IELTS Grammar: Complex Sentences

Band 7+ requires a mix of simple and complex sentences. Complex sentences join ideas with subordinating conjunctions.

The rules with examples

• Contrast: “Although the policy is costly, it benefits society.”
• Reason: “Prices rose because demand increased.”
• Condition: “If governments act, pollution will fall.”
• Time: “When cities grow, transport suffers.”

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing only short simple sentences (caps you at Band 6).
• Comma splices — joining two clauses with just a comma.