We at IELTS PRO know how important it is to communicate simply, particularly during the IELTS exam. Complex sentences can be a great tool for expressing nuanced ideas, but they can also lead to grammar pitfalls. Don’t let these intricate structures trip you up! In this guide, we’ll break down some simple strategies to help you write grammatically sound complex sentences and ace your IELTS test.
Why Use Complex Sentences?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of grammar, let’s explore why complex sentences are valuable. They offer several benefits:
- Variety: Complex sentences add variety to your writing, making it more engaging for the reader.
- Nuance: They allow you to express complex relationships between ideas within a single sentence.
- Sophistication: Using complex sentences effectively demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency.
Common Grammar Mistakes in Complex Sentences (and How to Fix Them):
Now, let’s tackle some common grammar errors that plague complex sentences and explore ways to avoid them:
Subject-Verb Agreement:
One crucial aspect of complex sentences is subject-verb agreement. This means the verb must match the number (singular or plural) of its subject. Here’s how to avoid mistakes:
- Identify the Main Clause: Complex sentences typically have two clauses – a main clause and a dependent clause. As a complete sentence on its own, the primary clause can. Identify the subject of the main clause and ensure the verb agrees with it in number.
- Watch Out for Dependent Clauses: Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” or “while.” Remember, the subject of the complex sentence is usually the subject of the main clause, not the dependent clause.
Example: The restaurant closed (main clause, singular subject “restaurant”) because the health inspector found several violations (dependent clause).
Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences:
Comma splices and run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma or no punctuation at all. This creates a grammatically incorrect sentence fragment. Here’s how to fix it:
- Use a Semicolon: Separate the two independent clauses with a semicolon.
- Use a Conjunction: Join the two clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).
- Split the Sentence: Break the complex sentence into two separate, grammatically correct sentences.
Example (Comma Splice): The food was delicious, but I couldn’t finish it all. (Incorrect)
Corrected Options:
- The food was delicious; I couldn’t finish it all. (Semicolon)
- The food was delicious, but I couldn’t finish it all. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- The food was delicious. However, I couldn’t finish it all. (Two separate sentences)
Misplaced Modifiers:
Misplaced modifiers dangle and modify the wrong word in a sentence, leading to confusion. Here’s how to prevent this:
- Keep Modifiers Close: Place the modifier as close as possible to the word it modifies.
- Use Non-Restrictive Clauses with Commas: When using non-restrictive clauses (which add extra information but aren’t essential), separate them with commas to avoid confusion.
Example (Misplaced Modifier): Exhausted after the long hike, we reached the summit. (Who is exhausted?)
Corrected Option: After the long hike, exhausted, we reached the summit. (Clearly modifies “we”)
Parallelism:
Parallelism creates a sense of rhythm and balance in complex sentences by using similar grammatical structures for related ideas. Here’s how to achieve parallelism:
- Match Parts of Speech: Ensure that words or phrases being compared are of the same grammatical category (nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, etc.).
- Use Consistent Structure: Maintain a consistent structure throughout the sentence when listing items or contrasting ideas.
Example (Non-Parallel): I enjoy reading books, going to the movies, and to travel. (Incorrect)
Corrected Option: I enjoy reading books, going to the movies, and travelling. (Parallel structure)
Practice Makes Perfect:
Mastering complex sentences takes practice. Here are some tips to hone your skills:
- Read Complex Texts: Immerse yourself in writing that uses complex sentences effectively.
- Analyze Sentence Structure: As you read, break down the structure of complex sentences and identify the main and dependent clauses.
- Rewrite and Revise: Practice writing complex sentences and have someone review your work for grammar.
Conclusion:
In the end, remember, complex sentences don’t have to be scary! By understanding common mistakes and using these simple strategies, you’ll craft clear, grammatically sound sentences that impress IELTS examiners. Are you ready to push your writing to the next level? Enroll in IELTS PRO’s expert-designed courses for personalised guidance and practice building strong complex sentences. With our proven methods, you’ll conquer the IELTS exam and achieve your academic goals.
