energy consumption
The amount of energy used by individuals, industries, or countries, often measured in kilowatt‑hours or tonnes of oil equivalent.
writing-task-1Environment
IELTS use
Very common in task 1 to describe energy use trends, comparisons, and efficiency changes.
Examples
- The line graph shows energy consumption in the residential sector.
- Energy consumption per capita has fallen in several European countries.
- The table compares energy consumption by source in 2000 and 2020.
- Total energy consumption is projected to rise by 20% by 2030.
Collocations
- energy consumption per capita
- Energy consumption per capita is highest in North America.
- reduce energy consumption
- Insulation helps reduce energy consumption in buildings.
- total energy consumption
- The chart displays total energy consumption over 30 years.
- energy consumption pattern
- Energy consumption patterns vary by season.
Word family
- Noun
- consumption
- Verb
- consume
- Adjective
- consumptive
Paraphrases
- energy use: Shorter alternative; suitable for less formal descriptions.
- power usage: Often used for electricity data.
- fuel consumption: Specific when data is about fossil fuels.
Common mistakes
- energy consumption are high to energy consumption is high. Subject-verb agreement: 'consumption' is uncountable and singular.
- consumption of energy to energy consumption. Both correct, but 'energy consumption' is more compact and common.
- consume energy more to energy consumption rises. Use noun form in data descriptions rather than verb.