a bit complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit complex" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you would like to describe something that is slightly complicated or difficult to understand. For example, "The tax code is a bit complex for someone not familiar with the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

THE living arrangements are a bit complex.

The New York Times

"I'm not afraid of being a bit complex," she said.

The Guardian

But South Africa's 11 official languages make life a bit complex.

The Economist

The data is proving a bit complex to amass (a variety of inputs including comment sentiment, page load time and social sharing) so I'm at the stage of considering faking it all for the demo.

The Guardian

My named GP ignores any ruling that limits a consultation to ten minutes and is happy to spend half an hour sorting out my co-morbidities when they get a bit complex.

The Guardian

"I think most evangelicals don't preach it, precisely because they realise it's a bit murky, a bit complex," Justin Thacker, head of theology at the Evangelical Alliance told me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

If that sounds a wee bit complex, that's because it is!

The Guardian - Music

The truth is a bit more complex.

The Economist

The other two sauces are a bit more complex.

The New York Times - Food

Something a bit more complex seems to be going on.

The Guardian - Film

Naturally, the picture is a bit more complex than this.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit complex", ensure the context provides enough information to hint at the nature of the complexity. This helps the reader understand the degree and type of complication involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit complex" as a vague statement without any supporting details. Instead, briefly elaborate on what makes the subject complex to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit complex" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a moderate degree of complexity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests something is not entirely simple or straightforward. It is commonly used to describe processes, systems, or concepts that require some extra thought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit complex" is a commonly used adjectival phrase to describe something that is moderately complicated or not entirely straightforward. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It functions to inform an audience about a moderate level of complexity without being overly dramatic. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Remember to provide clarifying context when using "a bit complex" to avoid vagueness. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "moderately intricate" or "rather convoluted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly complicated

Substitutes "a bit" with "slightly" and "complex" with "complicated", keeping the meaning nearly identical.

somewhat intricate

Replaces "a bit complex" with synonyms, altering the tone slightly toward sophistication.

a little involved

Replaces "complex" with "involved", implying the matter requires some effort to understand.

moderately intricate

Replaces "a bit" with "moderately" and "complex" with "intricate", suggesting a higher degree of complexity.

not entirely straightforward

Uses a negation to express complexity, suggesting it's not as simple as it appears.

not altogether simple

Expresses the idea that something is more complex than it might seem at first glance by using the word 'simple'.

rather convoluted

Substitutes "a bit complex" with "rather convoluted", indicating a more tangled or difficult situation.

somewhat knotty

Uses "knotty" to describe a problem or situation that is complicated and difficult to resolve.

a trifle perplexing

Replaces "complex" with "perplexing", emphasizing the confusing nature of the subject.

a touch labyrinthine

Implies something is intricate and maze-like, making it hard to follow or understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit complex" to describe something that is slightly complicated or not entirely straightforward. For example, "The instructions were "a bit complex", so I had to read them twice."

What are some alternatives to "a bit complex"?

Some alternatives include "slightly complicated", "somewhat intricate", or "a little involved". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a bit complex" in formal writing?

While "a bit complex" is generally acceptable, in very formal writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "moderately intricate" or "rather convoluted" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What's the difference between "a bit complex" and "very complex"?

"A bit complex" indicates a mild level of complication, suggesting something requires a little extra thought or effort to understand. "Very complex", on the other hand, indicates a high level of complication, suggesting something is significantly difficult to understand or manage.