In a complex way

USAGE SUMMARY

"In a complex way" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when trying to describe how a certain event or situation occurred in an intricate manner. For example, "The new regulations were enacted in a complex way."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are tragic in a complex way.

Independent

Self's painted colours are related in a complex way to the colours of the plants.

The Guardian - Arts

Wear performance of any tribological system can be influenced in a complex way by water contamination.

Tribology International

The hardness depends critically and in a complex way on the Si3N4 content and the TiSi2/Si3N4 ratio.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Combined shears, shuffles and interface shifts operate in a complex way to generate the (1 1 4) twin.

Acta Materialia

It is demonstrated that uncertainties of individual variables are not simply superposed but interact in a complex way.

Journal of Hydrology

The sex hormones secreted from the pituitary gland interact in a complex way to regulate the growth of the gonads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These changes in the nuclear distribution of chromatin are, in a complex way, related to transcriptional status and epigenetic modifications.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development

Choreographing for a group, as Mr. Sewell is in "Moving Works," meant that he could layer patterns and structures in a complex way.

The New York Times - Arts

It really makes you think about people and emotions in a complex way; it was strange, grotesque, explicit, but it held nothing back.

The Guardian

She bonds in a complex way with Pat by giving him a pejorative, one-minute summary of Lord of the Flies before throwing it out into the street.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a complex way", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific elements contribute to the complexity. Provide enough detail to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "in a complex way" as a generic descriptor. Always specify how something is complex; otherwise, it weakens your statement. For example, instead of saying 'The system interacts in a complex way', specify 'The system interacts in a complex way, with feedback loops between temperature, pressure, and flow rate'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a complex way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a complex way" serves as an adverbial phrase that communicates the intricacy of an action, relationship, or process. It is widely used across various fields, including science, news, and encyclopedias, suggesting a level of formality suitable for diverse writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English. While alternatives like "intricately" or "in a sophisticated manner" exist, "in a complex way" provides a clear and straightforward means of conveying multifaceted complexity. When using this phrase, ensure that the surrounding context adequately specifies the elements contributing to the complexity to prevent vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In an intricate fashion

Substitutes "way" with "fashion", offering a slightly more stylistic variation.

Through a complicated process

Replace "complex way" for a synonym phrase with the same meaning

Intricately

This alternative simplifies the expression to a single adverb, focusing on the intricate nature of the action itself.

With considerable intricacy

Highlights the degree of intricacy involved.

With complexity

It is a more concise version, simply highlights that something is complex

In a sophisticated manner

Replaces "complex" with "sophisticated", implying a higher level of refinement or expertise.

Through a multifaceted approach

This alternative emphasizes the multiple aspects or dimensions involved in the process.

By convoluted means

Implies the process is unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand.

In a labyrinthine manner

Uses a metaphor to describe the complexity, suggesting a confusing and intricate path.

In a tangled web

Employs a metaphor to convey interconnected and confusing complexities.

FAQs

How can I use "in a complex way" in a sentence?

You can use "in a complex way" to describe intricate relationships or processes. For example: "The data is interconnected in a complex way" or "The algorithm processes information in a complex way".

What are some alternatives to "in a complex way"?

Alternatives include "intricately", "in a sophisticated manner", or "through a complicated process" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "complexly" instead of "in a complex way"?

While "complexly" is grammatically correct, "in a complex way" often provides more clarity and allows you to elaborate on the specific aspects of the complexity. "Complexly" is also less common.

How does "in a complex way" differ from "simply"?

"In a complex way" emphasizes the presence of multiple interconnected factors, while "simply" suggests a straightforward or uncomplicated process. They are antonyms.