Get complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Get complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation or process that is becoming more complex or difficult to understand. Example: "As we delved deeper into the project, things began to get complicated with the new requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things can get complicated.

The New York Times

That could get complicated.

The New York Times - Tech

Then things get complicated.

The New York Times

It can get complicated.

The New York Times - Food

It could get complicated.

The New York Times - Books

Things get complicated pretty quickly.

The New York Times

Preferred stocks can get complicated.

The New York Times

That's when things get complicated.

The New York Times

Here, however, things get complicated.

The New York Times - Arts

Here's where things get complicated.

The New York Times

But that testimony could get complicated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get complicated" to signal a shift towards more intricate or difficult circumstances in a narrative or explanation. This phrase is suitable for introducing complications in stories, processes, or relationships.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "get complicated" to indicate complexity. Instead, elaborate on the specific details and aspects that contribute to the complication to provide a clearer and more engaging description. Vary your language to keep your writing dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Get complicated" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used to describe a process or situation that is becoming more intricate, complex, or difficult to manage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it commonly introduces a change in circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Get complicated" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate that a situation or process is becoming more intricate and challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. It serves as a signal that further explanation or navigation of complex details is required. While very common, avoiding overuse and providing specific details about the arising complexities will improve writing quality. Alternatives such as "become complex" or "grow intricate" can add variety to writing. Overall, understanding the nuances of "get complicated" helps writers effectively communicate the increasing complexity of various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Become complex

Replaces "get" with "become" and "complicated" with "complex" to convey a similar meaning.

Grow intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the increasing complexity.

Turn convoluted

Highlights the twisting and confusing nature of the complication.

Become problematic

Focuses on the difficulties and issues arising from the situation.

Escalate in difficulty

Emphasizes the increasing level of challenge.

Take a turn for the worse

Indicates a negative shift in the situation's complexity.

Unravel into chaos

Suggests a breakdown into disorder due to increasing complexity.

Start to backfire

Highlights unintended negative consequences of increasing complexity.

Meet with unexpected obstacles

Emphasizes the emergence of unforeseen challenges.

Spin out of control

Indicates a loss of control due to increasing complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "Get complicated" in a sentence?

"Get complicated" is typically used to describe a situation becoming more complex. For example, "The project started simply, but things "got complicated" when the budget was cut."

What can I say instead of "Get complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "become complex", "grow intricate", or "turn convoluted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Things are getting complicated"?

Yes, "Things are getting complicated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate increasing complexity or difficulty.

What's the difference between "Get complicated" and "Become complex"?

While similar, "get complicated" often implies a process of becoming complex, whereas "become complex" can describe a state of being complex. "Get complicated" suggests an active change, while "become complex" is more static.