Complex sentences for a higher Grammar score Relative clauses, conditionals and passives: the structures that move Grammatical Range from band 6 to 7 and above.
Why complex sentences matter
Band 7 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy asks for "a variety of complex structures" with "frequent error-free sentences". Range alone is not enough: the structures must be accurate.
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Students who live far from campus often struggle to attend early classes.
Students live far from campus. They struggle. They miss early classes.
One accurate relative clause beats three choppy sentences.
Relative clauses
Use who for people, which for things, where for places. A clause in commas adds extra information; without commas it defines which one you mean.
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Dhaka, which is home to over 20 million people, faces severe traffic.
Dhaka, that is home to over 20 million people, faces severe traffic.
Never use "that" after a comma.
Conditionals and passives
Conditionals let you discuss results and solutions; the passive keeps the focus on the action, which suits formal writing.
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If public transport were cheaper, fewer people would drive.
If public transport will be cheaper, fewer people drive.
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More funding should be given to rural schools.
Passive: the action matters more than who does it.
IELTS tip
Aim for a mix: about half of your Task 2 sentences can be complex, but every one must be correct. Check commas and verb forms in each long sentence.
Practice quiz
Pass with 7 or more to tick this topic off.
