Pooja’s coaching notes included a list of ‘golden phrases’: ‘In this modern era’, ‘Every coin has two sides’, and ‘In a nutshell’. She used all three in one practice essay. To an IELTS examiner, they read like a memorised template.

Stock phrases such as ‘In this modern era’ or ‘As we all know’ read as memorised filler in IELTS Task 2, and the band descriptors list inappropriate formulaic language as a weakness. Replace them with plain, specific language that answers the question.

Why Memorised Phrases Don’t Help

Indian English is a legitimate variety of English. This post is about what works in a formal essay for an international exam; to see what to keep and what to fix, read Indian English vs Standard English.

Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and the band descriptors list the inappropriate use of memorised phrases and formulaic language among the weaknesses of lower bands. A single phrase is unhelpful, not banned. Clichés also waste words and delay your answer.

14 Phrases to Replace in Your Essay

Six stock phrases and eight Indian English or informal habits, with alternatives.

Stock phrases and filler

❌ Avoid ✅ Use instead Why
In this modern era / Nowadays, (as opener) Start with the topic itself Cliché, no content
Every coin has two sides There are strong arguments on both sides Cliché; state view directly
As we all know / It is a well-known fact that State the fact directly Filler, sounds memorised
In a nutshell In conclusion / Overall Informal cliché
To conclude, I would like to say that In conclusion, Wordy
In my opinion, I think I believe / In my view Redundant

Indian English and informal habits

❌ Avoid ✅ Use instead Why
Discuss about Discuss ‘Discuss’ takes no ‘about’
More better Better Double comparative
Each and every Every Wordy
I agree with the same I agree with this view ‘The same’ as pronoun
Cent per cent Completely / Entirely Indian English idiom
Kids Children Informal
Lots of Many / A great deal of Informal
etc. such as … Vague

Informal Words to Swap in Formal Writing

Style is part of Lexical Resource: Band 7 describes awareness of style and collocation. The second table covers kids, lots of and etc.; one more swap is until for till. Till is not wrong, only less formal. See formal and informal registers.

Cliché vs Natural: Introduction Rewrite

Practice question: Some people think that technology has made people less sociable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Incorrect: In this modern era, technology is growing rapidly in every field. Every coin has two sides, and as we all know, some people believe smartphones harm relationships. In my opinion, I think digital tools have reduced real human interaction. In this essay, I will discuss about both sides.

Model rewrite (illustrative Band 7+)

Some people claim that technology has weakened social life, as smartphones increasingly replace conversation between friends and family. Although digital platforms offer instant communication, I largely agree, because heavy reliance on them reduces meaningful face-to-face contact and weakens close relationships.

Why this rewrite works:

  • Task Response: The first sentence paraphrases the question; the second states a clear position (“I largely agree”).
  • Coherence and Cohesion: The concession (“Although…”) leads naturally to the position.
  • Lexical Resource: Plain, specific wording (weakened social life, face-to-face contact, heavy reliance) replaces stock phrases.

The 30-Second Final Self-Check

During your final five-minute check, spend thirty seconds scanning for the phrases in the first table. If you find In this modern era or In a nutshell, remove them and use a direct topic statement or In conclusion.

Tip

Keep a short list of the stock phrases you tend to write, and check each practice essay against it.

Try It

The three sentences below contain five clichés and Indianisms. Rewrite the paragraph in clear, formal English:

Incorrect: Nowadays, teenagers spend lots of time playing online games. Each and every parent should discuss about this issue. Cent per cent, gaming reduces physical activity.

Show sample answer

Teenagers now spend a great deal of time playing online games. Every parent should discuss this issue. Gaming clearly reduces physical activity.

Key Takeaways

  • Stock phrases like Every coin has two sides add no content.
  • Open your essay with the topic itself rather than memorised clichés.
  • Eliminate redundant Indianisms such as discuss about and each and every.
  • Replace conversational words like kids and lots of with formal alternatives.

The bottom line: Cut the stock phrases and write plain, specific sentences that answer the question.