Improve Your DET Score With Complex Sentences

To score high on the Duolingo English Test (DET), you need to show grammatical complexity. Simple sentences won’t cut it—you have to combine ideas smoothly to sound more natural and fluent. The better your writing flows, the higher your score! Here’s why complex sentences matter and how you can start using them today.

What Are Complex Sentences?

A complex sentence consists of at least one main clause (also called an independent clause) and one or more dependent clauses. These clauses are connected using subordinating conjunctions, such as "although," "because," or "while."

Understanding how to form complex sentences is essential for success on the Duolingo English Test because it allows you to express ideas more clearly and logically.

Simple Sentence Structure (Basic Form)

A simple sentence follows the basic structure:

✅ Subject + Verb + (Object - Optional)

✔ Example:

• She (subject) went (verb) to work (object).
• He (subject) studies (verb) every day.

A simple sentence expresses a complete thought but can sometimes sound too basic or choppy, especially in a formal test setting. To improve your DET score, you must use complex structures instead of just short, simple sentences.

Why Are Complex Sentences Important?

✔ Increases Score Potential: The Duolingo English Test evaluates sentence variety, so showing a mix of complex, compound, and simple sentences helps demonstrate strong writing skills.

✔ Shows Fluency & Proficiency: Using complex sentences naturally mimics native English writing and speaking, which makes your responses sound more advanced.

✔ Conveys Ideas More Clearly: Complex sentences help connect ideas more logically and prevent repetitive, choppy writing.

✔ Essential for Writing & Speaking: On the DET, writing and speaking responses require detailed explanations. Complex sentences allow you to expand on key points without sounding robotic.

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How to Form Complex Sentences

Complex sentences contain:

1️⃣ An independent clause (a complete sentence that can stand alone).
2️⃣ A dependent clause (a phrase that cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for meaning).
3️⃣ A subordinating conjunction (a word that connects the two clauses, such as "because," "although," or "if").

Basic Formula for a Complex Sentence

✅ Main Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause

✔ Example:

• I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
  • Main Clause: "I stayed home"
  • Subordinating Conjunction: "because"
  • Dependent Clause: "I was feeling sick"

✔ Reversed Example:

• Because I was feeling sick, I stayed home.
  • (Notice how the sentence still makes sense when reversed!)

The Basics of Sentence Combining

Sentence combining is the process of merging two or more short sentences into one clear, complex sentence. This skill makes your writing more fluent, natural, and engaging—which leads to a higher DET score!

Three Major Techniques for Sentence Combining

1️⃣ Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

One way to combine sentences is by using coordinating conjunctions (also known as FANBOYS):

✔ For
✔ And
✔ Nor
✔ But
✔ Or
✔ Yet
✔ So

Example:

• She went to work. She did not want to go. → (Simple, choppy sentences)
• She went to work, even though she did not want to. → (More advanced sentence using "even though")

2️⃣ Subordinating Conjunctions for Complex Sentences

Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause and create a complex sentence that highlights the relationship between ideas.

✔ Common subordinating conjunctions:

• Because (cause/effect)
• Although (contrast)
• While (simultaneous actions)
• If (condition)
• Since (cause/effect)

Example:

• They planned a vacation. They did not have enough money. → (Two separate ideas.)
• Although they planned a vacation, they did not have enough money. → (A complex sentence with contrast.)

3️⃣ Combining Subjects and Verbs

If two sentences share the same subject or verb, they can be combined for better flow and to eliminate repetition.

✔ Example:

• Mr. Brown walked to the store. His pet monkey Ralph walked along with him.
• Mr. Brown and his pet monkey Ralph walked to the store together.

✅ This technique keeps the sentence smooth and eliminates unnecessary repetition.

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How Sentence Combining Boosts Your DET Score

Mastering sentence combining techniques improves your ability to write and speak fluently on the DET. Here’s why:

✔ It Demonstrates a Range of Grammar Skills – You’ll show evaluators that you understand different sentence structures.
✔ It Reduces Errors – Short, choppy sentences often lead to grammar mistakes. Complex sentences increase accuracy.
✔ It Makes Responses More Natural – When you mix sentence types, your speech and writing sound more like a native speaker.

Before & After Sentence Combining Example:

❌ Before (Basic, Simple Sentences):

• She wants to study abroad. She doesn’t have the money to do it.

✅ After (Improved, Complex Sentence):

• Although she wants to study abroad, she doesn’t have the money to do it.

💡 See the difference? The second version sounds more advanced because it uses a complex structure instead of two short, choppy sentences.

Final Thoughts: Master Complex Sentences for a Higher DET Score!

Using complex sentences is essential for achieving a higher DET score. Remember:

✔ Mix short and long sentences to create a natural flow.
✔ Use subordinating conjunctions to express relationships between ideas.
✔ Avoid repetition by combining similar subjects and verbs.
✔ Practice writing & speaking aloud to refine your responses.

If you want to improve quickly, start practicing sentence combining techniques today! This small change can make a huge difference in your Duolingo English Test score. 🚀