Complex sentences

Band 6–7Writing3 min

Combine ideas with subordinate clauses for the range examiners reward.

Why it matters

At Band 7 the grammar descriptor says 'a variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility and accuracy'. Subordinate clauses show how ideas relate — cause, contrast, condition, time — which also strengthens Coherence and Cohesion.

The rules

  1. A complex sentence = a main clause + at least one dependent clause.

    Although it is expensive, solar power pays for itself.

  2. Cause: because, since, as. Contrast: although, whereas, while.

    Whereas older people prefer cash, younger people pay by phone.

  3. Condition: if, unless, provided that. Time: when, once, until.

    Once the policy was introduced, emissions fell.

  4. Put the dependent clause first for emphasis; then use a comma.

    Because fees are high, many students work part-time.

Model sentences

  • Although tourism brings economic benefits, it can damage the very places that attract visitors.
  • Since most jobs now require digital skills, schools should teach coding from an early age.
  • While some argue that exams measure ability fairly, others believe they reward memorisation.

Common mistakes

Incorrect: Although it is cheap, but it is slow.

Correct: Although it is cheap, it is slow.

Don't use although and but together.

Incorrect: Because people are busy. They eat fast food.

Correct: Because people are busy, they eat fast food.

A dependent clause alone is a fragment.

Incorrect: Technology is useful, it saves time, it connects people, it is cheap.

Correct: Technology is useful because it saves time and connects people cheaply.

Comma-spliced simple clauses aren't complex sentences.

Band tip

Aim for a mix: roughly one complex sentence in every two. Overloading every sentence with three clauses lowers accuracy and readability.

Check yourself

Combine with 'whereas': 'Cities offer jobs. Villages offer a slower pace of life.'

Whereas cities offer jobs, villages offer a slower pace of life.

Fix: 'Even though the test was hard. Most students passed.'

Even though the test was hard, most students passed.

Combine with 'provided that': 'Online learning works. Students are motivated.'

Online learning works provided that students are motivated.

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