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Mastering Complex Sentences for IELTS Band 7: Ultra-Interactive Grammar Tutorial (Speaking & Writing)
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July 31, 2025
Complex Sentences (Subordination & Coordination) (IELTS Band 7 Grammar Tutorial – LingExam)
Why Do Complex Sentences Matter at Band 7?
To achieve Band 7 in IELTS Speaking & Writing, you must connect ideas naturally and show relationships such as cause/effect, contrast, and condition. This goes beyond simple sentences—using conjunctions like although, since, because, while, if, unless helps your ideas flow smoothly.
Mastering complex sentences makes your speech and writing sound logical, fluent, and academic. It helps you justify opinions, explain causes, show contrast, and discuss hypothetical situations—all of which are tested in IELTS tasks.
To achieve Band 7 in IELTS Speaking & Writing, you must connect ideas naturally and show relationships such as cause/effect, contrast, and condition. This goes beyond simple sentences—using conjunctions like although, since, because, while, if, unless helps your ideas flow smoothly.
Mastering complex sentences makes your speech and writing sound logical, fluent, and academic. It helps you justify opinions, explain causes, show contrast, and discuss hypothetical situations—all of which are tested in IELTS tasks.
Step-by-Step: Building Complex Sentences for IELTS Success
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What is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence links a main clause (complete idea) with a subordinate clause (extra information) using conjunctions.
Example: Although I was tired, I finished my assignment.
Main clause: "I finished my assignment"
Subordinate clause: "Although I was tired"
A complex sentence links a main clause (complete idea) with a subordinate clause (extra information) using conjunctions.
Example: Although I was tired, I finished my assignment.
Main clause: "I finished my assignment"
Subordinate clause: "Although I was tired"
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Why Use Complex Sentences?
IELTS Band 7 requires you to show relationships between ideas, not just list facts.
Because complex sentences combine information, your arguments sound logical and cohesive.
IELTS Band 7 requires you to show relationships between ideas, not just list facts.
Because complex sentences combine information, your arguments sound logical and cohesive.
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Subordinating Conjunctions for IELTS:
Use because, since, although, while, if, unless, even though, after, before, when, as soon as, whereas.
Example: Because the city has grown quickly, public transport is crowded.
Use because, since, although, while, if, unless, even though, after, before, when, as soon as, whereas.
Example: Because the city has grown quickly, public transport is crowded.
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Coordinating Conjunctions for IELTS:
Use and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor to join two equal ideas.
Example: She moved abroad and started her own business.
Use and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor to join two equal ideas.
Example: She moved abroad and started her own business.
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Sentence Structure Patterns:
[Subordinate Clause], [Main Clause].
[Main Clause] [Subordinating Conjunction] [Subordinate Clause].
Example: If you study every day, you will improve.
Or: You will improve if you study every day.
[Subordinate Clause], [Main Clause].
[Main Clause] [Subordinating Conjunction] [Subordinate Clause].
Example: If you study every day, you will improve.
Or: You will improve if you study every day.
Example Sentences (IELTS Band 7 Contexts):
Cause & Effect: I decided to study in Canada because the education system is excellent.
Contrast: Although unemployment is a problem, the government is taking action.
Condition: If public transport improves, fewer people will use cars.
Comparison: While some prefer online shopping, others value traditional stores.
Contrast: Although unemployment is a problem, the government is taking action.
Condition: If public transport improves, fewer people will use cars.
Comparison: While some prefer online shopping, others value traditional stores.
Practice Exercise 1: Complex Sentences (Subordination & Coordination)
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Instantly see a full explanation after you select an option. These questions review the first tutorial steps and real IELTS contexts!
Advanced Subordination: Elevate Your IELTS Sentences
Ready to sound more sophisticated?
For IELTS Band 7 and above, you need to show you can connect ideas using a wide range of subordinators to express contrast, concession, condition, and time. The more accurately and flexibly you do this, the more natural and academic your writing and speaking will sound.
