🔗 Collocations to Show Contrast, Reason, and Result in IELTS Essays

Clear, logical argumentation is a key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2. One way to improve your score in Cohesion and Coherence is to use natural, high-level collocations to express contrast, reason, and result — especially when transitioning between ideas.

⚖️ Collocations to Show Contrast

• In contrast to – “In contrast to previous decades, fewer young people own homes today.”
• On the other hand – “Some people support globalization. On the other hand, others worry about cultural loss.”
• While it is true that... – “While it is true that fast food is convenient, it can be harmful to health.”
• Despite the fact that – “Despite the fact that smoking is dangerous, many people continue the habit.”
• However, this is not always the case – “Social media is useful. However, this is not always the case in educational settings.”

🎯 Collocations to Express Reason or Cause

• Due to the fact that – “Many young adults live with their parents due to the fact that housing is expensive.”
• Owing to – “Owing to rising tuition fees, fewer students attend university.”
• Because of – “Because of climate change, governments are changing energy policies.”
• As a result of – “As a result of automation, many jobs have been lost.”
• Stems from – “This issue stems from poor waste management.”

📈 Collocations to Show Result or Effect

• Lead to – “This policy could lead to increased inequality.”
• Result in – “Deforestation often results in habitat destruction.”
• Give rise to – “The internet has given rise to new forms of communication.”
• Have a major impact on – “Lifestyle choices have a major impact on public health.”
• Cause a decline in – “Urban expansion has caused a decline in agricultural land.”

📝 IELTS Essay Sentence Examples

“Owing to the rise of automation, many traditional jobs have disappeared, which has given rise to widespread unemployment.”

“While it is true that tourism creates jobs, it can lead to environmental degradation if not managed properly.”

🚫 Common Mistakes

• ❌ “Because of the fact of” → too wordy
• ❌ Repeating the same word like “but” or “because” in every sentence
• ❌ Using informal phrases like “the thing is” or “so...”

🎯 Final Tips

• ✔️ Learn 2–3 collocations for each function (contrast, cause, result)
• ✔️ Vary the grammar (e.g., participles, passive, complex clauses)
• ✔️ Avoid overly repetitive linking words like “because” and “but”

Using topic-relevant collocations to show contrast, reason, and result will improve both your clarity and your band score in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice them in your essays and aim for natural, varied transitions.

See also next Phrasal Verbs vs Idioms – What’s Acceptable in IELTS?

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