THE USE OF COMPLEX SENTENCE STRUCTURES IN ACADEMIC WRITING OF EFL STUDENTS

Abstract

Academic writing requires not only lexical knowledge but also syntactic competence that enables learners to express ideas clearly and logically. Among various linguistic features, the use of complex sentence structures plays a significant role in developing coherent and sophisticated academic texts. For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, mastering complex sentence constructions remains a challenge due to differences between native language structures and English syntax. This article examines the importance of complex sentence structures in academic writing, discusses different types of complex constructions, analyzes common difficulties encountered by EFL learners, and explores pedagogical strategies that can improve students’ syntactic competence. The study emphasizes that appropriate use of complex sentence structures enhances cohesion, coherence, and academic style while contributing to higher levels of writing proficiency.