Spring is here! As we move into the warmer months, we are taking a look at expressions that use the word MARCH. These are excellent expressions to use when describing people, so take note of their use and try to incorporate them into an upcoming Cambridge FCE or CAE exam, your IELTS exam, or TOEFL test.

Need more ways to prepare for your speaking exam? Check out these articles:

• Tips for Preparing for the CAE and FCE Speaking Tests
• How Useful expressions for Part 1 of Cambridge FCE and CAE
• Top TOEFL Speaking Test Tips
• IELTS Speaking Part 1 Tips
• IELTS Speaking Part 2 Tips

Expressions with MARCH

March to the beat of a different drum

• Definition: to act in a way that is not the social norm
• Example: He was always unique. Even when he was a kid, he marched to the beat of a different drum.
• Sample speaking test question: Could you describe your best friend, and something that you admire about him or her?
  • Sample speaking test answer: My best friend is the most interesting person I know. She marches to the beat of a different drum and simply doesn’t care what others think of her. I admire this about her, as I am more self-conscious.

To be on the march 

• Definition:  dangerous political idea is becoming more popular
• Example: the more extreme political stances seem to be on the march during this election.
• Sample speaking test question: Can you describe something in the news from your home country?
  • Sample speaking test answer: Certainly. Well, as you might know, we are currently in the midst of an election season. More extreme political stances seem to be on the march at the moment, perhaps in response to the current financial problems my country is having. 

To march against something

• Definition: to demonstrate or protest something; to march together in support of a cause
• Example: There’s a “Mothers Against Violence” march this Saturday. I think I’m going. Wanna come?
• Sample speaking test question: Do you think it is important to keep up with political events? Why or why not?
  • Sample speaking test answer: I absolutely do. In fact, I’m quite politically active myself. I’ve even participated in marches against some politicians and governmental policies. I think it’s very important to be aware of what’s happening in our local and national governments.

Here are some other commonly used expressions with march:

(March) in single file

• Definition: to march in a line, one person behind the other
• Example: When I played in the band in high school, we had to practice marching in single file for hours every day.

March out of step 

• Definition: to march to different rhythms
• Example: The military marched out of step, which looked incredibly unprofessional.

March in step 

• Definition: to march so that each step is taken at the same time
• Example: They all marched in step: it was very impressive.

Cover photo from Shutterstock. March on Washington photo by Warren K. Leffler and available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ppmsca.03130