IELTS Grammar Mastery: Complex Structures for Band 8+

Quick Answer: Using complex grammar structures correctly shows the examiner you have advanced control of English. For Band 8+, combine subordinate clauses, conditionals, inversions, and passive constructions naturally. Focus on accuracy, variety, and appropriateness—not just long sentences. Practice with real IELTS prompts to integrate these structures smoothly.

Table of Contents

Why Complex Grammar Matters for Band 8+

Mastering Subordinate Clauses

Conditionals and Inversions for Impact

Passive Voice and Nominalisation

Band Score Comparison Table

Why Complex Grammar Matters for Band 8+

Many IELTS candidates think that using “big words” or writing very long sentences is the key to a high band score. In reality, the IELTS Writing and Speaking criteria for grammatical range and accuracy demand variety, flexibility, and precision. A Band 8+ writer can switch between simple, compound, and complex sentences without awkwardness. They use structures like relative clauses, conditionals, inversions, and passive voice purposefully—to highlight, contrast, or explain.

The examiner doesn’t want to see a paragraph that is one long, confusing sentence. Instead, they look for control: a mix of short statements for impact and complex sentences for depth.

Mastering Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses add information without creating a new sentence. They make your writing flow naturally.

Types to master:

Relative clauses (who, which, that, whose, where)

- Correct: “The government, which has been under pressure, revised the policy.” - Wrong: “The government which has been under pressure revised the policy.” (Comma needed for non‑defining)

Adverbial clauses (although, because, while, whereas, as long as)

- Example: “Whereas traditional methods are slow, modern techniques offer speed.”

Noun clauses (that, what, whether)

- Example: “Experts argue that the decline is reversible.” Tip for Band 8+: Place subordinate clauses at the beginning or middle of a sentence to vary rhythm. Avoid starting every sentence with “There is” or “It is”.

Conditionals and Inversions for Impact

Conditionals are a favourite of examiners. Use mixed conditionals to show nuance.

Zero conditional: Scientific facts – “If water boils, it turns to steam.”

First conditional: Real future – “If emissions rise, temperatures will climb.”

Second conditional: Unreal present – “If governments invested more, they would see results.”

Third conditional: Unreal past – “Had the law been passed earlier, pollution levels would have dropped.”

Inversions (formal and high-level):

Normal: “If the solution were implemented, we would succeed.”

Inverted: “Were the solution implemented, we would succeed.”

Normal: “Not only did the report highlight issues, but it also proposed fixes.”

Inverted: “Not only did the report highlight issues but it also proposed fixes.”

Use inversions sparingly – one per paragraph is enough.

Passive Voice and Nominalisation

The passive voice is essential for academic and formal IELTS Task 2 essays. It allows you to focus on the action rather than the actor.

Active: “The company introduced a new policy.”

Passive: “A new policy was introduced by the company.” (Or drop the agent: “A new policy was introduced.”)

Nominalisation turns verbs into nouns, making your writing more abstract and formal.

Verb: “We analysed the data.”

Nominalisation: “An analysis of the data was conducted.”

Combine passive and nominalisation: “An analysis was conducted to determine the causes.”

But don’t overdo it – too much passive sounds bureaucratic. Aim for 20-30% passive in Task 2.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Uses a mix of simple and some complex sentences, but mistakes are common. Often starts with the same structure.
7	Uses a variety of complex structures with good control. Some errors, but they don’t reduce clarity. Inversions and conditionals appear.
8	Full flexibility; uses subordinate clauses, conditionals, and passive voice appropriately. Errors are rare and minor (article/determiner).
9	Perfect range and accuracy. Can manipulate language for emphasis and nuance. No noticeable errors.

Sample Answers

Prompt: Some people think that governments should invest more in public transport to reduce pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Band 7: I agree that investing in public transport is important. If the government improves buses and trains, people will use them more. This can reduce pollution because fewer cars will be on the road. However, we also need other measures like electric vehicles. Band 8: While I strongly agree that public transport investment is crucial, I believe it should be part of a broader strategy. Were the government to expand rail networks and subsidise fares, commuters would likely switch from private cars. Not only would this cut emissions, but it would also ease congestion. Nonetheless, without complementary policies such as stricter emission standards, the effect might be limited. Band 9: It is widely argued that public transport funding should be prioritised, a view I wholeheartedly endorse. Had previous administrations invested more heavily, current pollution levels might have been significantly lower. A multi‑pronged approach is essential: while expanding metro systems and introducing low‑emission zones, governments must also incentivise active travel. Only when such measures are combined can a lasting reduction in urban pollution be achieved.

Common Mistakes

❌Overcomplicating sentences. Trying to pack too many clauses makes your text hard to read. Keep it balanced.

❌Using complex structures without control. A failed inversion (“Never I have seen…”) costs you marks. Practise until automatic.

❌Forgetting punctuation. Missing commas after “However”, “Moreover”, or before “which” changes meaning and damages accuracy.

❌Mixing conditionals wrongly. “If I would have known” is incorrect – use “If I had known”.

❌Passive everywhere. Overusing passive makes your writing vague and wordy. Use active for opinions and passive for general facts.

Top Tips

💡 Write your essay, then rewrite 2-3 sentences using a different structure. This builds a toolkit of forms.

💡 Read high‑quality articles (BBC, The Guardian) and underline complex sentences. Analyse why they work.

💡 Use the Hemingway App (free online editor) to see if your sentences are too long. Aim for a mix of 10–25‑word sentences.

💡 Record yourself speaking and check if you naturally use conditionals and relative clauses. If not, drill them aloud.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials. Their grammar‑focused exercises and model answers will help you move from Band 7 to 8+.

FAQ

Q: How many complex sentences should I put in one paragraph? A: Aim for 2-3 complex sentences per paragraph, with 1-2 simple sentences for contrast. Overdoing complexity reduces clarity. Q: Do I need to use inversions in Task 1? A: Not essential, but one inversion in an overview or trend description can impress. Example: “Not only did sales rise, but profits also increased.” Q: Can I use contractions in Writing Task 2? A: No. Avoid “don’t”, “can’t”, “it’s”. Use full forms (“do not”, “cannot”, “it is”). Contractions are informal. Q: Will using advanced grammar alone get me Band 9? A: No. You also need strong vocabulary, task achievement, coherence, and cohesion. Grammar is one pillar. Q: What if I make a mistake with a complex structure? A: Better to use a simpler structure correctly than a complex one incorrectly. Aim for 90% accuracy first, then push variety.

Key Takeaways

✅Band 8+ grammar requires a balance of simple and complex structures.

✅Master subordinate clauses, conditionals, inversions, and the passive.

✅Use complex grammar purposefully, not just to show off.

✅Practice rewriting your own essays and listening to feedback.

✅Accuracy matters – one well‑placed inversion is better than three flawed ones.

Related Posts:

IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure a Band 9 Essay

Top 10 Grammar Mistakes IELTS Candidates Make

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Advanced Grammar to Boost Your Score