IELTS Speaking Vocabulary: Phrases and Idioms, with Examples
This IELTS Speaking vocabulary helps you sound natural in all three parts of the test. Each phrase has a simple meaning, its sound, a band level, a Speaking example, what to write instead in an essay, and the common mistake to avoid.
48 words · free quiz and flashcards · updated October 2026
Buying time to think
Short phrases that give you a second to think, so you do not go silent. Use one, then answer.
that’s a good question
that’s a GOOD QUES·tion · phraseUsed to give yourself a moment to think about a hard question.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- Well, that’s a good question
- that’s an interesting question
Similar: that’s an interesting question
WritingIn an essay, never write that’s a good question; just answer it.
SpeakingThat’s a good question. I suppose I’d choose the countryside.
Common mistake: Using it before every answer. Once or twice in the test is natural; more sounds memorised.
let me think
let me THINK · phraseUsed when you need a few seconds before you answer.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- let me think for a second
- let me think about that
Similar: let me see
WritingLet me think is only for Speaking; in Writing, plan before you start.
SpeakingHmm, let me think. The best holiday I’ve had was in Greece.
Common mistake: Staying silent instead. A short phrase like this is better than a long pause.
I’ve never really thought about it
I’ve NEV·er REAL·ly THOUGHT a·BOUT it · phraseUsed honestly when a question is new to you, before you give an answer.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- I’ve never really thought about it, but …
- I haven’t thought about that before
Similar: that’s not something I’ve considered
WritingI’ve never really thought about it is a spoken phrase; essays need a clear position.
SpeakingI’ve never really thought about it, but I guess I’d like to live by the sea.
Common mistake: Stopping after it. Always go on to give an answer and a reason.
off the top of my head
off the TOP of my HEAD · phraseUsed to give a quick answer without checking the facts.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- off the top of my head, I’d say …
- I can’t think of one off the top of my head
Similar: roughly, at a guess
WritingIn an essay, give facts you are sure of, not answers off the top of your head.
SpeakingOff the top of my head, I’d say about twenty people work there.
Common mistake: Saying “from the top of my head”. The phrase is “off the top of my head”.
how can I put it
how can I PUT it · phraseUsed when you are looking for the right words.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- How can I put it?
- Let me put it this way
Similar: how should I say this
WritingEssays need clear statements, so leave how can I put it for Speaking.
SpeakingShe’s, how can I put it, quite direct.
Common mistake: Using it for simple facts in Part 1. Save it for ideas that are hard to explain.
it’s hard to say
it’s HARD to SAY · phraseUsed when the answer is not clear or you are not sure.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- it’s hard to say exactly
- it’s hard to say why
Similar: it’s difficult to say
WritingIn an essay, write “it is difficult to predict” rather than it’s hard to say.
SpeakingIt’s hard to say, but maybe one or two hours a day.
Common mistake: Stopping there. Add your best guess: “It’s hard to say, but probably…”.
Saying what you like and dislike
Better ways to say “I like” and “I don’t like” in Part 1.
I’m really into
I’m REAL·ly IN·to · phraseUsed to say you like something very much.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- I’m really into + noun
- I’m really into + -ing
Similar: I love, I’m keen on
WritingIn an essay, write “many people enjoy” instead of I’m really into.
SpeakingI’m really into cooking at the moment, especially Asian food.
Common mistake: Saying “I’m really into to cook”. Use a noun or -ing: “into cooking”.
I’m a big fan of
I’m a BIG FAN of · phraseUsed to say you really like something or someone.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- a big fan of + noun
- not a big fan of
Similar: I love, I adore
WritingI’m a big fan of is too personal for an essay; write “many people prefer”.
SpeakingI’m a big fan of old films, especially comedies.
Common mistake: Saying “I’m a big fan to”. Use “of”: “a big fan of jazz”.
I’m keen on
I’m KEEN on · phraseUsed to say you are interested in something or like doing it.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- keen on + noun
- keen on + -ing
- not very keen on
Similar: fond of, interested in
WritingIn an essay, write “interested in” rather than keen on.
SpeakingI’m not really keen on sport, but I love walking.
Common mistake: Saying “keen to swimming”. Use “keen on swimming” or “keen to swim”.
