Slightly complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a moderate level of difficulty or intricacy. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture are slightly complex, so make sure to read them carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We created a few more slightly complex variations of this theme: rating plus user choice.

Stanford University

There is a fascinating and slightly complex relationship between self-confidence and an improving mindset.

Harvard Business Review

Predictably, this slightly complex message about bolstering women's sexual power through use of misogynist insults was overlooked.

The Guardian - Opinion

I made these decisions because I did have something "slightly complex and subtle" in mind when I wrote the script of Boudica.

The Guardian

This project demonstrates the use of a slightly complex cipher, in which a given letter in the original text is not always represented by the same letter in the coded version.

University of California, Berkeley

Prepared this way, the white clam pizza, once lightly salted, was remarkable: Fresh, sweet seafood played beautifully against olive oil, oregano, parsley and Parmigiano, with the crust adding a slightly complex foil.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We are currently working on adapting SeqFIRE to identify such slightly-complex CDIs.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, these proteins also harbor a large number of "slightly-complex" indels, among which some potentially useful CDIs might exist.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Here are some slightly more complex interface sketches.

Stanford University

Then there is the slightly more complex "double marginalization" theory.

The New York Times

Kiros's recipe is just slightly more complex.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly complex" when you want to convey that something isn't entirely simple, but also not overly complicated. This provides a balanced perspective, avoiding extremes.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly complex" when the subject is either very simple or overwhelmingly complicated. Choose a more accurate descriptor to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly complex" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, adding detail to a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase modifies nouns by indicating a moderate level of complication. Examples include describing a "slightly complex cipher" or a "slightly complex message".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly complex" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that is suitable for describing something with a moderate level of difficulty or intricacy. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. It serves to provide a nuanced assessment, steering clear of oversimplification or exaggeration in descriptions. While not exceedingly common, it's a valuable term for precise communication. Remember that while phrases like "moderately intricate" and "somewhat complicated" are great alternatives, you want to avoid overstating complexity when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moderately intricate

Implies a noticeable but not overwhelming level of detail or complication.

Somewhat complicated

Indicates a degree of complexity that is above simple but not extremely difficult.

Mildly intricate

Suggests a subtle and not overly challenging level of intricacy.

Reasonably involved

Highlights that something requires some degree of engagement and is not straightforward.

A bit convoluted

Suggests the matter isn't linear and is not straight to the point, but it's still manageable.

Relatively complex

Expresses complexity compared to another, implying that the matter isn't complex if it's not compared.

Marginally difficult

Indicates that something is only slightly challenging.

Sophisticated to a degree

Highlights a measure of sophistication without being excessively advanced.

Not entirely straightforward

Points out a level of complexity that deviates from simple or easy.

Subtly layered

Emphasizes hidden complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly complex" to describe systems, processes, or ideas that have a moderate level of intricacy. For example: "The algorithm is "slightly complex", but manageable with the right tools."

What are some alternatives to "slightly complex"?

Alternatives include "moderately intricate", "somewhat complicated", or "mildly intricate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "slightly complex" instead of "complex"?

Use "slightly complex" when something is not overwhelmingly difficult or intricate. "Complex" implies a higher degree of difficulty, so "slightly complex" is appropriate when describing something that is moderately challenging.

Is "slightly complex" too vague for technical writing?

While "slightly complex" is understandable, consider providing more specific details in technical writing to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the system is "slightly complex"", you could specify which aspects are more involved.