Top Phrases for IELTS Speaking Test 2025
Clearing the IELTS Speaking Test with a high score is crucial for anyone keen to study abroad, as it demonstrates the ability of the candidate to communicate confidently in an English-speaking environment. Mastering the top phrases taught in an online study abroad premium prep course will help you articulate your ideas more naturally and achieve a higher band score.
So, to help you in this regard, we are sharing 20 top phrases for the IELTS Speaking Test 2025:
1. Starting Your Response
These phrases can help you get some time to think before straight away answering the question asked in the IELTS Test, and are perfect to kickstart the conversation confidently:
Phrase 1: "That's an interesting question..."
Meaning: This phrase helps acknowledge that the question is relevant and gives you time to think before answering.
Example: That's an interesting question. I believe people these days are concerned about climate change.
Phrase 2: "I’d like to start by saying that..."
Meaning: It allows you to express your initial thoughts clearly and confidently.
Example: I’d like to start by saying that inflation plays a crucial role in shaping the economy of a country.
Phrase 3: “To start with…”
Meaning: Sets the ground for a detailed discussion.
Example: To start with, I'd like to outline the main reasons why public transport is preferred over private vehicles in many cities…
2.Expressing Personal Opinions
It will act in your favor if you use some apt phrases to express your personal views and opinions during the speaking test IELTS.
Phrase 1: "In my opinion..."
Meaning: This phrase is used to introduce a personal perspective or viewpoint.
Example: In my opinion, enrolling in a Data Science course can help you get the highest-earning jobs in the UK, Canada, and other top countries of the world.
Phrase 2: "I think that..."
Meaning: It is a commonly used phrase to express a personal belief or thought.
Example: I think that AI has both advantages and disadvantages for humankind.
Phrase 3: "I believe that..."
Meaning: Help expressing a firm personal belief or conviction.
Example: I believe that one should exercise regularly with consistency.
3. Agreeing or Disagreeing
These phrases are used to sound natural and confident when expressing whether you agree or disagree with a discussion point.
Phrase 1: "I see where you’re coming from, yet I’d say…"
Meaning: Helps acknowledge another person’s viewpoint before presenting a differing opinion.
Example: I see where you are coming from, yet I’d say that technology like Artificial Intelligence has made our lives more convenient rather than more complicated.
Phrase 2: "I couldn’t agree more! That’s exactly how I see it."
Meaning: This phrase is used to strongly agree with a point of view.
Example: I couldn’t agree more! That’s exactly how I see it. Remote work helps increase employee productivity.
Phrase 3: "That’s a fair point, but I’d have to disagree slightly because…"
Meaning: You can politely disagree while acknowledging the validity of the other person’s argument using this phrase.
Example: That’s a fair point, but I’d have to disagree slightly because online education can easily make education accessible to all.
4. Giving Examples
To support your point of view, feel free to cite examples during the IELTS speaking test, wherever you feel relevant.
Phrase 1: "For example..."
Meaning: Introduces a specific instance to support a statement.
Example: For example, Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore successfully fought against the English education system forced by the British in India.
Phrase 2: "For instance..."
Meaning: Used as another way to introduce a relevant example.
Example: For instance, many people now prefer enrolling in an online MBA rather than an on-campus program.
Phrase 3: "To illustrate this point..."
Meaning: This phrase is used to clarify an idea by giving an example.
Example: To illustrate this point, consider how smartphones have revolutionized communication.
5. Clarifying or Rephrasing a Question
How would you react if you didn’t understand a question asked in the IELTS speaking test? Don’t get nervous there, instead use these phrases to clarify or confirm the question.
Phrase 1: “If I understand correctly…”
Meaning: Helps check whether your interpretation of the question is accurate.
Example: If I understand correctly, you’re asking whether technology has improved education?
Phrase 2: “So, just to be clear…”
Meaning: This phrase ensures clarity before answering.
Example: So, just to be clear, you’re asking about the benefits of living in a big city?
Phrase 3: “Do you mean to say that…”
Meaning: This phrase is used to request further clarification on the question.
Example: "Do you mean to say that cultural differences can affect communication in international business?"
6. Adding a Point in the Middle
You can score better in the IELTS speaking test by adding some points in the middle of a conversation where you can add more relevant details.
Phrase 1: “Furthermore…”
Meaning: If used appropriately, this phrase adds more information to the existing discussion.
Example: Furthermore, studies show that early education influences career success.
Phrase 2: “On top of that…”
Meaning: Introduces an additional, often stronger or more important, supporting point.
Example: On top of that, sleeping early can help build cells in the body and destress the entire body.
Phrase 3: “Moreover, we must not forget that…”
Meaning: It helps emphasize an important point that should not be overlooked.
