Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Had complications
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "Had complications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or difficulties that arose during a process, event, or situation. Example: "The surgery went well, but the patient had complications that required additional treatment."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The city, though, had complications.
News & Media
He had complications from cancer.
News & Media
She had complications from brain surgery.
News & Media
He had complications from a heart procedure.
News & Media
Mr. Dingell had complications from prostate cancer.
News & Media
He had complications from Parkinson's disease.
News & Media
What if I had complications from surgery?
News & Media
He was 90 and had complications from a recent fall.
News & Media
He had complications from pneumonia, said his wife, Lea McKayle.
News & Media
He had complications from pneumonia, said his wife, Jane Deland.
News & Media
Although 16% of surgeries had complications, mortality was rare (0.03%).
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "had complications", ensure the context clearly specifies what process or event experienced the complications to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "had complications" without specifying the source or nature of the complications. Be specific to provide clarity and context for the reader.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "had complications" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject experienced difficulties or problems during a particular process or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.
Frequent in
News & Media
43%
Science
32%
Academia
7%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Formal & Business
2%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "had complications" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that problems or difficulties arose during a specific process or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic discussions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature and source of the complications to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "experienced difficulties" or "encountered problems" exist, "had complications" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
experienced difficulties
Replaces "had complications" with a more general term for problems encountered.
encountered problems
Similar to "experienced difficulties", offering a broader description of issues faced.
suffered setbacks
Emphasizes the negative impact of the complications encountered.
faced challenges
Highlights the demanding nature of the issues that arose.
ran into trouble
An informal way of saying that problems were encountered.
developed issues
Focuses on the emergence or creation of problems.
met with adversity
Suggests a more significant and challenging type of problem.
presented difficulties
Emphasizes that something caused the problems.
entailed issues
Indicates that the issues were a necessary part of something else.
resulted in problems
Highlights that something led to the development of issues.
FAQs
How can I use "had complications" in a sentence?
Use "had complications" to indicate that difficulties or problems arose during a process or event. For example: "The surgery went well, but the patient "had complications" that required additional treatment".
What are some alternatives to saying "had complications"?
You can use alternatives like "experienced difficulties", "encountered problems", or "suffered setbacks" depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "had complications" in formal writing?
Yes, "had complications" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing medical, technical, or procedural issues. More formal alternatives like "presented difficulties" might also be considered.
What kind of complications are typically described using the phrase "had complications"?
The phrase is versatile and can describe a wide range of problems, including medical, procedural, logistical, or technical issues. The specific type of complication should be clear from the context.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested