Complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Complex" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has many interconnected parts or is difficult to understand. An example is: "The problem is quite complex and requires careful analysis." Alternative expressions include "complicated" and "intricate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The truth is more complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then by the time Twitter's finished amplifying their shock by a factor of 10, it's easy to forget that some of the justices will have a more complex thought process than was on display in their questioning.

The Guardian

In reality, the effect on MPs' seats is more complex to measure as voters are not spread evenly across constituencies: some areas within may heavily favour one party, others its main rival.

The Guardian

"This was during a period of high intensity, with an unprecedented number of arrivals and an increased number of people presenting with a range of significant, complex medical conditions".

The Guardian

Ministers promise to provide for "appropriate oversight arrangements and safeguards", but there is no immediate detail on how the complex web of intelligence and surveillance commissioners and parliamentary oversight might be strengthened.

The Guardian

The term "nervous" is on every rider and manager's lips when asked to describe the demands of the early phase of the race, but what they mean is more complex than a few shivers of anticipation at the prospect of a tricky bit of road or two.

The Guardian - Sport

"We realised our consultations were becoming longer and more complex," Smith says in the presentation.

The Guardian

They're too complex, too political, too real.

The Guardian - Film

The defence offered by one of the latest care employers to be named and shamed, East Midlands Crossroads – Caring for Carers, that the rules are "complex, in parts ambiguous and open to interpretation", does not sound good.

The Guardian

Often ostensibly secular and radically libertarian, for decades they have lobbied to turn public education – currently an $85bn federal operation – into an industrial complex.

The Guardian

Her fate was all the more harrowing because the IRA murder squad that came to kill her dragged her away from her screaming, crying children in a rundown flats complex in 1972, the bloodiest year of the conflict.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Complex", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects are intricate. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "Complex" as a vague descriptor. Always clarify which aspects of the subject are intricate or multifaceted to provide clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The word "Complex" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are made up of multiple parts or are not simple. Ludwig AI analysis indicates this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "Complex" is a versatile adjective widely used to describe things that are not simple, possessing multiple interconnected parts. Ludwig's analysis, as well as the provided examples, underscores its grammatical correctness and acceptance across various domains. While synonyms like ""complicated"" or ""intricate"" exist, "Complex" maintains a broad applicability, particularly in professional and academic settings. However, it's crucial to provide context to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. The high frequency of use, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian, BBC, and New York Times further solidify its position as a key descriptor in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Complicated

Emphasizes difficulty in understanding or dealing with something.

Intricate

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of something.

Elaborate

Focuses on the extensive detail and richness of something.

Sophisticated

Implies refinement and complexity achieved through development.

Multifaceted

Indicates multiple aspects or dimensions of something.

Involved

Suggests a high degree of engagement or interconnectedness.

Byzantine

Implies extreme complexity, often to the point of being confusing or difficult to navigate.

Convoluted

Highlights the confusing and intricate nature of something, often unnecessarily so.

Compound

Describes something made up of multiple elements or parts.

Composite

Refers to something made up of disparate or different parts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Complex" in a sentence?

Use "Complex" to describe something that has many interconnected parts or is not easy to understand. For example, "The issue is quite "complex" and requires careful analysis".

What are some alternatives to saying "Complex"?

You can use alternatives like "complicated", "intricate", or "multifaceted" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the word "Complex"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "Complex" without providing context. Ensure the reader understands what aspects are intricate. Alternatives like "detailed" or "involved" might be more appropriate in certain scenarios.

What's the difference between "Complex" and "Complicated"?

"Complex" suggests multiple interconnected parts, while "complicated" emphasizes difficulty in understanding or dealing with something. The terms are often interchangeable but can differ slightly in connotation.