I can’t stand
I CAN’T STAND · phraseUsed to say you really dislike something.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- I can’t stand + noun
- I can’t stand + -ing
Similar: I hate, I can’t bear
WritingIn an essay, write “many people dislike” instead of I can’t stand.
SpeakingI can’t stand waiting in queues.
Common mistake: Saying “I don’t can stand”. The phrase is “I can’t stand”.
not my cup of tea
not my CUP of TEA · phraseUsed to say politely that you do not enjoy something.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- it’s not my cup of tea
- not really my cup of tea
Similar: not for me
WritingIdioms like not my cup of tea are too informal for Writing Task 2.
SpeakingHorror films are not my cup of tea.
Common mistake: Saying “it’s my cup of tea” for things you like. It is almost always used in the negative.
I don’t mind
I DON’T MIND · phraseUsed to say something is fine for you, but you do not love it.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- I don’t mind + -ing
- I don’t mind either
Similar: it’s fine, I’m OK with
WritingIn an essay, write “is acceptable” instead of I don’t mind.
SpeakingI don’t mind doing housework, actually.
Common mistake: Saying “I don’t mind to do it”. Use -ing: “I don’t mind doing it”.
Talking about feelings
Natural words for how you feel, useful in Part 2 stories.
over the moon
over the MOON · phraseVery happy.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- be over the moon
- over the moon about
Similar: delighted, thrilled
WritingIn an essay, write “delighted” instead of over the moon.
SpeakingWhen I passed my driving test, I was over the moon.
Common mistake: Using it for small things. It means extremely happy.
fed up
fed UP · adjectiveAnnoyed or bored because something has gone on too long.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- fed up with + noun
- fed up with + -ing
- totally fed up
Similar: sick of, frustrated
WritingFed up is too informal for an essay; write “frustrated”.
SpeakingI was fed up with my old job, so I left.
Common mistake: Saying “fed up of” in a formal situation. “Fed up with” is the safer choice.
stressed out
STRESSED OUT · adjectiveVery worried and tense.Band 6 · everyday
Word family: stress (noun)
Collocations
- get stressed out
- stressed out about
Similar: under pressure, anxious
WritingIn an essay, write “under pressure” instead of stressed out.
SpeakingI get really stressed out before exams.
Common mistake: Saying “I’m stressful”. People are “stressed”; situations are “stressful”.
a bit down
a BIT DOWN · phraseA little sad.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- feel a bit down
- a bit down about
Similar: low, fed up
WritingIn an essay, write “unhappy” instead of a bit down.
SpeakingRainy days make me feel a bit down.
Common mistake: Saying “I feel down a bit” in the wrong order. Say “a bit down”.
butterflies in my stomach
BUT·ter·flies in my STOM·ach · phraseA nervous feeling before something important.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- have butterflies in my stomach
- get butterflies
Similar: nervous, jittery
WritingWrite “nervous” in an essay; butterflies in my stomach is for Speaking.
SpeakingI had butterflies in my stomach before my wedding.
Common mistake: Saying “butterflies in my belly”. The phrase is “butterflies in my stomach”.
Describing people
Words for someone’s character, for Part 2 cards about a friend, a teacher or a relative.
outgoing
out·GO·ing · adjectiveFriendly and happy to meet new people.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- an outgoing person
- outgoing and friendly
Similar: sociable, extrovert
WritingOutgoing people may find it easier to work in sales.
SpeakingMy sister is really outgoing; she talks to everyone.
Common mistake: Using it to mean “going out a lot”. It describes a friendly character.
easy-going
ea·sy-GO·ing · adjectiveCalm and not easily worried or annoyed.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- an easy-going person
- an easy-going attitude
Similar: relaxed, laid-back
WritingAn easy-going manager can create a relaxed workplace.
SpeakingMy dad is very easy-going; nothing makes him angry.
Common mistake: Writing “easy going” with no hyphen before a noun. Write “an easy-going person”.
down-to-earth
down-to-EARTH · adjectivePractical, honest and not trying to seem important.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- a down-to-earth person
- really down-to-earth
Similar: practical, unpretentious
WritingVoters often prefer down-to-earth leaders.
SpeakingEven though she’s famous, she’s really down-to-earth.
