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Complex Sentences
Both Task 1 and Task 2
Complex sentences are central to scoring Band 7+ in Grammar. They demonstrate range and control. IELTS requires a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
These clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions and add meaning (reason, condition, contrast, time) to the main clause.
Rules
- REASON: because, since, as, given that, due to the fact that
- CONTRAST: although, even though, while, whereas, despite the fact that
- CONDITION: if, unless, provided that, as long as, on the condition that
- TIME: when, while, as, after, before, once, by the time, since
- PURPOSE: so that, in order to, in order that, so as to
- When the subordinate clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause
Examples
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Although the government has invested heavily in public transport, traffic congestion continues to worsen.
Contrast clause first → comma
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Since young people spend more time on social media, they are more exposed to unrealistic expectations.
Reason clause first → comma
✓
Cities will become uninhabitable unless urgent action is taken to reduce carbon emissions.
Condition clause after main clause → no comma needed
Common grammar mistakes — avoid these in your IELTS essays
✕Do NOT write only short, simple sentences — this severely limits your grammar score
✕Do NOT use complex sentences incorrectly — a badly formed complex sentence is worse than a simple one
✕Do NOT start every sentence with the same structure — vary your openings
✕Do NOT overuse relative clauses in every sentence — it becomes formulaic
✕Do NOT use complex sentences in your overview — keep it clear and direct there
✕Do NOT write run-on sentences — even complex sentences need proper punctuation