Let’s look at advanced subordinators and see them in real IELTS contexts.
For IELTS Band 7 and above, you need to show you can connect ideas using a wide range of subordinators to express contrast, concession, condition, and time. The more accurately and flexibly you do this, the more natural and academic your writing and speaking will sound.
Let’s look at advanced subordinators and see them in real IELTS contexts.
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Expressing Contrast and Concession:
Use although, even though, and whereas to introduce ideas that go against expectations.
Example: Although I studied hard, I didn’t get the grade I wanted.
Example: Some people prefer city life, whereas others enjoy the countryside.
Use although, even though, and whereas to introduce ideas that go against expectations.
Example: Although I studied hard, I didn’t get the grade I wanted.
Example: Some people prefer city life, whereas others enjoy the countryside.
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Showing Condition:
If, unless, provided (that), and as long as help you describe hypothetical or possible situations.
Example: If I had more free time, I would learn another language.
Example: Unless you read regularly, your vocabulary will not improve.
If, unless, provided (that), and as long as help you describe hypothetical or possible situations.
Example: If I had more free time, I would learn another language.
Example: Unless you read regularly, your vocabulary will not improve.
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Explaining Time Relationships:
When, after, before, as soon as, and while let you sequence events and add narrative variety.
Example: After I finish university, I plan to travel.
Example: As soon as I arrived, it started raining.
When, after, before, as soon as, and while let you sequence events and add narrative variety.
Example: After I finish university, I plan to travel.
Example: As soon as I arrived, it started raining.
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Complex “If” Clauses for IELTS:
Try using the “if + past simple, would + verb” structure for hypothetical situations. These sound academic and sophisticated.
Example: If the government invested more in education, unemployment would decrease.
Try using the “if + past simple, would + verb” structure for hypothetical situations. These sound academic and sophisticated.
Example: If the government invested more in education, unemployment would decrease.
IELTS-Style Example Sentences:
Contrast: Even though technology is useful, it can also cause distractions.
Condition: As long as you plan ahead, you can avoid most problems.
Time: Before I moved abroad, I researched the culture.
Condition: As long as you plan ahead, you can avoid most problems.
Time: Before I moved abroad, I researched the culture.
Practice Exercise 2: Advanced Subordination in IELTS Contexts
Choose the best answer for each sentence. See instant, in-depth explanations after each choice. These questions test your use of contrast, condition, and time in complex sentences.
Linking Causes, Effects, and Results in Complex Sentences
Expressing clear logic is a Band 7+ requirement!
IELTS examiners look for your ability to explain causes, effects, and results smoothly in both Speaking and Writing.
Mastering complex sentences with the right conjunctions will make your opinions and arguments flow naturally.
IELTS examiners look for your ability to explain causes, effects, and results smoothly in both Speaking and Writing.
Mastering complex sentences with the right conjunctions will make your opinions and arguments flow naturally.
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Key Conjunctions for Cause and Effect:
because, since, as (for reasons)
so (that), in order to, therefore (for results)
Example: I improved my English because I practiced every day.
because, since, as (for reasons)
so (that), in order to, therefore (for results)
Example: I improved my English because I practiced every day.
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Because/Since/As
All three can introduce a reason, but "because" is the strongest and most common. "Since" and "as" are often used in more formal writing.
Example: Since the weather was good, we had a picnic.
All three can introduce a reason, but "because" is the strongest and most common. "Since" and "as" are often used in more formal writing.
Example: Since the weather was good, we had a picnic.
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So (that)/In order to
Use these for stating the purpose or result of an action.
Example: She woke up early so that she could catch the train.
Example: I exercise regularly in order to stay healthy.
Use these for stating the purpose or result of an action.
Example: She woke up early so that she could catch the train.
Example: I exercise regularly in order to stay healthy.
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Therefore/Consequently
These words are often used to show result and make your arguments sound logical.
