top of page
Search

A Beginner’s Guide: Useful Phrases for English Writing for TOEFL & IELTS

Manami
2 days ago3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Introduction

When writing English compositions, simply arranging words in order often does not result in natural sentences. This is especially true for beginners, who may struggle with grammar and word order. Therefore, in this guide, we will focus on "useful phrases" that will help even beginners write English compositions with ease. These phrases should enhance your writing skills for TOEFL, IELTS, and other academic purposes.


1. Basic Phrases for English Composition

Here are some basic phrases that are useful when writing English compositions.


1.1. Phrases for Expressing Opinions

These expressions are useful when conveying your thoughts.

  • I think that... (I think that...)

    • Example: I think that learning English is very important. (I think that learning English is very important.)


  • In my opinion,... (In my opinion,...)

    • Example: In my opinion, traveling abroad is a great way to learn new cultures. (In my opinion, traveling abroad is a great way to learn new cultures.)


  • It seems to me that... (It seems to me that...)

    • Example: It seems to me that technology is changing our lives rapidly. (It seems to me that technology is rapidly changing our lives.)


1.2. Phrases for Explaining Reasons

These expressions help support your opinion.


  • This is because... (This is because...)

    • Example: This is because reading books helps us gain knowledge. (This is because reading books helps us gain knowledge.)


  • The reason why... is that... (The reason why... is that...)

    • Example: The reason why I like English is that it allows me to communicate with people from different countries. (The reason why I like English is that it allows me to communicate with people from different countries.)


1.3. Phrases for Giving Examples

Providing specific examples makes your writing more persuasive.


  • For example,... (For example,...)

    • Example: For example, Japan has many beautiful places such as Kyoto and Nara. (For example, Japan has many beautiful places such as Kyoto and Nara.)


  • Such as... (Such as...)

    • Example: There are many ways to study English, such as watching movies and reading books. (There are many ways to study English, such as watching movies and reading books.)


2. Tips for Writing Smooth English Compositions


2.1. Start with Short Sentences

Beginners should focus on expressing ideas using short sentences first.


  • I like dogs. (I like dogs.)

  • He is a teacher. (He is a teacher.)


Once you are comfortable with simple sentences, gradually add more information.


  • I like dogs because they are friendly. (I like dogs because they are friendly.)

  • He is a teacher who teaches English. (He is a teacher who teaches English.)


2.2. Learn Versatile Phrases

Memorizing "phrases that can be applied to any topic" makes writing compositions smoother.


For example:

  • It is important to... (It is important to...)

    • Example: It is important to study every day. (It is important to study every day.)

  • One of the best ways to... is to... (One of the best ways to... is to...)

    • Example: One of the best ways to learn English is to practice speaking every day. (One of the best ways to learn English is to practice speaking every day.)



3. How to Improve Your English Composition Skills


3.1. Use Connecting Words

Using connecting words helps make sentences flow smoothly.


  • However, (However,)

  • Therefore, (Therefore,)

  • Although... (Although...)


3.2. Avoid Repeating the Same Expressions

For example, instead of repeatedly using "important," try variations like:


  • important

  • significant

  • crucial


Using synonyms makes your writing more sophisticated.


3.3. Incorporate Natural Expressions

Using natural English expressions can make your writing more fluent.

For example:


  • Keep in mind that... (Keep in mind that...)

  • It goes without saying that... (It goes without saying that...)


Conclusion

Even beginners who struggle with English composition in TOEFL or IELTS can write more smoothly by memorizing "useful phrases." Start by mastering the basic phrases and gradually apply them in various contexts.


Key Takeaways

  • Phrases for expressing opinions: I think that..., In my opinion...

  • Phrases for explaining reasons: This is because..., The reason why...

  • Phrases for giving examples: For example..., Such as...

  • Use connecting words: However, Therefore, Although...

  • Use synonyms: important → significant → crucial


By incorporating these expressions, you can improve your English composition skills!


Author: Manami Palmini


  • Teaching Experience

    • Studied theater and scriptwriting while taking intensive English courses at the Graduate School of International Christian University.
    • Three years of experience as an English instructor at a private tutoring school in Japan.
    • Earned a Master’s degree in Arts Education from New York University (NYU), researching the effects of artistic activities on language learning.
    • Certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
​

Past Support Experience

  • Daily English conversation support for children attending local and Japanese schools.
  • Preparation for Eiken, junior high school, high school, and university entrance exams.
  • Business English for expatriates.
  • Small talk and school-related communication support for parents with children.
  • Presentation coaching for researchers who have relocated to the U.S.

 
 
bottom of page