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7 EXPRESSIONS TO AVOID IN YOUR ESSAYS



When writing an essay for your F.C. exam, you should avoid using words that sound too casual, since this type of writing requires formal language.
The seven expressions listed below may not be proper for an essay due to their colloquial tone, yet are frequently used by many B2 students. Replacing them for more appropiate phrases, such as the ones mentioned beneath, will help you communicate your ideas in a more competent and convincing manner.

1. INSTEAD OF "BECAUSE..."
  • As
  • Since
  • Owing to
  • Due to the fact that
2. INSTEAD OF "BUT..."
  • However
  • Although
  • Nevertheless
  • Even so
3. INSTEAD OF "IF..."
  • As long as
  • Unless
  • Providing/provided
  • On the condition that

4. INSTEAD OF "...AND..."
  • As well as
  • Furthermore
  • Moreover
  • In addition to
5. INSTEAD OF "FOR EXAMPLE..."
  • To illustrate
  • This is shown/can be seen
  • By way of illustration
  • Namely
6. INSTEAD OF "I THINK THAT..."
  • From my point of view
  • In my opinion
  • It seems to me that
  • From my perspective
7. INSTEAD OF "IN SHORT..."
  • To summarize
  • To conclude
  • All things considered
  • In conclusion

EXTRA: Bear in mind that not only the words you choose to use on your essay will affect the formality of your text, but how you include those words in your sentences and the way you express your ideas also play an important role as well.

                                FORMAL        VS       INFORMAL                            

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