Example: The streets were icy; therefore, the school was closed.
These words are often used to show result and make your arguments sound logical.
Example: The streets were icy; therefore, the school was closed.
IELTS-Style Example Sentences:
Cause: I moved to the city because I wanted more job opportunities.
Effect: I studied hard so that I could pass the exam.
Result: There was heavy snow; therefore, the buses were late.
Effect: I studied hard so that I could pass the exam.
Result: There was heavy snow; therefore, the buses were late.
Practice Exercise 3: Linking Causes, Effects, and Results
Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence. Instantly review a full explanation after you select an option. These questions test your ability to express cause, effect, and result in a Band 7 IELTS context.
Contrasts, Concessions & Making Academic Arguments
Academic writing and speaking require balance and objectivity.
To achieve Band 7+, you must demonstrate you can express opposing ideas, admit limitations, and sound logical using contrast and concession structures.
Mastering these tools will help you discuss both sides of an issue and justify your opinions in a nuanced way.
To achieve Band 7+, you must demonstrate you can express opposing ideas, admit limitations, and sound logical using contrast and concession structures.
Mastering these tools will help you discuss both sides of an issue and justify your opinions in a nuanced way.
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Contrast: while, whereas, but, yet
Use these to show differences between two ideas or groups.
Example: While city life is exciting, the countryside is much quieter.
Example: Some people prefer to work independently, whereas others enjoy teamwork.
Use these to show differences between two ideas or groups.
Example: While city life is exciting, the countryside is much quieter.
Example: Some people prefer to work independently, whereas others enjoy teamwork.
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Concession: although, even though, though
Use these to admit something unexpected or contrary.
Example: Although the exam was difficult, I managed to pass.
Example: Even though I studied, I didn’t get the result I wanted.
Use these to admit something unexpected or contrary.
Example: Although the exam was difficult, I managed to pass.
Example: Even though I studied, I didn’t get the result I wanted.
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Presenting Both Sides (Balanced View):
Advanced answers often present both perspectives using contrast/concession, especially in IELTS Task 2.
Example: While some believe money brings happiness, others argue that relationships are more important.
Advanced answers often present both perspectives using contrast/concession, especially in IELTS Task 2.
Example: While some believe money brings happiness, others argue that relationships are more important.
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Making Concessions in Your Own Arguments:
Use these structures to show awareness of other views and strengthen your justification.
Example: Although technology can be distracting, it offers many learning opportunities.
Use these structures to show awareness of other views and strengthen your justification.
Example: Although technology can be distracting, it offers many learning opportunities.
IELTS-Style Example Sentences:
Contrast: Whereas some countries focus on science, others invest in the arts.
Concession: Though I enjoy traveling, I prefer staying at home sometimes.
Balanced View: While online education is flexible, it may lack social interaction.
Concession: Though I enjoy traveling, I prefer staying at home sometimes.
Balanced View: While online education is flexible, it may lack social interaction.
Practice Exercise 4: Contrasts & Concessions
Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence. See instant, in-depth explanations after each answer. These questions test your ability to connect ideas with contrast and concession.
Conditional & Hypothetical Sentences for Academic English
Conditionals show real or unreal situations and their possible results.
For Band 7+, you need to express possibility, advice, and imaginary situations with a variety of if, unless, provided that, and as long as structures.
These forms will help you discuss the future, give recommendations, and hypothesize—essential skills in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
For Band 7+, you need to express possibility, advice, and imaginary situations with a variety of if, unless, provided that, and as long as structures.
These forms will help you discuss the future, give recommendations, and hypothesize—essential skills in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
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Zero Conditional:
For facts and general truths: If/When + present simple, present simple.
Example: If you heat water, it boils.
For facts and general truths: If/When + present simple, present simple.
Example: If you heat water, it boils.
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First Conditional:
For real or likely future results: If + present simple, will + base verb.
Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the trip.
