Hi, I’m Jonathan Mitchell, IELTS Writing examiner and grammar trainer.
If you’re aiming for Band 7 or higher, mastering Complex Sentences & Linking Devices is essential. These two elements directly affect your Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Coherence & Cohesion — together they make up 50% of your writing score.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to write complex sentences naturally and use linking devices effectively — without sounding forced or mechanical.
IELTS examiners expect to see a range of grammatical structures, not just simple or compound ones.
However, complexity should serve clarity, not confusion.
✅ Band 8 Example:
Although urbanisation brings economic growth, it also leads to significant environmental challenges.
❌ Band 6 Example:
Urbanisation brings economic growth, and it leads to environmental problems too, and people move to cities.
The first shows balance and control; the second is repetitive and basic.
Type | Structure | Example |
Simple | One independent clause | People exercise regularly. |
Compound | Two clauses joined by and, but, or, so | People exercise regularly, and they eat healthy food. |
Complex | One main clause + one or more dependent clauses | People exercise regularly because they want to stay healthy. |
Band 8 Tip: Aim for 50–60% of your sentences to be complex. Balance them with a few simple ones for rhythm.
Pattern | Example Sentence | Use In Essays |
Although / Even though | Although technology has improved lives, it has also increased stress. | Introduce contrast |
Because / Since / As | Because education is essential, governments should invest more in schools. | Give reason |
If / Unless | If taxes are raised, public transport can be improved. | Express condition |
While / Whereas | While some people prefer cities, others enjoy rural life. | Show comparison |
Relative clauses (who, which, that) | Students who study abroad gain valuable experience. | Add information |
Noun clauses (that / whether / what) | Experts agree that regular exercise improves mental health. | State facts or opinions |
Passive clauses | Laws are implemented to protect public safety. | Formal tone |
✅ Band 8 Tip: Use one type of complex structure naturally per paragraph rather than cramming multiple in one sentence.
Cohesive devices connect ideas smoothly and guide readers through your argument.
Examiners look for variety and accuracy, not quantity.
Function | Linking Words / Phrases | Example |
Adding ideas | moreover, furthermore, in addition | In addition, this policy benefits small businesses. |
Contrasting | however, whereas, on the other hand | However, not all citizens support the change. |
Giving results | therefore, thus, consequently | Consequently, traffic congestion has declined. |
Giving examples | for example, for instance, such as | For instance, Singapore’s system is highly efficient. |
Sequencing | firstly, secondly, finally | Firstly, education improves employment prospects. |
Comparing | similarly, likewise | Likewise, many countries have adopted similar laws. |
Emphasising | indeed, in fact, undoubtedly | Indeed, early education shapes lifelong learning. |
Concluding | in conclusion, overall, to sum up | Overall, the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. |
Band 8 Tip: Use different connectors for different purposes — don’t repeat “moreover” or “because” throughout your essay.
Error | Why It’s a Problem | Correction |
Overusing linkers | Sounds unnatural and mechanical | Limit to 1–2 per paragraph |
Misusing “However” mid-sentence | Grammar issue (requires punctuation) | However, at sentence start or …; however, … |
Missing commas | Reduces clarity | Therefore, governments should act now. |
Linking unrelated ideas | Confuses reader | Ensure logical connection between sentences |
✅ Band 8 Tip: Cohesion is about logic, not just words — your ideas must connect meaningfully.
A Band 8 essay typically uses a mix of:
Example Paragraph (Band 8):
Although globalisation has created economic opportunities, it has also widened income gaps. This issue, which affects both developing and developed nations, requires coordinated international policies. If countries fail to cooperate, inequality is likely to worsen in the coming decades.
✅ Correct: Education is vital; it creates skilled citizens.
❌ Incorrect: Education is vital, it creates skilled citizens.
Good writers integrate both naturally:
While technology has reduced manual labour, it has also led to job automation. As a result, governments must invest in retraining programmes to prepare workers for the digital economy.
One sentence shows grammatical range; the next shows cohesion — both count towards higher band scores.
Mistake | Impact on Score | Fix |
Overly long sentences | Reduces clarity and accuracy | Keep sentences under 25–30 words |
Repetitive connectors | Feels robotic | Use variety and paraphrasing |
Incorrect conjunctions | Grammar errors | Review meaning before using “although”, “however”, etc. |
Mixing formal and informal linkers | Breaks tone | Avoid “plus”, “also”, “and so on” |
Combine the following simple sentences into one complex sentence:
1️⃣ People use cars. Cities are polluted.
✅ Because people use cars extensively, cities have become polluted.
2️⃣ Technology helps students. It also causes distraction.
✅ Although technology helps students learn efficiently, it can also cause distraction.
Now add a linking phrase to connect to a conclusion:
✅ Therefore, educators must guide students in using technology responsibly.
Before you submit your essay, ask:
If yes, you’re demonstrating Band 7–9 grammatical range and cohesion.
Mastering Complex Sentences & Linking Devices transforms your writing from basic to advanced.
Remember — complexity is not about writing longer sentences, but about showing control, balance, and logical flow.
Next, move to High-Band Model Essays to see how these structures are used naturally in Band 8–9 essays.
You can also revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills or explore grammar advice on IELTS.org.
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