In the IELTS writing section, particularly in part 2, your ability to construct a complex sentence is directly linked to grammatical accuracy. It is one of the major assessment criteria of the four. Examiners look for correctness in the sentence structure. Thus, this guide will get you along with everything you need to know about complex sentences for IELTS. So, let’s get started and explore the meaning of the same.
What Is a Complex Sentence?
Complex sentences are those sentences that contain at least one dependent clause and an independent clause. These are best to use when you need to add extra detail or information so that the reader can create a vivid picture in their mind. Besides, these sentences are used to add depth, explain relationships, and show effect, cause, time, or condition. Thus, knowing and understanding complex sentences for IELTS writing task 2 is crucial as it allows you to express ideas in a more cohesive way needed in the test.
If we talk about the definition of complex sentences, then as per the Oxford English Dictionary, “A complex sentence contains one or more subordinate clauses (also called dependent clauses) in addition to a main clause (independent clause). The subordinate clauses provide additional information or modify the main clause, but they cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.”
Now after getting along with the meaning and definition of complex sentence, move ahead to explore the breakdown of these sentences.
Sentence Complexity: A Tactical Breakdown
The complexity of complex sentences can be broken into main, subordinate, relative, and noun clauses. These can be understood by the following details:
Types of Clauses: Main, Subordinate, Relative, Noun
Understanding the different types of complex sentences in IELTS is the first step towards mastering these sentences.
1. Main clause
These are independent and can stand alone as a complete sentence and convey a complete thought or idea.
2. Subordinate clause
These clauses are dependent and require a main clause to be completed. Thus, it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence or thought.
3. Relative clause
These provides extra information about a noun and are introduced by relative pronouns such as “who”, “which”, or “that”.
4. Noun clauses
These clauses functions as nouns in a sentence and are introduced by words like “that”, “what”, “where”, “when”, or “how. These can act as a subject, object or a complement.
Sentence Embedding and Clause Coordination
Embedding occurs when one clause is placed inside another to form a sentence with richer meaning.
Coordination links two clauses of equal importance using coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Though not always “complex” by definition, coordination combined with subordination increases sentence sophistication.
So, this was the breakdown of the structure of complex sentences that must have made you understand the formation or the construction of complex sentences. This will help you to have your hands on the same. But if you are skeptical, using IELTS writing checker tool is the best solution. Now, moving ahead, we will consider the examples.
Examples of Complex Sentences
Knowing the definition and structure of complex sentences is only theoretical knowledge. But if you want to have an overall understanding, exploring complex sentence examples is crucial. So here are some of them listed:
- Although it was raining, the children continued playing outside.
- Students perform better when they follow a structured study routine.
- The company hired the applicant who had the most relevant experience.
- I didn’t attend the lecture because I was feeling unwell.
- Since global temperatures are rising, governments need to act urgently.
- The report explained why the project had failed.
- The teacher praised the student who submitted the assignment early.
- If you practice writing essays every day, your grammar will improve.
- She moved to a new city so that she could attend university.
- The book, which was recommended by my professor, was extremely helpful.
- He couldn’t believe that he had passed the IELTS exam on his first try.
- Even though technology makes life easier, it also increases screen time.
- The museum displayed artwork that was created during the Renaissance.
- Whenever I feel stressed, I take a short walk to relax.
- The decision that he made yesterday will affect his career path.
These are a few complex sentences examples that will help you understand them better However, if you are still confused, joining offline or online IELTS coaching is the best option. Now, moving ahead to comprehend the essential elements of these sentences.
Building Blocks of a Complex Sentence
Complex sentences are made up of several elements. So in this section, we will be discussing them in detail:
Independent vs Dependent Clauses
Complex sentences for IELTS writing include two clauses that are dependent and independent. So, here is a brief description of them:
- An independent clause conveys the main idea in a sentence.
- A dependent clause is used to add further information to complete the main idea.
Subordinating Conjunctions: A Functional Overview
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses. They signal the relationship between the two ideas.
Here are some common types categorised by function:
- Cause/Effect: because, since, as
Because the cost of education has risen, many students seek part-time jobs.
- Contrast/Concession: although, even though, whereas, while
Although technology has many benefits, it also presents challenges.
- Condition: if, unless, provided that
If governments invest in education, societal development will follow.
- Time: when, while, before, after, until
When people migrate to a new country, they often face cultural adjustment issues.
- Purpose: so that, in order that
Universities offer scholarships so that more students can access higher education.
After getting along with the building blocks of complex sentences for IELTS, it is time to move ahead and explore the strategies to use from them.
Tips for Using Complex Sentences in Your IELTS Test
Knowing the effective tips will help you master the IELTS writing section. So here are some of the most useful ones listed:
- Understand the structure of complex sentences before using them in the IELTS writing task.
- Mix sentence types to showcase your range and understanding of them.
- Use subordinating conjunctions while creating complex sentences.
- Avoid sentence fragments and ensure every complex sentence contains a complete main clause.
- Don’t over-complicate—prioritise clarity over length or complexity of the sentence.
- Take IELTS mock test at regular intervals to evaluate your preparation before the actual test.
Conclusion
Mastering complex sentences is essential for achieving a good band score in the IELTS Writing test. Moreover, it allows you to express nuanced ideas, show relationships between points, and demonstrate your grammatical range. Thus, you must begin by understanding clause types and their functions, then practice integrating them using subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns. Finally, focus on clarity, variety, and accuracy in your sentence construction. So, all these were included in this write-up to make your task easy.