For real or likely future results: If + present simple, will + base verb.
Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the trip.
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Second Conditional:
For unreal/imagined situations in the present or future: If + past simple, would + base verb.
Example: If I had more time, I would learn another language.
For unreal/imagined situations in the present or future: If + past simple, would + base verb.
Example: If I had more time, I would learn another language.
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Unless, Provided (that), As long as
These add variety and academic precision:
Unless = if not
Provided (that) / As long as = only if / on the condition that
Example: You will pass the exam provided that you study hard.
These add variety and academic precision:
Unless = if not
Provided (that) / As long as = only if / on the condition that
Example: You will pass the exam provided that you study hard.
IELTS-Style Example Sentences:
Zero: If you don’t water plants, they die.
First: If you apply early, you will get a better chance.
Second: If I were you, I would choose a different course.
Other: Unless you book in advance, there may be no tickets left.
Other: As long as you stay focused, you can achieve your goals.
First: If you apply early, you will get a better chance.
Second: If I were you, I would choose a different course.
Other: Unless you book in advance, there may be no tickets left.
Other: As long as you stay focused, you can achieve your goals.
Practice Exercise 5: Conditional & Hypothetical Sentences
Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. Instantly review a detailed explanation after each choice. These questions check your mastery of real, unreal, and academic conditional structures.
Sequencing & Time Clauses in Academic English
IELTS examiners value logical progression and clarity.
To achieve Band 7+, you must use a variety of time clauses and sequencing structures to narrate events, describe processes, and organize your ideas.
These structures connect your sentences and make your speech and writing flow naturally.
To achieve Band 7+, you must use a variety of time clauses and sequencing structures to narrate events, describe processes, and organize your ideas.
These structures connect your sentences and make your speech and writing flow naturally.
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Key Time Clauses:
when, while, before, after, as soon as, until
Example: When I arrived, the meeting had already started.
when, while, before, after, as soon as, until
Example: When I arrived, the meeting had already started.
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Sequencing for Processes & Narratives:
Use these clauses to show order: before, after, as soon as.
Example: After I finished my homework, I watched a film.
Example: As soon as you receive your results, let me know.
Use these clauses to show order: before, after, as soon as.
Example: After I finished my homework, I watched a film.
Example: As soon as you receive your results, let me know.
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Simultaneous & Interrupted Actions:
While is used to talk about two actions happening at the same time. When can describe interruption.
Example: While I was reading, the phone rang.
While is used to talk about two actions happening at the same time. When can describe interruption.
Example: While I was reading, the phone rang.
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Until & By the Time
Until means up to a point in time. By the time emphasizes that something happened before another event.
Example: He waited until she arrived.
Example: By the time I got home, everyone had left.
Until means up to a point in time. By the time emphasizes that something happened before another event.
Example: He waited until she arrived.
Example: By the time I got home, everyone had left.
IELTS-Style Example Sentences:
Sequence: After I submitted my application, I prepared for the interview.
Simultaneous: While I was cooking, my friend set the table.
Interruption: When the bell rang, the lesson ended.
Deadline: By the time the project was finished, we were exhausted.
Simultaneous: While I was cooking, my friend set the table.
Interruption: When the bell rang, the lesson ended.
Deadline: By the time the project was finished, we were exhausted.
Practice Exercise 6: Sequencing & Time Clauses
Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. Instantly review a detailed explanation after each choice. These questions check your use of time, sequence, and interruption structures in complex sentences.
Mixed Complex Sentence Patterns for IELTS
Ready to combine everything you’ve learned?
The most effective Band 7+ answers use a variety of complex sentences, blending subordination, coordination, conditionals, contrast, and sequencing. Review these patterns and model examples, then practice using them naturally in your essays and speaking.
The most effective Band 7+ answers use a variety of complex sentences, blending subordination, coordination, conditionals, contrast, and sequencing. Review these patterns and model examples, then practice using them naturally in your essays and speaking.
