Mastering Complex Sentences for PTE Writing Success in 2025

If you're preparing for the PTE Academic writing section in 2025, you already know grammar is more than just a checklist-it's a way to prove your true English proficiency. What sets high-scoring essays apart? Among other things, complex sentences play a critical role. Using a range of complex sentence structures shows examiners (and the PTE's automatic scoring system) that you can communicate nuanced ideas, make logical connections, and handle university-level English.

But how do you use complex sentences effectively in your PTE essays without tripping over clarity or accuracy? Let's unlock the strategies, examples, and best practices you need for a winning PTE writing score this year.

Why Complex Sentences Matter for PTE Academic

The PTE Writing assessment criteria heavily reward range and control of grammar. Two criteria-Grammar and General Linguistic Range-directly reference your ability to use varied and complex structures:

Grammar: "Consistent control of complex language. Errors are rare and do not cause confusion."
General Linguistic Range: "Wide repertoire of sentence structures and vocabulary, well-matched to communicative purpose."

In other words, complex sentences are not optional-they're essential for high scores. Only using simple sentences ("Many people use cars. This leads to pollution.") can limit your score to the intermediate range. Meanwhile, well-controlled complexity signals academic readiness and can boost your score in 2025's updated PTE rubrics.

What Is a Complex Sentence? (With Simple Definitions)

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains:

One independent clause (can stand alone)
At least one dependent (subordinate) clause (cannot stand alone)

Example:
Because many people use cars, pollution levels have increased.

Here, the dependent clause ("Because many people use cars") adds detail and is linked by the word "because" to the main clause ("pollution levels have increased").

Common Connectors for Complex Sentences

Some of the most useful connectors (subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns) include:

Because, since, as (cause)
Although, even though, though (contrast)
When, while, after, before, until (time)
If, unless, provided that (condition)
Which, that, who, whose (relative clauses)

Using them correctly in your writing helps you show relationships such as cause, contrast, time, and condition-exactly what academic arguments require.

Turning Simple Sentences into Complex Ones: Step-by-Step Guide

Let's transform basic ideas into complex sentences, just as you'll need to do in your PTE Academic essays:

1. Add a Reason (because, since, as)

Simple: Governments invest in education. Society becomes more developed.
Complex: Society becomes more developed because governments invest in education.

2. Show Contrast (although, even though, though)

Simple: Many people support the new law. Some remain opposed.
Complex: Although many people support the new law, some remain opposed.

3. Express Conditions (if, unless)

Simple: Students study hard. They will succeed.
Complex: If students study hard, they will succeed.

4. Connect with Time (when, after, before)

Simple: The bell rang. The students left the classroom.
Complex: After the bell rang, the students left the classroom.

5. Use Relative Clauses (who, which, that)

Simple: Many people use cars. This leads to pollution.
Complex: Many people use cars, which leads to pollution.

Practical Examples for PTE Academic Writing

PTE prompts often ask you to argue, discuss, or evaluate ideas. Let's see how you can use complex sentences in context:

Sample Prompt: "Do you agree or disagree that social media improves communication?"

Model Sentence Transformations:

Simple:
Social media is popular. It enables people to communicate with friends.
Complex:
Social media, which has become increasingly popular, enables people to communicate with friends even if they live far away.

Simple:
Some people stay connected thanks to social media. Others feel isolated.
Complex:
Although some people stay connected thanks to social media, others feel isolated.

Sample Paragraph Using Complex Sentences:
While social media enables users to maintain relationships regardless of geographical distance, it can also result in superficial interactions because face-to-face contact is reduced. Although some argue that digital networks foster global understanding, others believe they increase feelings of loneliness.

How PTE Writing Scoring Prioritizes Complex Sentences

PTE Academic evaluates "Grammar" and "General Linguistic Range" using AI-based algorithms designed to detect not just error-free writing, but also an effective variety of structures.
According to the 2025 update:

Top scorers show mostly error-free usage of complex sentences in every paragraph.
Mid-range scorers attempt some complex sentences, but errors sometimes limit clarity or control.
Low scorers rely mostly on simple or compound sentences, or make repeated grammar mistakes in long sentences.

To maximize your score:

Aim for at least one complex sentence in every paragraph.
Use a mix of sentence lengths and types so your writing feels natural and controlled.
Accuracy > complexity: Complex sentences must be correct. Avoid overly long or confusing sentences that introduce grammar mistakes!

Should I Use a Complex Sentence in Every Sentence? Striking the Right Balance

No-variety is the key. The best PTE essays contain a healthy mix of:

Simple sentences: For clarity and impact.
Compound sentences: To link equally important ideas ("and," "but," "or").
Complex sentences: To show logical relationships ("because," "although," "which," "that").

Example Paragraph Structure for PTE Writing:

Topic Sentence (simple or compound for clarity):
Online education has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Development (complex):
This trend has grown rapidly because technological advancements have made remote learning more accessible.
Evidence (complex):
Students, who often struggle to balance studies with work, now have more flexibility.
Concluding idea (simple or compound):
As a result, the appeal of traditional classrooms is steadily declining.

By practicing this blend, you present yourself as an advanced user-reflecting how English is actually used.

