“Come to think of it” is a common idiomatic expression in English that can be particularly useful for IELTS candidates. This phrase is used to introduce an idea or thought that has just occurred to the speaker, often adding a new perspective to the conversation. Let’s explore how to effectively use this phrase in the IELTS exam.
Understanding “Come to Think of It”
The phrase “come to think of it” is used when someone suddenly remembers or realizes something relevant to the current topic of discussion. It’s a way of introducing an afterthought or a new idea that has just come to mind. In IELTS, using such idiomatic expressions can help demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency.
Grammar and Usage
The structure of this phrase is fixed and should be used as follows:
Come to think of it, + [new idea or realization]
It’s important to note that this phrase is typically used at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a comma.
Examples of “Come to Think of It” in IELTS Tasks
Let’s look at how this phrase can be applied in different parts of the IELTS exam:
IELTS Speaking
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Part 1 (Introduction and Interview)
Examiner: “Do you enjoy cooking?”
Candidate: “Not really, I find it time-consuming. Come to think of it, I’ve never really given cooking a proper chance. Maybe I should try some simple recipes.” -
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Topic: Describe a skill you would like to learn
“I’d like to learn photography. Come to think of it, my father used to be an amateur photographer, so I could probably ask him for some tips.” -
Part 3 (Discussion)
Examiner: “How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?”
Candidate: “Technology has made learning more accessible through online courses and tutorials. Come to think of it, I learned most of my computer skills through YouTube videos.”
IELTS Writing
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Task 2 (Essay)
“Many people believe that traditional bookstores are becoming obsolete due to online retailers. Come to think of it, this trend might actually lead to a renaissance of independent bookshops that offer unique experiences.” -
Task 1 (Report)
“The graph shows a steady decline in newspaper readership over the past decade. Come to think of it, this trend coincides with the rise of social media and online news platforms.”
Strategies for Using “Come to Think of It” Effectively
To score higher in IELTS by using this phrase:
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Use it sparingly: Overusing any idiom can make your speech or writing seem unnatural.
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Ensure relevance: The new idea introduced should be pertinent to the topic at hand.
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Follow up with elaboration: After using the phrase, expand on your new thought to demonstrate critical thinking.
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Practice in context: Incorporate the phrase into your practice sessions for both speaking and writing tasks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect placement: Don’t use it in the middle or end of a sentence.
Incorrect: “I don’t like vegetables, come to think of it.”
Correct: “Come to think of it, I don’t really like any vegetables.” -
Overuse: Using it multiple times in a short conversation or essay can sound repetitive.
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Using in formal writing: While it’s acceptable in IELTS essays, it might be too casual for very formal academic writing.
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Forgetting the comma: Always remember to use a comma after the phrase.
Incorrect: “Come to think of it I’ve never tried sushi.”
Correct: “Come to think of it, I’ve never tried sushi.” -
Mixing up the word order: The phrase should always be “come to think of it,” not “think to come of it” or any other variation.
Conclusion
Mastering phrases like “come to think of it” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance by demonstrating a nuanced understanding of English. Remember to use it naturally and appropriately in both speaking and writing tasks. Practice incorporating this phrase into your responses to various IELTS topics, such as education, technology, or environmental issues, to become more comfortable with its usage.