At what stage of second-language acquisition do learners exhibit near-native ability and use complex sentences?

The stage of second-language acquisition that aligns with learners demonstrating near-native ability and using complex sentences is advanced fluency. At this point, learners have typically developed a high level of proficiency in the language, allowing them to engage in conversations and discussions with ease. They can utilize a range of vocabulary and employ intricate grammatical structures, making their speech resemble that of native speakers.

In this stage, learners can express complex ideas and nuances, showcasing their understanding of the language’s subtleties. Their ability to participate effectively in academic and social contexts reflects their command over the language, enabling them to focus on refining their language skills rather than merely navigating basic communication.

Other stages, such as early production, speech emergence, and intermediate fluency, indicate varying levels of proficiency where learners are still building foundational skills and may not yet be capable of using complex sentence structures or displaying near-native fluency.