Common Mistakes with Complex Sentences (and How To Avoid Them)

Complex sentences help you shine-but careless mistakes can hurt your score. Here are the most common issues and solutions:

Run-on sentences:
🔴 Incorrect: Because online courses are flexible many students enrol in them and they offer a wide range of topics. 🟢 Correct: Because online courses are flexible, many students enrol in them, and they offer a wide range of topics.
Fragmented sentences (incomplete):
🔴 Incorrect: Although pollution is rising. 🟢 Correct: Although pollution is rising, governments have not taken enough action.
Misplaced or missing commas:
🔴 Incorrect: When students feel stressed they perform poorly. 🟢 Correct: When students feel stressed, they perform poorly.
Repeated connectors:
🔴 Incorrect: Although she was tired, but she finished the assignment. 🟢 Correct: Although she was tired, she finished the assignment.
Confusion about "which" and "that":
Use "which" for extra info (non-defining), "that" for essential info (defining).

More Ways to Demonstrate "General Linguistic Range" in PTE Writing

Use complex sentences for explanations, reasons, and contrasting points.
Incorporate sentence variety: Don't start every sentence the same way or use only short/long sentences.
Employ transition words ("however," "consequently," "for instance") for logical flow.
Paraphrase ideas using synonyms to avoid repetition.

A great way to practice and get instant feedback on your use of complex sentences is to use tools like Essay Tutor (study.essaytutor.app). Essay Tutor automatically evaluates your grammar, highlights errors, suggests stronger phrases, and gives you actionable advice for improvement. This way, you always know if your sentence complexity is helping your score-or hurting it.

How Many Complex Sentences Do You Need for a High Score?

Minimum: 1 complex sentence per paragraph-ideally, at the start or in support sentences.
Ideal: 2-3 per body paragraph, always clearly constructed and error-free.
Tip: Use simple sentences for key points, complex for explanations/examples, and compounds when linking ideas of equal value.

Model Paragraphs for PTE Writing Success (2025)

Model 1: Agree/Disagree Essay

Prompt: "Should governments spend more on public health rather than on exploring space?"

Sample Paragraph Using a Range of Sentence Types:
While exploring space has resulted in technological breakthroughs, it is crucial that governments allocate more resources to public health because a healthy population is the foundation of economic and scientific progress. For instance, investment in vaccination programs has eliminated deadly diseases in several countries. Although some people argue that space research benefits society in the long run, the immediate needs of citizens should take precedence.

Practice Exercise: Transform Simple Sentences to Complex

Rewrite each pair as a single complex sentence:

Many people exercise regularly. They enjoy better health.
Cities have more job opportunities. As a result, many young people move there.
Students studied hard. They passed the exam.
He submitted his proposal. This impressed the committee.

Possible Answers:

Many people enjoy better health because they exercise regularly.
Many young people move to cities because they have more job opportunities.
Students who studied hard passed the exam.
He submitted his proposal, which impressed the committee.

Frequently Asked Questions (for Featured Snippets)

How do I use complex sentences in the PTE Academic writing task?

Begin by adding subordinate clauses using connectors like because, although, which, that, or when.
Combine simple ideas for deeper explanations or contrast.
Always check for accuracy-do not sacrifice clarity for length.

Why are complex sentences important in PTE Writing?

They show advanced grammatical knowledge, enabling writers to express detailed and logical arguments.
PTE scoring criteria explicitly reward use of a variety of sentence structures, especially complex sentences.

How many complex sentences should I use in my PTE essay?

Aim for at least one in every paragraph; 2-3 per paragraph is optimal, provided they are accurate and clear.

What are the most common mistakes with complex sentences in PTE essays?

Run-on sentences, fragments, inaccurate connectors ("although... but"), and missing commas are frequent issues. Always proofread or use instant feedback tools like Essay Tutor.

Pro Tips to Practice and Improve

Practice combining sentences: Take sample essays and combine ideas using complex connectors.
Record and review: Write an essay, then use tools (like Essay Tutor) to check for errors, suggestions, and clarity in your complex sentences.
Mix sentence types: Deliberately write some simple, some compound, and some complex sentences in each paragraph.
Time yourself: PTE essays are time-limited. Plan a few minutes at the end to proofread.
Model good writing: Analyze band 8/9 sample essays published by reputable PTE sites for sentence structure inspiration.

Final Checklist for PTE Academic Writing

Did you use at least one complex sentence per paragraph?
Are your complex sentences grammatically accurate?
Did you mix sentence types to avoid monotony?
Did you use connectors like because, although, which, that, etc., appropriately?
Is every idea expressed clearly, without run-ons or fragments?
Did you proofread for grammar and clarity?

Conclusion: Unlock Your PTE Writing Potential with Complex Sentences

Mastering complex sentences is your ticket to a top score in PTE Academic Writing in 2025. When used with care, they allow you to create precise, persuasive, and sophisticated essays-just what PTE examiners and algorithms are looking for. Remember, it's not about making every sentence complicated, but about applying complexity purposefully, for clarity and flow.

With regular practice, careful review, and the right feedback, you'll find yourself writing with confidence-and achieving the results you need.

Ready to test your skills? Essay Tutor (study.essaytutor.app) offers instant feedback, grammar checks, and advanced suggestions to help you transform your essays and master complex sentence writing, fast. Start practicing today, and boost your PTE Academic writing score!

You've got this! Keep practicing, seek feedback, and aim for accuracy and range-and your writing will stand out in any English exam, not just the PTE.