Advanced Phrases for English Writing: A Guide for TOEFL & IELTS Preparation

Introduction

Improving your English writing skills requires more than just expanding your vocabulary—it’s essential to master sophisticated phrases and use them appropriately. If you aim to become an advanced writer, acquiring natural and fluent expressions is key. In this article, I will introduce advanced phrases categorized by their usage to enhance your writing skills for TOEFL, IELTS, and other academic purposes.

Manami's English Lessons

1. Phrases for Introducing Your Essay

The introduction plays a crucial role in engaging the reader. The following phrases are useful for starting your essay effectively:

• "It is often said that..." (It is commonly believed that...)

• "There is no denying that..." (There is no doubt that...)

• "A widely accepted notion is that..." (A commonly held belief is that...)

• "In today’s fast-paced world,..." (In the rapidly changing world of today...)

• "Over the past few decades, ..." (Over the last several decades...)

2. Phrases for Developing Arguments

To emphasize your points and expand your discussion, use these phrases:

• "One cannot overlook the fact that..." (It is impossible to ignore that...)

• "Another key point to consider is..." (Another important factor to consider is...)

• "It is worth noting that..." (It is important to highlight that...)

• "From a broader perspective,..." (Looking at the bigger picture...)

• "To put it another way,..." (In other words...)

3. Phrases for Providing Examples

Supporting your arguments with concrete examples makes your writing more convincing.

• "For instance,..." (For example,...)

• "A prime example of this is..." (A notable example is...)

• "To illustrate this point,..." (To clarify this idea,...)

• "Such cases can be seen in..." (This can be observed in...)

• "Consider the case of..." (Take the example of...)

4. Phrases for Contrasting Ideas and Counterarguments

To deepen your argument, use contrast and counterpoints effectively.

• "On the contrary,..." (Contrary to this,...)

• "Nevertheless,..." (Despite this,...)

• "Despite the fact that...," (Even though...)

• "Whereas...," (While...)

• "Conversely,..." (In contrast,...)

5. Phrases for Concluding Your Essay

A strong conclusion clarifies your stance and leaves a lasting impression.

• "In conclusion,..." (To conclude,...)

• "To sum up,..." (In summary,...)

• "Taking all these points into account,..." (Considering all these aspects,...)

• "It can be concluded that..." (It is reasonable to conclude that...)

• "Ultimately,..." (In the end,...)

6. Tips for Using Advanced Phrases in English Writing

To effectively incorporate these phrases in TOEFL, IELTS, and other academic writing, keep the following points in mind:

Use Phrases in Practice, Not Just Memorization

Simply memorizing phrases is not enough. Actively use them in your writing practice to make them a natural part of your expression.

Expand Your Range of Expressions

Learn multiple ways to express the same idea and choose the most suitable one based on the context.

Read and Analyze Native English Writing

Reading English newspapers, academic articles, and well-written essays will expose you to sophisticated writing styles.

Get Your Writing Reviewed

Use feedback from English teachers or online correction services to refine your writing and make it sound more natural.

Conclusion

Becoming an advanced English writer requires mastering refined phrases and using them effectively. By consciously incorporating the phrases introduced in this article, you can make your writing more natural and persuasive. Apply these tips to your daily writing practice and enhance your skills for TOEFL, IELTS, and beyond!

Manami's English Lessons

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).

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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.