If you’re preparing for the IELTS exam and want to boost your spoken English, upgrading your everyday sentences is a must. Saying “I think” or “I like” might be fine in casual conversation, but the IELTS speaking test demands natural, fluent, and advanced English phrases that reflect a higher level of language proficiency.

 

 

In this blog, you’ll discover 100+ useful phrases for IELTS speaking that can help you replace common expressions with smarter, more effective alternatives. These IELTS vocabulary upgrades will not only improve your confidence but also help you sound more fluent and well-prepared during the test. Each phrase comes with a real-life example and a simple Hindi translation, making it perfect for learners who are comfortable in Hindi but aiming to strengthen their English speaking skills for IELTS.

Whether you’re targeting a band 7 or above, or simply want to improve your spoken English, this guide is designed to help you express yourself better in every IELTS speaking situation.

 

Category 1: Giving Opinions

In the IELTS speaking exam, using varied expressions to share your thoughts can significantly boost your score. If you’re wondering what to say instead of “I think”, this section offers powerful alternatives that improve your spoken English and reflect a wider range of IELTS speaking vocabulary.

 

Instead of: “I think…” Say:

 

1. In my opinion, …

Example: In my opinion, education should be free for everyone.

 

2. From my perspective, …

Example: From my perspective, social media has both pros and cons.

 

3. I believe that …

Example: I believe that climate change needs urgent action.

 

4. As far as I’m concerned, …

Example: As far as I’m concerned, regular exercise is essential for good health.

 

5. I would argue that …

Example: I would argue that urban living is more stressful than rural life.

 

6. I strongly feel that …

Example: I strongly feel that governments should invest more in education.

 

7. In my view, …

Example: In my view, technology is both a boon and a bane.

 

8. If you ask me, …

Example: If you ask me, exams don’t always reflect a student’s potential.

 

9. I am of the opinion that …

Example: I am of the opinion that reading improves mental clarity.

Category 2: Agreeing Politely

In the IELTS speaking test, showing agreement in a more refined way can boost your fluency score. If you’re looking for what to say instead of “Yes, I agree,” these upgraded phrases will make your responses sound more natural and advanced. Using such expressions enhances your spoken English and helps you showcase a strong grasp of IELTS speaking vocabulary.

 

Instead of: “Yes, I agree.” Say:

1. I completely agree.

Example: I completely agree that time management is a valuable skill.

 

2. I couldn’t agree more.

Example: I couldn’t agree more with your views on environmental protection.

 

3. That’s exactly how I see it.

Example: That’s exactly how I see it when it comes to online learning benefits.

 

4. You’re absolutely right.

 Example: You’re absolutely right about the importance of physical activity.

 

5. I share the same opinion.

Example: I share the same opinion on the role of social media in society.

 

6. That’s a valid point.

Example: That’s a valid point regarding youth unemployment.

 

7. I see eye to eye with you.

Example: I see eye to eye with you on the value of teamwork.

 

Category 3: Disagreeing Politely

During the IELTS speaking exam, it’s important to express disagreement without sounding rude. If you’re wondering what to say instead of “I don’t agree,” these polite alternatives will help you communicate your views respectfully. They also enrich your IELTS speaking vocabulary and improve your overall spoken English fluency.

 

Instead of: “I don’t agree.” Say:

1. I’m afraid I disagree.

Example: I’m afraid I disagree with the idea of banning homework altogether.

 

2. I see your point, but…

 Example: I see your point, but I think exams still have value in education.

 

3. That’s one way to look at it; however…

 Example: That’s one way to look at it; however, I believe rural life has more peace.

 

4. I beg to differ.

 Example: I beg to differ; in my experience, part-time jobs help students grow.

5. I respect your opinion, but…

 Example: I respect your opinion, but I think uniforms reduce distractions.

6. I’m not entirely convinced.

 Example: I’m not entirely convinced that online classes can replace traditional ones.

7. I have a different perspective.

Example: I have a different perspective on the usefulness of school exams.

 

Category 4: Expressing Preferences

In the IELTS speaking test, showing your likes and dislikes using richer expressions can make a big difference. If you’re searching for what to say instead of “I like” or “I don’t like,” these advanced alternatives will boost your spoken English and demonstrate strong IELTS speaking vocabulary—perfect for making your answers sound more fluent and natural.

 

Instead of: “I like” or “I don’t like” Say:

 

1. I prefer … over …

 Example: I prefer tea over coffee as it feels lighter.

 

2. I’m fond of …

Example: I’m fond of reading fiction during my free time.