Common mistake: Saying “down to the earth”. The phrase is “down-to-earth”, with no “the”.
laid-back
laid-BACK · adjectiveRelaxed and calm.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- a laid-back attitude
- a laid-back lifestyle
Similar: relaxed, easy-going
WritingLife in small towns is often more laid-back than in cities.
SpeakingMy hometown is quite laid-back; nobody’s in a hurry.
Common mistake: Writing “lay-back”. The phrase is “laid-back”.
bubbly
BUB·bly · adjectiveLively and full of happy energy.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- a bubbly personality
- bubbly and fun
Similar: cheerful, lively
WritingBubbly is too informal for an essay; write “cheerful”.
SpeakingMy best friend is really bubbly; she lights up the room.
Common mistake: Mixing it up with “bubble”. A bubbly person is cheerful and lively.
a people person
a PEO·ple PER·son · phraseSomeone who enjoys being with and working with other people.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- I’m a people person
- not really a people person
Similar: sociable person
WritingIn an essay, write “sociable” instead of a people person.
SpeakingI’m a people person, so I love my job in a hotel.
Common mistake: Saying “a person of people”. The phrase is “a people person”.
Describing places and things
Words that help you paint a picture in Part 2.
bustling
BUS·tling · adjectiveFull of busy people and activity.Band 7 · less common
Word family: bustle (noun)
Collocations
- a bustling city
- a bustling market
- bustling streets
Similar: busy, lively
WritingBustling city centres attract young people looking for work.
SpeakingI love the bustling night market near my house.
Common mistake: Spelling it “bussling”. Write “bustling”, with a silent t.
tranquil
TRAN·quil · adjectiveCalm and peaceful.Band 7 · less common
Word family: tranquillity (noun)
Collocations
- a tranquil place
- tranquil surroundings
Similar: peaceful, calm
WritingParks offer a tranquil escape from busy city life.
SpeakingThere’s a tranquil little lake where I go to read.
Common mistake: Spelling it “tranquill”. Write “tranquil”, with one l (but “tranquillity” has two).
packed
PACKED · adjectiveVery full of people.Band 6 · everyday
Word family: pack (verb)
Collocations
- packed with
- a packed train
- absolutely packed
Similar: crowded, full
WritingTrains are packed during the rush hour.
SpeakingThe beach was packed last weekend.
Common mistake: Saying “packed of people”. Say “packed with people”.
cosy
CO·sy · adjectiveWarm, comfortable and pleasant.Band 6 · everyday
Word family: cosiness (noun)
Collocations
- a cosy room
- a cosy café
- warm and cosy
Similar: snug, comfortable
WritingMany people prefer small, cosy cafés to big chain coffee shops.
SpeakingMy flat is small but really cosy.
Common mistake: Writing “cozy” in a British essay. UK: “cosy”; US: “cozy”.
run-down
run-DOWN · adjectiveIn bad condition because nobody has looked after it.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- a run-down area
- run-down buildings
Similar: shabby, neglected
WritingInvestment can turn run-down areas into lively neighbourhoods.
SpeakingThe old cinema in my town is really run-down now.
Common mistake: Writing “run down” with no hyphen before a noun. Write “a run-down area”.
jaw-dropping
JAW-drop·ping · adjectiveSo amazing that it surprises you.Band 8 · uncommon
Collocations
- jaw-dropping views
- a jaw-dropping performance
Similar: stunning, breathtaking
WritingJaw-dropping is too informal for Writing; use “remarkable”.
SpeakingThe view from the top was absolutely jaw-dropping.
Common mistake: Saying “jaw-dropped views”. The adjective is “jaw-dropping”.
a stone’s throw from
a STONE’S THROW from · phraseVery close to a place.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- just a stone’s throw from
- a stone’s throw away
Similar: a short walk from
WritingIn an essay, write “very close to” instead of a stone’s throw from.
SpeakingMy flat is a stone’s throw from the beach.
Common mistake: Saying “a stone throw”. You need ’s: “a stone’s throw”.
Talking about the past and habits
Phrases for how things were and how often you do them.
used to
USED to · phraseUsed to talk about past habits or states that are no longer true.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- used to + verb
- didn’t use to
- used to be
Similar: would (for past habits)
WritingPeople used to write letters, but now they send messages.