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Reason + Result + Condition:
Because/Since/As + [reason], [main result], if/unless + [condition]
Model: Because cities are crowded, public transport is essential if people want to avoid traffic jams.
Because/Since/As + [reason], [main result], if/unless + [condition]
Model: Because cities are crowded, public transport is essential if people want to avoid traffic jams.
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Contrast + Concession + Purpose:
Although/Even though/While + [contrast], [main clause] so that + [purpose]
Model: Although the course was demanding, I studied every day so that I could pass the exam.
Although/Even though/While + [contrast], [main clause] so that + [purpose]
Model: Although the course was demanding, I studied every day so that I could pass the exam.
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Sequence + Time Clauses + Result:
After/Before/When/By the time + [event], [main clause], therefore + [result]
Model: After I completed my degree, I started my own business; therefore, I gained valuable experience quickly.
After/Before/When/By the time + [event], [main clause], therefore + [result]
Model: After I completed my degree, I started my own business; therefore, I gained valuable experience quickly.
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Multiple Coordination & Subordination:
[Main clause] and/but/or/yet/so + [clause], while/whereas + [contrast]
Model: Some students enjoy working in groups, but others prefer independent study, whereas I think both approaches have advantages.
[Main clause] and/but/or/yet/so + [clause], while/whereas + [contrast]
Model: Some students enjoy working in groups, but others prefer independent study, whereas I think both approaches have advantages.
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Hypotheticals with “Would,” “Could,” and “Might”:
If/Unless/As long as + [condition], would/could/might + [main clause]
Model: If I had more time, I might volunteer for a charity.
If/Unless/As long as + [condition], would/could/might + [main clause]
Model: If I had more time, I might volunteer for a charity.
IELTS-Style Example Sentences:
Integrated: While technology offers many benefits, it can cause distractions, so it’s important to use it responsibly.
Layered: Although public speaking is stressful, I practice regularly so that I can improve, and my confidence has grown.
Multi-part: If I work hard and manage my time, I will succeed even though there are many challenges.
Layered: Although public speaking is stressful, I practice regularly so that I can improve, and my confidence has grown.
Multi-part: If I work hard and manage my time, I will succeed even though there are many challenges.
Pro Tips for Band 7+:
- Don’t repeat the same conjunction—show range!
- Vary sentence length: mix short and long complex sentences.
- Use at least 2–3 different complex patterns per essay or speaking answer.
- Always check for correct punctuation, especially with “although,” “while,” and “as soon as.”
Practice Exercise 7: Mixed Pattern Review
Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. Each question tests your skill with complex, Band 7+ patterns from all previous lessons. Get instant, detailed feedback after every answer.
🎯 Final Review Quiz: Complex Sentences Mastery
Test your knowledge! This final quiz draws 10 random questions from a set of 30. Get instant Band 7+ explanations with every answer, review your results, or retake the quiz with new questions.
Master all patterns: cause, effect, concession, condition, time, coordination, and more!
Master all patterns: cause, effect, concession, condition, time, coordination, and more!
⏰ Spaced Repetition Review Plan
Want to remember everything long-term?
Follow this 8-step Spaced Repetition review schedule. Reviewing at the right times will help you lock in all your new grammar patterns for life.
Tip: Click “Set All Reminders” to add these reviews to your calendar instantly!
Follow this 8-step Spaced Repetition review schedule. Reviewing at the right times will help you lock in all your new grammar patterns for life.
Tip: Click “Set All Reminders” to add these reviews to your calendar instantly!
Your 8 Spaced Repetition Reviews:
How to use Spaced Repetition:
- After finishing this tutorial, review it on each date above.
- Just 10–15 minutes is enough for each review. Focus on the patterns you got wrong in the quizzes.
- Click the button to add all reviews to your favorite calendar app (Google, Outlook, Apple, etc.).
- On each review day, open this lesson and try the final quiz again!
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