Top 10 Phrases for PTE Core Writing and Speaking

Top 10 Phrases for PTE Core Writing and Speaking: The PTE Core exam evaluates your English proficiency in both writing and speaking. One of the best ways to stand out is by using strong, impactful phrases that improve your coherence, fluency, and clarity. Whether you’re connecting ideas, replacing common words, or making your responses sound more natural, these phrases will help you score higher.

In this blog, we’ll cover ten essential phrases that will elevate your writing and speaking skills. These phrases include transition sentences, paragraph connectors, advanced vocabulary, and versatile expressions that fit naturally in different tasks.

1. To Put It Simply

This phrase helps you rephrase complex ideas into simpler terms, ensuring clarity. It’s perfect for both writing and speaking when you need to summarize a key point.

✅ Example in Writing:
“The economic downturn has led to widespread layoffs. To put it simply, companies are cutting costs by reducing their workforce.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“The new policy limits international student work hours. To put it simply, it means fewer job opportunities for students.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Use this phrase to clarify a point, particularly in describe image, summarize text, and essay writing tasks.

2. One Could Argue That

This phrase introduces a counterpoint or an alternative perspective in an essay or discussion, making your response more balanced.

✅ Example in Writing:
“Many believe technology improves efficiency. One could argue that it also creates dependency and reduces critical thinking.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“Some say remote work boosts productivity. One could argue that it also isolates employees and affects teamwork.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Use this phrase in argumentative essays, opinion-based questions, and structured discussions.

3. It Is Worth Mentioning That

This phrase highlights an important detail without making it the main focus. It ensures your response includes extra supporting points.

✅ Example in Writing:
“Renewable energy is cost-effective. It is worth mentioning that initial setup costs are still high.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“Fast food is convenient. It is worth mentioning that it also contributes to health problems.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Ideal for expanding on ideas in essays and structured responses.

4. In Light of This

A powerful transition phrase to indicate that an argument or situation has led to a particular consequence.

✅ Example in Writing:
“Pollution levels have increased drastically. In light of this, many cities have imposed stricter environmental laws.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“People are becoming more health-conscious. In light of this, gyms and organic food stores are growing in popularity.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Use this phrase in summaries and discussions to show cause-and-effect relationships.

5. The Crux of the Matter Is

A great phrase for summarizing the main issue or conclusion of a discussion.

✅ Example in Writing:
“Many factors affect climate change. The crux of the matter is that human activity plays a significant role.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“There are different opinions about online learning. The crux of the matter is that it provides flexibility but lacks hands-on experience.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
This phrase works well in conclusions and summaries.

6. A Viable Alternative Would Be

This phrase is useful when suggesting solutions or options.

✅ Example in Writing:
“Traffic congestion is a serious problem. A viable alternative would be to improve public transportation.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“Instead of banning plastic bags, a viable alternative would be to charge a fee for their use.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Great for problem-solving questions and persuasive essays.

7. A Common Misconception Is That

This phrase introduces an incorrect belief before providing clarification.

✅ Example in Writing:
“A common misconception is that working from home is easier. In reality, it requires discipline and time management.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“A common misconception is that speaking fast means fluency. In reality, clarity is more important.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Useful in opinion essays, debates, and explain-a-concept questions.

8. Having Said That

This phrase introduces a contrast or a slight shift in viewpoint.

✅ Example in Writing:
“Technology has made life easier. Having said that, it has also increased screen time and reduced physical activity.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“Cities offer better job opportunities. Having said that, rural areas have a better quality of life.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Works well in discussions and contrast-based arguments.

9. More Often Than Not

This phrase emphasizes that something happens frequently, making your statement more natural.

✅ Example in Writing:
“More often than not, people ignore warnings about unhealthy eating habits until they experience health issues.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“More often than not, students struggle with time management during exams.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Use this in general statements, observations, and trends.

10. What This Means Is That

A clear way to summarize or explain something in simple terms.

✅ Example in Writing:
“Automation is replacing many jobs. What this means is that workers must upskill to stay relevant.”

✅ Example in Speaking:
“The government increased taxes on sugary drinks. What this means is that people might be encouraged to choose healthier options.”

How to Use It in PTE Core:
Great for clarifying key points in summaries and discussions.

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Final Thoughts

Mastering these top 10 phrases for PTE Core Writing and Speaking will not only improve your fluency but also increase your overall score. These expressions help in organizing thoughts, making arguments stronger, and providing a smooth flow to your responses.

The PTE Core exam evaluates how well you communicate ideas, so using a mix of advanced, transition, and commonly used phrases will set you apart from other test-takers.

Start practicing these phrases today, and watch your PTE Core scores improve significantly! 🚀