Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score – Key Word: Idea

Having a strong command of collocations can significantly improve your IELTS Writing and Speaking scores. The word “idea” is one of the most versatile nouns in English, used to express opinions, suggestions, and creativity. In this blog, you’ll learn how to use common verb, adjective, and expression collocations with “idea” naturally in your IELTS answers.

What Are “Idea” Collocations?

Collocations are natural word combinations used by native speakers. When you use correct collocations, your speech and writing sound fluent and accurate.
For example, instead of saying “create an idea,” native speakers say “come up with an idea.”

Using these combinations correctly helps you achieve a higher Lexical Resource score in IELTS.

Verb + Idea Collocations

Verb collocations show how we express, create, or respond to ideas. They are essential in IELTS Writing essays and discussions, especially when developing arguments or giving opinions.

Verbs: consider, come up with, get across, reject, go along with, sell

Complete the sentences with the correct verb:

1. He’s a really good speaker. He has that rare ability to _________ complex ideas in language everyone can understand.
2. We’ve been _________ the idea of moving to a smaller flat now that the children have left home.
3. The committee needs to _________ some ideas for raising funds for the new church. Does anybody have any suggestions?
4. She’s always _________ the idea of getting married. She says she prefers the freedom of being single.
5. I think my proposal would help improve the company, but I’m having trouble _________ the idea to my boss.
6. She’ll never _________ the idea, so it’s not worth mentioning it to her.

These collocations are especially useful for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays when discussing opinions or proposals, e.g., “Many people reject the idea of increasing taxes to fund education.”

Expressing Liking and Disliking Ideas

In IELTS Speaking, you often need to express your attitude toward suggestions or opinions. Below are common expressions that show whether you like or dislike an idea. Fill in the prepositions and mark each as (L) for like or (D) for dislike:

1. dead _________ the idea
2. receptive _________ new ideas
3. a lot of resistance _________ the idea of
4. bitterly opposed _________ this idea
5. not wild _________ the idea
6. in favour _________ the idea
7. sold _________ the idea
8. hostile _________ the idea

These phrases are perfect for IELTS Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2 when presenting or evaluating arguments.

Common Adjective + Idea Collocations

Adjective + “idea” collocations describe the type or quality of an idea.

Adjectives: brilliant, faintest, half-baked, fixed, funny, original, vague, fair

Complete the sentences with the correct adjective:

1. The company is looking for a creative person with fresh and _________ ideas.
2. You’ll never get my mother to change her mind! She has very _________ ideas on almost every subject.
3. What a _________ idea! Why didn’t I think of that?
4. He’s got some strange ideas on bringing up kids. Yes, Frank does have some _________ ideas at times, doesn’t he?
5. I think I’ve got a _________ idea of what to do, but I’ll get back to you if I have any problems.
6. I haven’t the _________ idea what you’re talking about!

These collocations are useful for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Writing Task 2 when describing suggestions, evaluating ideas, or showing creativity.

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Verb + Idea

1. get across
2. considering
3. come up with
4. rejected
5. selling
6. go along with

Exercise 2: Liking/Disliking Ideas

1. dead against (D)
2. receptive to (L)
3. a lot of resistance to (D)
4. bitterly opposed to (D)
5. not wild about (D)
6. in favour of (L)
7. sold on (L)
8. hostile to (D)

Exercise 3: Adjective + Idea

1. original
2. fixed
3. brilliant
4. funny
5. fair
6. faintest

Mastering collocations with “idea” is essential for improving your IELTS performance. It allows you to express opinions and suggestions clearly in Speaking Part 3, write coherent and precise arguments in Writing Task 2, and understand natural English usage in Listening and Reading sections. By using phrases like “come up with an idea,” “reject the idea,” or “a half-baked idea,” your English will sound more fluent and natural, significantly enhancing your chances of achieving Band 7 or higher.

Also Check: 

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