SpeakingI used to play the piano when I was a kid.
Common mistake: Writing “didn’t used to”. After “didn’t”, write “use to”: “I didn’t use to like it.”
every now and then
EV·ery now and THEN · phraseSometimes, but not often.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- every now and then
- every now and again
Similar: occasionally, from time to time
WritingIn an essay, write “occasionally” instead of every now and then.
SpeakingI go to the cinema every now and then.
Common mistake: Saying “every now and there”. The phrase is “every now and then”.
once in a blue moon
ONCE in a BLUE MOON · phraseVery rarely.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- only once in a blue moon
- happens once in a blue moon
Similar: rarely, hardly ever
WritingOnce in a blue moon is an idiom; in essays, write “rarely”.
SpeakingI eat fast food only once in a blue moon.
Common mistake: Using it for “sometimes”. It means very rarely.
these days
THESE DAYS · phraseNow, compared with the past.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- these days
- young people these days
Similar: nowadays, at the moment
WritingIn an essay, write “today” or “currently” rather than these days.
SpeakingThese days I mostly read on my phone.
Common mistake: Using “nowadays” in every answer. Mix it with “these days” and “at the moment”.
as a rule
as a RULE · phraseUsually; in most cases.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- as a rule, I …
- as a general rule
Similar: usually, generally
WritingAs a rule is a little informal; in essays, “generally” works better.
SpeakingAs a rule, I don’t drink coffee after six.
Common mistake: Saying “as rule”. You need “a”: “as a rule”.
when I was a kid
when I was a KID · phraseWhen I was a child.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- when I was a kid
- back when I was a kid
Similar: when I was little, as a child
WritingIn an essay, write “in childhood” instead of when I was a kid.
SpeakingWhen I was a kid, I spent every summer at my grandparents’ farm.
Common mistake: Writing “kid” in Task 2. In essays, use “child” or “children”.
Idioms that sound natural
The band 7 Speaking descriptor mentions some idiomatic vocabulary, so a few natural idioms help. Never force them in.
a piece of cake
a PIECE of CAKE · phraseVery easy.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- it was a piece of cake
- a piece of cake for me
Similar: easy, simple
WritingIn an essay, write “very easy” instead of a piece of cake.
SpeakingThe first part of the test was a piece of cake.
Common mistake: Saying “a cake piece”. The idiom is “a piece of cake”.
hit the books
HIT the BOOKS · phraseTo start studying hard.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- hit the books
- time to hit the books
Similar: study hard, revise
WritingHit the books is an idiom for Speaking; in Writing, say “study hard”.
SpeakingI need to hit the books before my exam next week.
Common mistake: Using it for hitting something. It just means to study hard.
cost an arm and a leg
COST an ARM and a LEG · phraseTo be very expensive.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- cost an arm and a leg
- costs an arm and a leg
Similar: very expensive
WritingIn an essay, write “extremely expensive” instead of cost an arm and a leg.
SpeakingConcert tickets cost an arm and a leg these days.
Common mistake: Saying “cost a hand and a leg”. The idiom is “an arm and a leg”.
under the weather
under the WEATH·er · phraseA little ill.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- feel under the weather
- a bit under the weather
Similar: unwell, poorly
WritingIn an essay, write “unwell” instead of under the weather.
SpeakingSorry, I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.
Common mistake: Using it for a serious illness. It means slightly ill.
the best of both worlds
the BEST of BOTH WORLDS · phraseThe good parts of two different things at the same time.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- get the best of both worlds
- have the best of both worlds
Similar: a perfect mix
WritingWorking from home two days a week gives employees the best of both worlds.
SpeakingLiving near the city but in the countryside is the best of both worlds.
Common mistake: Saying “the best of two worlds”. The phrase is “the best of both worlds”.
time flies
TIME FLIES · phraseTime passes very quickly.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- time flies
- time flies when you’re having fun
WritingIn an essay, write “time passes quickly” instead of time flies.
SpeakingI can’t believe I’ve lived here for five years; time flies!