Example: Moreover, we must not forget that studying MBA in the USA or any other overseas country from a top university can open the door to exciting career opportunities.
7. Contrasting Ideas
When comparing two different perspectives or presenting counterpoints, the usage of some particular phrases will work in your favor in the IELTS speaking exam.
Phrase 1: “That being said,...”
Meaning: Introduces a contrasting point while acknowledging the previous statement.
Example: I love living in a big city because of the convenience. That being said, the high cost of living can be a major challenge.
Phrase 2: “On one hand,.....; on the other hand,...”
Meaning: Presents two different perspectives or contrasting aspects of an issue
Example: On one hand, studying in India is cheap; on the other hand, studying abroad can pave a path for a better career.
Phrase 3: “However…”
Meaning: Indicates a contrast or contradiction to the previous statement.
Example: The new policy is intended to reduce pollution. However, some businesses argue that it increases operational costs.
8. Forgetting the Word You Wanted to Say
Don’t panic in case you forget to say a word during your response, use the following best phrases to recover smoothly.
Phrase 1: “My apologies, I’ve lost the word I wanted to use, but essentially…”
Meaning: Apologizes for forgetting a word but continues with the explanation.
Example: My apologies; I've lost the word I wanted to use, but essentially, it's about how using phrases can help score high in the IELTS Speaking Test.
Phrase 2: “I can’t think of the word right now, but it is something like…”
Meaning: Acknowledges difficulty in recalling a word while giving an approximate explanation.
Example: I can’t think of the word right now, but it is something like a machine that can help recall what you aimed to do on a particular day.
Phrase 3: “I can’t recall the exact term…”
Meaning: Signals forgetfulness while keeping the conversation flowing.
Example: I can’t recall the exact term, but it refers to the process of plants releasing oxygen into the air.
9. Coherence - Repeating Yourself
Repeating yourself for clarity and emphasis during your conversation in the IELTS test is not a bad idea. You can do it smoothly and confidently if you know the right phrases.
Phrase 1: “To put it another way…”
Meaning: Rephrases an idea for better clarity.
Example: To put it another way, regular exercise not only helps you stay fit but also improves mental well-being.
Phrase 2: “In other words…”
Meaning: Restate something differently
Example: In other words, living the British helped ban some social evils during their reign in India.
Phrase 3: “As I mentioned earlier,...”
Meaning: Refers back to something previously stated to reinforce an idea.
Example: As I mentioned earlier, climate change is a pressing issue that affects every aspect of our lives.
10. Expressing Doubt or Hesitation
What if you are unsure about an answer, but still want to respond? You can use the following phrases to express doubt or hesitation but with confidence.
Phrase 1: “That’s a tough call, but if I had to guess…”
Meaning: Acknowledges difficulty but makes an educated guess.
Example: That’s a tough call, but if I had to guess, I’d say the industrial revolution had the biggest impact on modern society.
Phrase 2: “Hmm, that’s a tricky one…”
Meaning: Buys time to think while acknowledging the difficulty of the question.
Example: Hmm, that’s a tricky one… I suppose technology has both advantages and disadvantages in education.
Phrase 3: “I might be wrong, but…”
Meaning: Indicates uncertainty while still providing an opinion.
Example: I might be wrong, but I believe the term refers to a law that protects endangered species.
11. Expressing that What You Just Said Was Rubbish
It’s okay to make mistakes, even if you are appearing in the Speaking Test IELTS, you can still correct yourself using some strategic phrases taught in online IELTS preparation courses.
Phrase 1: “Actually, let me rephrase that…”
Meaning: Allows for a correction without hesitation.
Example: Actually, let me rephrase that. What I meant to say was that renewable energy is becoming more affordable.
Phrase 2: “From my perspective, that doesn’t quite add up because…”
Meaning: Indicates that from the speaker's viewpoint, the logic or facts presented are questionable.
Example: From my perspective, that doesn't quite add up because the data does not correlate.
Phrase 3: “Let me say that again…”
Meaning: Signals a correction or a clearer way to express a point.
Example: Let me say that again—what I meant was that studying a new language can be challenging but rewarding.
12. Trying Variations
You can score well in the IELTS speaking test by using the following phrases to rephrase your point for better clarity or variety.
Phrase 1: “Or to put it another way….”
Meaning: Introduces a reworded or simplified version of what was just said.
Example: Or to put it another way, regular physical activity doesn’t just improve fitness, it also enhances mental well-being.
Phrase 2: “On the other hand…”
Meaning: Introduces a contrasting idea.
Example: On the other hand, some experts believe that studying early in the morning helps retain more information.
Phrase 3: “Alternatively…”
Meaning: Suggests a different possibility or perspective.
Example: Alternatively, one could argue that such a policy might hinder economic growth.
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