Complex sentences

20 words

1. 1

   On the one hand + clause; on the other hand + clauselinking / contrast

   A pair of discourse markers used to present two contrasting points or two sides of an argument; common in essays.

   “On the one hand, technology increases productivity; on the other hand, it can widen social inequality.”

2. 2

   Given that + clause, + clausesubordinator / concessive

   Introduces a premise or fact to be accepted; often used to give a reason or justification before the main clause.

   “Given that many cities are densely populated, investing in public transport is sensible.”

3. 3

   Only by + V-ing + can + subject + Vcomplex sentence / inversion

   Emphatic structure meaning 'only by doing X can Y happen'; uses inversion (auxiliary before subject).

   “Only by studying consistently can students hope to get a high score in IELTS.”

4. 4

   Only when + clause, + clausecomplex sentence / time clause

   Means 'only at the time when X happens, Y happens'; used to emphasise timing; inversion may follow if the 'Only when' clause is fronted.

   “Only when the experiment was repeated did we trust the results.”

5. 5

   Should + subject + V, + clauseconditional inversion

   Formal inversion used instead of 'if' for conditional meaning: 'Should + S + V' = 'If S should V', meaning 'if something happens'.

   “Should you require any further information, please contact the office.”

6. 6

   What + clause + is + clausecleft sentence / emphasis

   A cleft structure used for emphasis: 'What X does/is/was is that Y' — highlights the information after 'is'.

   “What worries me is that the statistics are outdated.”

7. 7

   Too + adjective + to + Vgrammar

   Says that something is so excessive that the action is impossible or not done: 'too + adjective + to + verb'.

   “The box is too heavy to lift.”

8. 8

   I wish + past simplegrammar

   Used to talk about regrets or desires about present situations that are not true.

   “I wish I had more free time to practise speaking English.”

9. 9

   Prefer + V-ing to + V-inggrammar

   Used to say you like one activity more than another. The common structure is 'prefer + V-ing to + V-ing'.

   “I prefer cycling to driving because it's healthier.”

10. 10

    Due to + noun/phrase, + clausegrammar

    Indicates cause and is followed by a noun phrase (not a full clause). Often used in formal writing: 'Due to + noun phrase, ...'.

    “Due to a lack of funding, the project was postponed.”

11. 11

    I wish + past perfectgrammar

    Used to talk about regrets or wishes about past events (something you would like to have been different).

    “I wish I had studied harder for the exam last year.”

12. 12

    It is/was + adjective + that + clausegrammar

    A cleft structure used to emphasise a part of the sentence by saying 'It is/was + adjective/noun + that + clause'.

    “It is surprising that students can access so many resources online.”

13. 13

    Would rather + (someone) + past simplegrammar

    Expresses a preference about what someone does (often someone else). Use past simple after 'would rather' for present/future preferences; use 'would rather have + past participle' for past regrets.

    “I would rather you didn't smoke in my house.”

14. 14

    To what extent + clausegrammar

    A question phrase asking how much or to what degree something is true or should be agreed with.

    “To what extent do you agree that technology improves learning?”

15. 15

    It is high time + subject + past simplegrammar

    Says that something should happen now; often shows annoyance. Use past simple after 'high time' even for present situations.

    “It's high time the school updated its curriculum.”

16. 16

    Had it not been for + noun phrase, clausegrammar

    A formal inverted conditional equivalent to 'If it had not been for + NP, clause' used to speak about past situations that did not happen.

    “Had it not been for his parents' support, he would never have finished university.”

17. 17

    For + noun phrase + to + Vgrammar

    An infinitive clause introduced by 'for' used as a subject or object (e.g., 'For students to succeed is important').

    “For young people to find stable jobs is a major challenge.”

18. 18

    Would you mind + V-ing?grammar

    A polite way to ask someone to do something. 'Would you mind' is followed by a verb in -ing form.

    “Would you mind opening the window? It's hot in here.”

19. 19

    Now that + clause, clausegrammar

    A connector meaning 'because something is now true', used to link a new situation with its consequence.

    “Now that the exams are over, students can relax and focus on hobbies.”

20. 20

    In the event that + clausegrammar

    A formal conditional phrase meaning 'if' used especially in formal or written contexts to introduce possible future events.

    “In the event that demand increases, we will hire more staff.”