Common mistake: Saying “the time is flying”. The phrase is simply “time flies”.
call it a day
CALL it a DAY · phraseTo stop working on something.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- let’s call it a day
- decide to call it a day
Similar: stop, finish
WritingIn an essay, write “stop” instead of call it a day.
SpeakingAfter ten hours of studying, I called it a day.
Common mistake: Using it for the whole day. It means to stop an activity.
go the extra mile
go the EX·tra MILE · phraseTo make more effort than you need to.Band 8 · uncommon
Collocations
- go the extra mile
- willing to go the extra mile
Similar: make an extra effort
WritingEmployers value staff who go the extra mile for customers.
SpeakingMy teacher always went the extra mile to help us.
Common mistake: Saying “go the extra kilometre”. The idiom keeps “mile”.
Agreeing and disagreeing in Part 3
Polite ways to agree, disagree or partly agree with an idea.
I couldn’t agree more
I COULDN’T a·GREE MORE · phraseUsed to say you agree completely.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- I couldn’t agree more
- I couldn’t agree more with that
Similar: absolutely, I totally agree
WritingIn an essay, write “I completely agree” instead of I couldn’t agree more.
SpeakingI couldn’t agree more; kids spend too much time on screens.
Common mistake: Thinking it means you disagree. It means you agree completely.
to some extent
to SOME ex·TENT · phrasePartly; not completely.Band 7 · less common
Collocations
- to some extent
- to a large extent
- to a certain extent
Similar: partly, up to a point
WritingTo some extent, technology has made people lonelier.
SpeakingI agree to some extent, but not completely.
Common mistake: Saying “in some extent”. Use “to”: “to some extent”.
I see your point, but
I SEE your POINT, but · phraseA polite way to disagree after showing you understand.Band 6 · everyday
Collocations
- I see your point, but …
- I see what you mean, but …
Similar: I see what you mean, but
WritingIn essays, write “While this is true, …” instead of I see your point, but.
SpeakingI see your point, but I think cities are safer than people say.
Common mistake: Disagreeing too directly, like “No, you’re wrong”. This phrase sounds more polite.
generally speaking
GEN·er·al·ly SPEAK·ing · phraseUsed to say something is true in most cases.Band 6 · everyday
Word family: general (adjective)
Collocations
- generally speaking, …
- broadly speaking
Similar: in general, on the whole
WritingGenerally speaking, older people are less comfortable with online banking.
SpeakingGenerally speaking, people in my country are very hospitable.
Common mistake: Saying “general speaking”. You need the adverb: “generally speaking”.
How to use IELTS Speaking vocabulary
Use them, don’t collect them
Examiners reward words that fit what you are saying. One natural idiom is worth more than five that are forced in.
Keep them for Speaking
Most of these phrases are informal. In Writing Task 2, use the formal words shown in each Writing example.
Say them as one unit
Press Listen and copy the stress. Phrases said smoothly sound fluent; phrases said word by word sound memorised.
A model Part 1 answer with IELTS Speaking vocabulary
That’s a good question. Generally speaking, I’m not keen on big cities, but my hometown is bustling and fun. When I was a kid, I used to find it noisy, but these days I love it. Living there gives me the best of both worlds: busy streets and a tranquil park nearby.
Practise IELTS Speaking vocabulary
Take the 10-question quiz on this list, or go through every word with the flashcards.
Question 1 of 10
Which word means “used honestly when a question is new to you, before you give an answer”?
Now use the words
Write a Task 2 essay with five of these words. Then our free Writing Checker gives you a band for vocabulary and for the other three criteria.
Open the Writing Checker
Questions about IELTS Speaking vocabulary
How do I learn these speaking phrases?
Learn about ten words a day. First, read the meaning, listen to the word and say it out loud with the right stress. Then test yourself with the quiz and the flashcards on this page. Finally, use five of the words in an essay and check it with our free Writing Checker.
Which words should I learn first?
Start with the band 6 words, because you need them to explain any idea clearly. After that, add the band 7 words. However, use the band 8 words only when you are sure of their meaning, because a rare word used wrongly can lower your score.
Are these official IELTS words?
No. IELTS has no official word list. Instead, our levels follow the words of the public IELTS band descriptors: band 7 asks for some “less common” words, and band 8 for “uncommon” words used with skill.