Writing exams can be challenging, especially when you are preparing for more advanced levels of English such as B2 or C1. There’s a lot you need to consider, the register, the content, your ability to effectively communicate and of course, your use of grammatical structures and range of vocabulary. That is what we are going to think about in today’s post, how to improve our writing exercises by using idiomatic expressions!
First of all, what are idioms? An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms are often used in everyday speech and writing to convey ideas in a more creative or culturally specific way. For example, the idiom "kick the bucket" means to die, rather than literally kicking a bucket.
Just like phrasal verbs which we have spoken about in previous posts, idioms can help to level up your marks and make your work more fluent. Idioms are more for informal exercises such as writing a letter or an email to a friend or family member so avoid using them for texts like reports or essays as they won’t be appropriate here!
Here is a list of 10 expressions that you could use to level up your writing:
Definition: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, even though you may not want to
Example: I knew I had to bite the bullet and tell her the truth, even though it wouldn't be easy.
Definition: To accidentally reveal a secret or something that was meant to be kept hidden.
Example: Tom accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, so now everyone knows.
Definition: To be extremely happy or delighted about something.
Example: I was over the moon when I found out I got the job – it was such a relief.
Definition: Something that is extremely easy
Example: The maths exam was a piece of cake – I finished it in half the time.
Definition: Something that is very expensive
Example: That new phone costs an arm and a leg, but I think it's worth it for the quality.
Definition: To be exactly right about something; to identify the main point or issue perfectly.
Example: Sarah hit the nail on the head when she said we needed more time to finish the project.
Definition: To tell a secret
Example: Come on, spill the beans! We're all dying to know what happened at the party.
Definition: To feel unwell or slightly ill
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I’ll stay home and rest.
Definition: To tease or joke with someone, usually by telling them something untrue in a playful manner.
Example: I thought he was being serious, but he was just pulling my leg the whole time.
Definition: To stay up late working or studying, usually to meet a deadline.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my essay before the deadline.
These idioms would add a conversational and natural tone to informal writing, making your exam response more engaging.
I hope that this post will help you to improve your writing and use more set expressions. If you want to practise using these idioms, download the worksheet and complete the writing task using some of the idioms from this post.
Also, if you’re interested in learning English and are looking for a course to advance your studies then check out Daway and use the promotional code BLOG20 for a 20% discount on all courses!
In last week’s post we talked about the use of phrasal verbs in formal languages and how they can be used to improve your writing activities. Today we will be discussing the use of phrasal verbs in more informal writing exercises.
As we have said before, phrasal verbs are structures made up of a verb and either a preposition or an adverb which often gives the verb a different meaning to the verb. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in informal situations and so feel free to use these expressions when writing letters or emails to friends or family members to make your responses appear more natural and authentic.
Here are some examples of phrasal verbs that can be used in informal contexts:
Definition: To spend time relaxing or socializing.
Example: Let's hang out at the park this weekend.
Definition: To get up to date with someone or something.
Example: We should catch up soon; I want to hear all about your trip!
Definition: To visit someone casually or unexpectedly.
Example: Feel free to drop by my place anytime you’re in the neighbourhood.
Definition: To meet someone unexpectedly.
Example: I ran into an old friend from school at the grocery store yesterday.
Definition: To meet or gather with others socially.
Example: We’re planning to get together for dinner on Friday.
Definition: To understand or solve something.
Example: I finally figured out how to fix the TV.
Definition: To arrive or appear at a place.
Example: He didn’t show up to the party until after midnight.
Definition: To appear or be found, often unexpectedly.
Example: My keys turned up in the car after I searched the entire house.
Definition: To make a mistake or do something poorly.
Example: I really messed up the presentation by forgetting my notes.
Definition: To stop trying or quit something.
Example: I’m not going to give up on this project, no matter how hard it gets.
These phrasal verbs are commonly used in everyday, informal conversations and are perfect for casual settings.
If you want to practise using these structures in an informal context then take a look at the writing exercise in the worksheet and try to use some of the phrasal verbs from this post in your response.
In case you missed last week’s post on using phrasal verbs in formal writing exercises then give it a read to give you a complete understanding of phrasal verbs at an advanced level.
Also, if you’re interested in learning English and are looking for a course to advance your studies then check out Daway and use the promotional code BLOG20 for a 20% discount on all courses!
As we have seen in the past, phrasal verbs are often better suited to informal texts such as letters to friends or family members. However, there are some cases where they can be used in more formal contexts which is what this post will explain.
Now before going into more detail, what are phrasal verbs? A phrasal verb is a verb combined with one or more particles (usually a preposition or an adverb) that creates a meaning different from the original verb. For example, "give up" (rendirse) means to stop doing something, which is different from just "give." (dar). Using phrasal verbs in the right context can greatly help to level up your writings and help you to get a higher grade in your exams as it shows a clear and complex understanding of grammatical structures. So if you’re preparing for a more advanced level of English such as B2 or C1, then make sure you use some of these expressions:
Definition: To perform or execute (a task, duty, or process).
Example: The research team was instructed to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the data.
Definition: To cause something to happen.
Example: The new policy is expected to bring about significant changes in the company's operations.
Definition: To explain the reason or cause of something.
Example: The CFO was asked to account for the discrepancies in the financial report.
Definition: To investigate or examine the details of something.
Example: The committee will look into the allegations of misconduct before making any decisions.
Definition: To establish or arrange something.
Example: The company decided to set up a new branch in the capital to expand its market presence.
Definition: To propose or suggest something.
Example: The proposal put forward by the board was unanimously approved by the shareholders.
Definition: To examine or review something in detail.
Example: The contract will go through a thorough review before it is signed by both parties.
Definition: To accept or undertake a responsibility or task.
Example: The firm has decided to take on additional staff to manage the increased workload.
Definition: To produce or think of an idea, solution, or plan.
Example: The development team was able to come up with an innovative solution to the problem.
Definition: To reject or refuse an offer or request.
Example: The candidate turned down the job offer due to personal reasons.
These phrasal verbs are versatile and can be effectively used in formal writing, especially in professional, academic, or business contexts.
If you want to do some practice, then take a look at the worksheet for this post and try to use some of the phrasal verbs above in your response to the question.
Also make sure to read next week’s post on the use of phrasal verbs in more informal contexts to help you master the use of this structure in all situations!
Also, if you’re interested in learning English and are looking for a course to advance your studies then check out Daway and use the promotional code BLOG20 for a 20% discount on all courses!