 

3. I’m not really into …

Example: I’m not really into watching TV shows.

 

4. I’m keen on …

 Example: I’m keen on learning new languages.

 

5. I’m passionate about …

 Example: I’m passionate about art and design.

 

6. I’m not a big fan of …

 Example: I’m not a big fan of horror movies.

 

7. I’d rather … than …

 Example: I’d rather walk to the office than drive.

 

8. … doesn’t appeal to me.

Example: Loud music doesn’t appeal to me.

 

9. I have a soft spot for …

Example: I have a soft spot for traditional food.

 

Category 5: Describing Changes & Trends

When answering questions about data or trends in the IELTS speaking or writing test, using precise and formal phrases is key. If you’re unsure what to say instead of “It changed” or “It went up/down,” these smart alternatives will help elevate your spoken English and strengthen your IELTS speaking vocabulary—perfect for discussing graphs, charts, or everyday changes.

 

Instead of: “It changed” or “It went up/down” Say:

1. There was a sharp increase in …

 Example: There was a sharp increase in online sales during the pandemic.

 

2. The number of … rose significantly.

Example: The number of students enrolling in online courses rose significantly.

3. The data shows a gradual decline in …

Example: The data shows a gradual decline in smoking rates.

 

4. … remained relatively stable.

Example: Internet usage remained relatively stable throughout the year.

 

5. … fluctuated slightly.

Example: Petrol prices fluctuated slightly over the past few months.

 

6. There was consistent growth in …

Example: There was consistent growth in smartphone users.

 

7. … peaked in …

Example: Electricity consumption peaked in July.

 

8. The graph indicates a downward trend in …

Example: The graph indicates a downward trend in birth rates.

 

Category 6: Talking About Possibility & Certainty

In the IELTS speaking exam, it’s important to express probability and certainty clearly and confidently. If you’re wondering what to say instead of “maybe” or “it will happen,” these upgraded phrases will help you sound more fluent and accurate. Using such vocabulary enhances your spoken English and boosts your IELTS speaking vocabulary for better scoring potential.

 

Instead of: “Maybe” or “It will happen” Say:

 

1. It’s highly likely that …

 Example: It’s highly likely that electric vehicles will become the norm.

 

2. There’s a good chance that …

 Example: There’s a good chance the exam will be postponed.

 

3. I’m fairly certain that …

 Example: I’m fairly certain she’ll pass the IELTS exam.

 

4. It’s possible that …

 Example: It’s possible that more people will work from home in the future.

 

5. It’s unlikely that …

 Example: It’s unlikely that schools will completely go online.

 

6. I wouldn’t be surprised if …

 Example: I wouldn’t be surprised if fuel prices went up again.

 

7. There’s a slight possibility that…

 Example: There’s a slight possibility of rain this evening.

 

8. I strongly believe that …

 Example: I strongly believe that education can transform society.

 

 

Category 7: Making Comparisons

Making comparisons effectively is a key part of IELTS speaking and writing. If you’re looking for what to say instead of “A is better than B”, these refined alternatives will help you express comparisons more naturally and professionally. They’re perfect for expanding your IELTS speaking vocabulary and improving your spoken English for a higher band score.

 

Instead of: “A is better than B” or “B is worse than A”, Say:

 

1. A is far superior to B.

 Example: Online learning is far superior to traditional methods in terms of flexibility.

 

2. A is considerably more … than B.

 Example: City life is considerably more hectic than village life.

 

3. Compared to B, A is …

 Example: Compared to printed books, e-books are more convenient.

 

4. A is nowhere near as … as B.

 Example: Public transport is nowhere near as expensive as private cabs.

 

5. A is slightly less … than B.

 Example: This phone is slightly less powerful than the newer model.

 

6. B can’t match A in terms of …

 Example: Artificial intelligence can’t match humans in terms of emotional intelligence.

 

Conclusion

Mastering the right expressions can make a huge difference in your IELTS speaking test. By replacing basic words with these advanced English phrases, you’re not only improving your spoken English but also demonstrating the fluency and vocabulary range needed for a higher IELTS band score. We hope this collection of 100+ upgraded IELTS phrases with Hindi translations helps you prepare more confidently for the exam. Use these in your daily practice, mock tests, and real-life conversations to build a strong command over IELTS speaking vocabulary. Remember, the key to success in the IELTS exam is regular practice, smart sentence usage, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly and naturally.

Keep learning, keep speaking, and take one step closer to your dream IELTS score!

 

Related Blog

Understand These Vocabulary to Give Better Answers in IELTS Exam