Diversifying IELTS Complex Sentence Structures

Complex Sentence Structures

Complex sentences combine an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. For example, "Although she studied diligently, she could not answer every question." Dependent clauses (such as relative, adverbial, or conditional clauses) help you connect ideas logically and show grammatical complexity. In the IELTS Writing and Speaking sections, using a variety of complex sentences is a hallmark of higher band scores because it demonstrates advanced grammar control and cohesion. Not only do complex sentences improve clarity, but they also reflect the kind of grammatical range examiners look for.

Complex sentences are especially useful for expressing cause and effect, conditions, contrasts, and additional information without resorting to short, choppy sentences. Rather than writing separate sentences such as "The weather was cold. We went for a hike," you can combine them: "Because the weather was cold, we still went for a hike." This shows a more sophisticated style. In speaking, using diverse complex structures can demonstrate fluency and coherence as you link ideas smoothly.

Why It Matters for IELTS

In the IELTS Writing and Speaking sections, examiners assess your range of grammatical structures and your ability to maintain coherence across sentences and paragraphs. Consistently using complex sentences signals lexical resourcefulness and grammatical accuracy. Band descriptors often highlight “a variety of complex sentence forms” as a hallmark of higher scores. Additionally, cohesive devices such as relative pronouns and subordinators help you connect ideas logically, resulting in better cohesion marks. By integrating relative, adverbial, and conditional clauses in your responses, you align your performance with the criteria for a 7.0 band or higher. Practising these structures not only prepares you for exam tasks but also builds confidence in your overall English proficiency.

Rule Explanation

Here are three essential types of dependent clauses you can use to diversify your writing and speaking:

• Relative Clauses
  Relative clauses begin with pronouns such as who, which, that, or whose. They allow you to add extra information about a noun without starting a new sentence.
  Correct: "The students who participated in the workshop gained confidence."
  Why it’s correct: The clause "who participated in the workshop" defines which students are being discussed and flows naturally.
  Common mistake: Omitting the relative pronoun or inserting unnecessary commas in defining clauses.

• Adverbial Clauses (Time, Cause, Contrast)
  Adverbial clauses start with subordinating conjunctions like when, because, although, while, or since to show time, reason, or contrast.
  Correct: "Although the exam was challenging, she finished early."
  Why it’s correct: "Although the exam was challenging" introduces contrast before the main clause, and the comma is placed correctly.
  Common mistake: Using a comma splice by joining two independent clauses without a conjunction.

• Conditional Sentences
  Conditional sentences express hypothetical situations or real possibilities using patterns like zero, first, second, and third conditionals.
  Correct: "If you practice these structures daily, you will notice significant improvement."
  Why it’s correct: The present simple in the “if” clause and the future simple in the main clause form a proper first conditional.
  Common mistake: Mixing tenses improperly (e.g., using past tense in both clauses for a reality condition).

Tip: Mix different types of complex sentences in the same paragraph to avoid repetition and showcase your grammatical range.

Examples

• Correct: "The report, which was finalized last night, was submitted this morning." — A non-defining relative clause adds extra detail and is set off by commas.
• Correct: "Since the data was incomplete, the researchers delayed their presentation." — A cause clause explains the reason for postponement.
• Correct: "Unless you review your notes regularly, you may forget key details." — A negative condition using "unless" to stress necessity.
• Correct: "Had they known about the traffic, they would have left earlier." — An inverted third conditional adds formality and variety.

Practice Question

Choose the correct option to complete the contrast clause:

Although _______ her best efforts, she failed to qualify for the final round.

A) making
B) she made
C) made she
D) she was making

Show Answer

Answer: B) she made
Explanation: After "Although," use a subject + past simple ("she made") to introduce the contrasting idea correctly.

Key Takeaways

• Complex sentences link ideas with dependent clauses (relative, adverbial, conditional) to demonstrate advanced grammar control.
• Vary your structures within paragraphs to maintain coherence and avoid repetition.
• Practice sentence structure suggestions with Lingo Copilot