Do you need complex sentences in IELTS Speaking?
Yes, but not as many as you think. Grammatical range and accuracy is one of the four speaking criteria, and its descriptors track complex sentences from band 4 to band 7. They reward complex sentences used effectively alongside simple ones, not sentences crammed with clauses.
What the speaking descriptors say about complex sentences
| Band | What the descriptor says |
|---|---|
| 4 | "Subordinate clauses are rare"; turns are short and structures repeat. |
| 5 | Complex structures are attempted, but range is limited and they "nearly always contain errors". |
| 6 | "A mix of short and complex sentence forms", though errors in complex structures are frequent. |
| 7 | "Both simple and complex sentences are used effectively despite some errors." |
Quoted and paraphrased from the IELTS Speaking band descriptors (ielts.org), PDF pages 2–3.
Look at those jobs. You cannot speculate without if or unless, say which people you mean without who or which, or weigh two sides without although or whereas. So the BandLadder approach: learn three Part 3 moves, and let each move pull in its grammar.
Three Part 3 moves and the grammar they produce (BandLadder method)
| The question asks you to… | Your move | Grammar it pulls in |
|---|---|---|
| Speculate: "What would happen if…?", "Will … still exist in 30 years?" | Condition: say what depends on what | if, unless, as long as, would, might |
| Explain who or why: "What kind of people…?", "Why do some people…?" | Pin down: say exactly which people or things you mean | who, which, that, what-clauses, once/when |
| Compare or judge: "Are people more… than…?", "Is X better than Y?" | Contrast: hold two sides in one sentence | although, whereas, while, even though |
This sheet is about speaking. For the written version, see grammatical range and accuracy band 7; for all four speaking criteria at the top end, see IELTS Speaking band 8.
Premium sheet · 5 more sections
- How to use complex sentences in IELTS Speaking naturally
- Complex sentence structures for IELTS Speaking Part 3
- Complex sentences for IELTS Speaking: band 6 vs band 7 examples
- Complex grammar traps in IELTS Speaking
- Your turn: complex sentences check
Checking your access…
BandLadder questions
Practise it now
Use the method on original BandLadder questions. Attempt them free and see your score.
Free
Practise writing with instant AI scoring
Try the method on real BandLadder IELTS questions and see your score and what to fix, question by question.
Practise free →
Free
Fix the grammar behind the score
Short Grammar Hub lessons with exam-style rounds, built for IELTS and PTE learners.
Open it free →
With a plan
Read every premium sheet
A plan unlocks every premium study sheet and book, PDF downloads, unlimited AI scoring and full IELTS mock tests.
See plans →
Questions
FAQ
How do you use complex sentences in IELTS Speaking?+
Let the question decide: speculation calls for if and unless, "what kind of people" for who and which, comparisons for although and whereas. Put the main clause first.
How many complex sentences should I use in IELTS Speaking?+
There is no set number. The band 7 descriptor asks for both simple and complex sentences used effectively, so aim for a natural mix with most sentences error-free.
What are some complex sentence structures for IELTS Speaking?+
Conditionals (if, unless), relative clauses (who, which, that), what-clauses, time clauses (once, when) and contrast clauses (although, whereas, while). Everyday structures used accurately count as range.
Is it better to speak simply and correctly than to risk complex grammar?+
You need both: the criterion rewards range and accuracy together. Use complex structures you can finish cleanly rather than avoiding them or forcing rare ones.
Sources
- IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors (ielts.org): Grammatical range and accuracy, bands 7–9, PDF page 2; bands 4–6 and band 5 Fluency and coherence, PDF page 3; band 3, PDF page 4
- IELTS Academic Speaking test format (ielts.org): https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test/ielts-academic-format-speaking, Part 3: Discussion
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy