The Complex Sentence
What is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence contains one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. These are linked using subordinating conjunctions such as:
because, although, while, even though, if, unless, since, when, after, before, whereas, so that
The Complex Sentence
What is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence contains one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. These are linked using subordinating conjunctions such as:
Why Are Complex Sentences Important in IELTS?
- Band 7 and above requires “a variety of complex sentence forms”
- Complex is one of 4
- They help express cause, contrast, condition, purpose, and time clearly
- there are TWO ideas in one complex sentence.
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How to use them.
| Type | Example Sentence |
| Cause | Many people eat fast food because they lack time to cook. |
| Contrast | Although fast food is convenient, it is often unhealthy. |
| Time | After people finish work, they tend to choose quicker meal options. |
| Condition | If governments subsidize healthy food, consumption rates will likely rise. |
| Purpose | Junk food is advertised to children so that companies build early loyalty. |
Common Student Mistakes
Incorrect: Because they want to save time. (This is a sentence fragment)
Correct: Many people choose fast food because they want to save time.
Incorrect: Although it is unhealthy, but people eat it. (Double conjunction error)
Correct: Although it is unhealthy, people eat it.
Essay Paragraph with Complex Sentences
Essay Topic: Some people think fast food should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Although fast food is often criticised for its health risks, it remains a popular choice for many working adults. This is primarily because it offers a quick solution in an increasingly time-pressured society. If people are working long hours and commuting daily, they may not have the energy to cook balanced meals. While banning fast food might seem like a logical response to rising obesity rates, it is unlikely to be effective unless deeper societal causes are addressed. Therefore, I believe education and access to healthy options are more sustainable solutions.
Practice Task
Rewrite these simple ideas into complex sentences:
- Many students study hard. They want to enter university.
→ Many students study hard ____________. - It rained. I still went for a run.
→ ____________, I still went for a run. - I missed the bus. I woke up late.
→ I missed the bus because ____________.
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IELTS 5 to 6 