To end a relationship.

• •
  Example: "They decided to break up after dating for five years."

3. Describing Changes and Development:

• •
  Grow up: To mature or develop from childhood to adulthood.
• •
  Example: "I grew up in a small town, so moving to the city was a big change."

• •
  Take off: To become successful or popular quickly (often used for businesses, products, or careers).

• •
  Example: "Her new app really took off after it was featured in a popular tech blog."

• •
  Turn out: To happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result.

• •
  Example: "The event turned out to be a great success, despite the initial concerns."

4. Describing Problems and Solutions:

• •
  Deal with: To manage or handle a problem or situation.
• •
  Example: "It's important to learn how to deal with stress effectively."

• •
  Run into: To encounter a problem or a person unexpectedly.

• •
  Example: "I ran into an old friend at the supermarket yesterday."

• •
  Figure out: To understand or solve something.

• •
  Example: "It took me a while to figure out how to assemble the furniture."

Table 2: Phrasal Verbs for IELTS Speaking Scenarios

The "Don'ts": Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Now that we've explored the "dos," let's talk about the crucial "don'ts." These are the common mistakes that can undermine your efforts.

1. Don't Force It:

This is arguably the biggest mistake. If you're trying to cram an idiom or phrasal verb into a sentence where it doesn't naturally fit, it will sound awkward and contrived.

• •
  Instead of: "My neighbour is a very good person, he always puts up with my noisy parties." (While "put up with" means tolerate, it's not the most natural fit for describing a good neighbour in this context.)

• •
  Try: "My neighbour is very understanding and always puts up with my noisy parties." (This is a more natural usage of "put up with.")

Key Advice: Only use idioms and phrasal verbs that you are absolutely confident about their meaning and usage. If in doubt, opt for simpler, standard English.

2. Don't Misuse the Meaning:

This is where things can get embarrassing and detrimental to your score. Idioms have specific meanings, and using them incorrectly is a clear sign of a lack of understanding.

• •
  Example of Misuse: Saying "I'm over the moon with my low test score." (This is the opposite of the meaning – "over the moon" means extremely happy.)

• •
  Correct Usage: "I was over the moon when I received my excellent test score."

Key Advice: Learn the precise meaning of each idiom and phrasal verb. Test yourself by writing sentences with them before trying to use them in a high-stakes situation.

3. Don't Overuse Them:

While variety is good, bombarding the examiner with a barrage of idioms and phrasal verbs can sound unnatural and even overwhelming.

• •
  Example of Overuse: "I think that to get the ball rolling on this project, we need to hit the ground running, and I'm sure it will be a piece of cake to carry out all the tasks. We just need to buckle down and see eye to eye on the main objectives. If we miss the boat, it will be a tough nut to crack to recover." (This sounds like a jumble of expressions!)

Key Advice: Aim for a natural integration. Sprinkle them in where they genuinely enhance your meaning, rather than forcing them into every sentence. Think of them as seasoning, not the main dish.

4. Don't Use Slang or Very Informal Expressions (Unless Appropriate):

While some phrasal verbs are informal, be cautious with very niche slang or highly informal idioms that might not be understood by all examiners or might sound inappropriate for the context of the test.

• •
  Example of Potentially Inappropriate Usage: "My boss is a real jerk." (While "jerk" is an idiom, it's quite informal and potentially offensive.)

• •
  Try: "My boss can be quite demanding."

Key Advice: Stick to widely understood idioms and phrasal verbs. If you're unsure about the formality level, it's safer to avoid it.

5. Don't Rely Solely on Memorization:

Simply memorizing lists of idioms and phrasal verbs without understanding how to use them in context is a recipe for disaster.

Key Advice: Practise using them! Write sentences, try to incorporate them into your practise speaking sessions, and get feedback from teachers or study partners.

How to Learn and Master Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

So, how do you go from knowing about them to using them effectively?

1. Start with the Most Common Ones:

Focus on idioms and phrasal verbs that are frequently encountered in everyday English and are relevant to common IELTS topics (education, work, travel, environment, hobbies, relationships, technology, etc.).

2. Understand the Meaning and Nuance:

Don't just learn a definition. Try to understand the figurative meaning, the connotations, and the situations where it's typically used.

3. Context is Key:

Learn idioms and phrasal verbs in context. Read articles, watch movies and TV shows, listen to podcasts, and pay attention to how native speakers use them.

4. Active Recall and Practise:

• •
  Flashcards: Create flashcards with the idiom/phrasal verb on one side and its meaning and an example sentence on the other.

• •

  Sentence Writing: Write your own sentences using the new expressions.

• •

  Speaking Practise: Actively try to incorporate them into your IELTS speaking practise. Record yourself and listen back to check for naturalness and accuracy.

• •

  Role-Playing: Practise with a partner and try to use the target vocabulary.

5. Categorize and organise:

Group idioms and phrasal verbs by topic or by meaning to make them easier to remember and recall.

6. Seek Feedback:

Ask your IELTS instructor or a native English speaker to review your usage. They can identify any errors or areas where your usage sounds unnatural.

7. Be Patient and Persistent:

Mastering idioms and phrasal verbs takes time and consistent effort. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes. View them as learning opportunities.

Bringing It All Together: Your IELTS Speaking Strategy

When you're in the IELTS Speaking test, remember this:

• •
  Listen carefully to the question: This will help you determine if an idiom or phrasal verb is genuinely relevant.

• •

  Pause briefly if needed: A short, thoughtful pause is better than a rushed, incorrect utterance.

• •

  prioritise clarity and accuracy: If you're unsure, stick to clear, standard English. A well-formed, simple sentence is always better than a misused idiom.

• •

  Show, don't just tell: Use idioms and phrasal verbs to add colour and depth to your answers, making them more memorable and engaging for the examiner.

• •

  Be confident! Your enthusiasm and naturalness will shine through.

Conclusion: Elevate Your English, Elevate Your Score

Idioms and phrasal verbs are powerful tools in your IELTS Speaking arsenal. When used correctly and naturally, they can significantly enhance your vocabulary, fluency, and overall performance, leading to a higher band score.

Remember the golden rule: accuracy and naturalness are paramount. Don't force them, don't misuse them, and don't overuse them. Instead, learn them diligently, practise them consistently, and integrate them thoughtfully into your responses.

By embracing these colourful expressions, you're not just preparing for an exam; you're unlocking a more dynamic and engaging way of communicating in English. So, go forth, learn, practise, and watch your IELTS Speaking score soar!

Happy practising!

Key Takeaways:

• •
  Boost Your Score: Idioms and phrasal verbs can significantly improve your Lexical Resource score and demonstrate natural fluency.

• •

  Accuracy is Crucial: Misused idioms and phrasal verbs will negatively impact your score.

• •

  Natural Integration: Use them when they genuinely fit the context, not when forced.

• •

  Focus on Common Expressions: Start with widely understood idioms and phrasal verbs relevant to IELTS topics.

• •

  Practise Actively: Learn meanings, write sentences, and incorporate them into speaking practise.

• •

  Don't Overuse: Sprinkle them in for effect, rather than overwhelming the examiner.

• •

  Seek Feedback: Get input from instructors or native speakers to refine your usage.

Tags: IELTS Preparation, Evergreen, IELTS Speaking, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, Vocabulary, Fluency, IELTS Tips