Complex sentences that stay accurate
Range matters for band 7 — but only if the complex sentences are correct.
15 minutes · A free lesson from Grammar for IELTS
To reach band 7 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy, you need a variety of complex structures and frequent error-free sentences. Long sentences full of mistakes do not help. Aim for a mix: some short and simple, some complex and correct.
- Relative clauses: Students who study abroad often become more independent.
- Concession: Although fees are high, demand for places continues to grow. / Despite the high fees, …
- Conditionals: If public transport were free, more people would use it.
- Reduced clauses: Having finished the report, the team presented its findings.
Quick check: Which is correct?
- Despite he studied hard, he failed.
- Although he studied hard, he failed.
- Although he studied hard, but he failed.
Show the answer
B: Although he studied hard, he failed.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which is correct?
- Despite it was raining, the match went ahead.
- Despite the rain, the match went ahead.
- Despite of the rain, the match went ahead.
Show the answer
B: Despite the rain, the match went ahead. — despite takes a noun or an -ing form, never a full clause, and never of.
Quick check: Which is correct?
- If public transport were free, more people would use it.
- If public transport would be free, more people would use it.
- If public transport is free, more people would use it.
Show the answer
A: If public transport were free, more people would use it. — If + past (were), then would + verb.
Quick check: What does band 7 grammar need?
- Only very long sentences
- Only short sentences with no mistakes
- A variety of complex structures and frequent error-free sentences
Show the answer
C: A variety of complex structures and frequent error-free sentences — Long sentences full of mistakes do not help. Aim for a mix.
Quick check: Which sentence contains a relative clause?
- Students who study abroad often become more independent.
- Although fees are high, demand keeps growing.
- Having finished the report, the team presented it.
Show the answer
A: Students who study abroad often become more independent. — who study abroad tells you which students. The others show concession and a reduced clause.