This document discusses ten common misused phrases in the IELTS exam. It provides the correct definitions and examples of phrases such as "on the contrary", "in contrast", "used to + verb", "I could care less", and others. It aims to help IELTS exam takers avoid using incorrect phrases in their exam responses. The document also shares additional free IELTS exam preparation resources and sample materials that can be downloaded.

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Ten Common Misused Phrases in the IELTS
IELTS TRAINING 101

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INTRO
The IELTS examination is a paper-based
examination gauging an individual’s proficiency in
using the English language. The test uses the four
language skills – speaking, listening, reading and
writing- in measuring one’s competency in the
English language. Because of this, candidates for
the examination, choose to attend classes in
different IELTS review centers that will help them
understand the test format and develop their
skills better.

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TEN MISUSED PHRASES
IN THE
IELTS
ONE SHOULD AVOID

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ON THE CONTRARY
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This phrase is used to emphasize a negative statement on a
previous statement. Most of the time, the idea presented
following the phrase is somehow not usually accepted (as an
idea) but is correct. The idea is to bring an alternative option
to the common idea.
Example:
John Guevarra’s family and relatives were known to excel in
the field of medicine and science. They have already put up
a lot hospitals and clinic around the globe. On the contrary,
John’s brother, Michael, is a certified public accountant.

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IN CONTRAST
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Like on the contrary, this phrase is used to show
contradicting ideas. Meaning to say, you are
comparing two ideas and you use the expression to
show the other side of one idea, not to emphasize
your own viewpoint.
Example:
There has been an increase in the unemployment rate
in Cebu City. In contrast, Davao City has seen a 10%
increase on the employment rate since 2009.

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USED TO + VERB

When used to is paired with the original form of the
verb indicates a past action or condition that existed.
For example, you can say, I used to be a model. It
means that in the past you were a model but now you
are not. (note: be (highlighted in red) is a verb).

Example:
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I used to live in a coastal barangay in the Philippines.

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USED TO + VERB (ING)

If used to is paired with a verb in ~ing, it means that
something or an action is not new or strange for you to
do. For instance, you say, I am used to using
chopsticks. This means that somebody does not find it
strange to use chopsticks. He or she can use it and it
is not new for him or her.

Example:

I used to loving the shore before factories were built
here in our place.

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I COULD CARE LESS
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This expression is totally wrong as the right
expression says , I couldn’t care less. It means that
you do not care much on something because you
have no care to give. This is a misused expression
commonly heard in conversations.

Example:

I couldn’t care less on who will win the elections. I
am more concerned with my family’s welfare.

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ALTERNATELY AND ALTERNATIVELY
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Alternately simply means one after another; hence, it is
considered an adverb. On the other hand, alternatively
means “on the other hand” one or another.
Example:
The organization is using the power generated from the
sun and the power produced from the grid alternately.
Group A is planning to create a vehicle that will use biogas.
Alternatively, group B will be responsible for a vehicle that
will use solar energy.

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INTENSIVE PURPOSES

This has been quite evident in some writing and this is
totally a huge mistake. This should be written as “for
all intent and purposes.”
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Example:
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For all intent and purposes, a financial statement for
all company expenses must be posted on the bulletin
board.

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KIND OF AND SORT OF

These are okay in informal conversation or
writings. However, when writing a formal type of
essay, better use the expressions somewhat or
slightly.

Example:
Formal: The left eye is somewhat bigger than the
right eye.
 Informal: The left eye is kind of bigger than the
right eye.


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DUE TO THE FACT THAT
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This is too words and it makes your sentence wrong. If
you mean “because”, settle with “due to”. Therefore,
avoid using the said expression.
Example:
The cliff eroded due to the strong waves from the sea.
The cliff eroded because of the strong waves from the
sea.

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THE REASON WHY IS BECAUSE
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Redundancy at its peak! “The reason is” should be
used rather than this expression. Do not make
expressions longer just to sound smart.
Example:
Lack of practice is one of the reasons why people fail
the IELTS exam.
Most people fail the IELTS exam because of lack of
practice.

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MORE USEFUL RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT:

IELTS Blog – http://www.jroozreview.com/ieltsblog

IELTS Exams Tips –
http://www.ieltsexamstips.com

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YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE FOLLOWING FOR
FREE:

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IELTS Sample Essay – Brain Drain –
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/163370560/ielts-writing---brain-drain

IELTS Grammar – Prepositions of, to, for https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwIiwLcD96zudVVLazcybXVad1E/e
dit?usp=sharing

Popular IELTS Writing Topics – General Training http://www.scribd.com/doc/177051451/Popular-IELTS-WritingTopics-for-General-Training-Module-Task-1



Popular IELTS Speaking Topics http://issuu.com/jemccoy/docs/ielts_speaking_topics_popular_-_iel