Grammar – Connecting Sentences | IELTS Grammar Tips

How to Write a Complex Sentence for IELTS Writing Task 2

One of the key grammar features that IELTS examiners look for in Writing Task 2 is the use of complex sentences. If you're aiming for Band 6 or above, you need to show that you can combine ideas and structure your writing effectively.

In this lesson, we’ll walk through a simple method to turn two basic sentences into one strong, grammatically accurate complex sentence. Don’t worry—it's easier than you might think!


Step 1: Start with Two Simple Sentences

Let’s begin by looking at two basic sentences:

  • Wider roads can solve traffic congestion.

  • Wider roads allow traffic to move more easily.

These are both grammatically correct, but they are short and simple. IELTS examiners expect candidates to show more advanced grammar—especially at Band 6, 7, or higher.


Step 2: Understand the Relationship Between the Sentences

These two sentences are closely related:

  • The first sentence presents a solution (wider roads solve traffic problems).

  • The second sentence gives a reason for that solution (they allow traffic to move more easily).

To create a complex sentence, we want to combine them logically and clearly, showing the relationship between the ideas.


Step 3: Use a Gerund to Start the Sentence

It’s a great idea to start a complex sentence with a gerund. A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun (e.g., building, making, constructing).

Let’s use the gerund "building":

Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion...

Now we’ve created a more sophisticated sentence opening. "Building wider roads" is the subject of this sentence.


Step 4: Use a Linker to Connect the Reason

Next, we want to explain why this solution works. The second sentence gives us that reason, so we’ll connect it using the linker "because":

Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion because...

Now we need to complete the sentence by rephrasing the second idea correctly.


Step 5: Match the Grammar – Use the Correct Subject and Verb

Here’s the trick: When you use a gerund phrase like "building wider roads" as a subject, it acts as a singular noun.

So instead of saying:

...because they allow traffic to move more easily.

We need to say:

...because it allows traffic to move more easily.

Full complex sentence:

Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion because it allows traffic to move more easily.

✅ We've used a gerund
✅ We've connected the ideas using "because"
✅ We've used the correct singular pronoun "it"
✅ We've added the third person "s" to the verb "allows"


Why This Matters in IELTS Writing

The IELTS Writing Band Descriptors reward students who can use a variety of sentence structures, especially complex ones. Here's what you should know:

  • Band 6: You need to use some complex sentences accurately.

  • Band 7: You should use a range of complex sentence structures throughout your essay.

Even making small changes—like combining two short sentences into one complex one—can improve your grammar score and overall coherence.


Final Tip

When you finish writing your essay, spend a few minutes reviewing it. Look for places where you can combine short sentences or use gerunds and connectors like because, although, while, and even though. These are quick wins that can help boost your band score.


Summary

Creating complex sentences for IELTS Writing Task 2 doesn’t have to be difficult. Here's what we did:

  1. Started with two related simple sentences.

  2. Used a gerund phrase as the subject.

  3. Connected the sentences using "because".

  4. Adjusted grammar for subject-verb agreement.

Example:

Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion because it allows traffic to move more easily.

Now it’s your turn—try transforming some of your own short sentences into more complex ones using this method.