a complex animal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex animal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an animal that has intricate behaviors, characteristics, or biological features. Example: "The octopus is a complex animal, known for its problem-solving abilities and advanced camouflage techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It's a complex animal," he says.

Independent

"We have a complex animal mind that only recently evolved language and language-based reasoning," Dr. Haidt said.

The New York Times - Science

For Mr. Jasperse dance may be a complex animal, but there's a reason he's returning, 20 years later, to a more visceral side of his art form.

The New York Times - Arts

Transcription factors switch other genes on and off, and some of them are vital for turning a fertilized egg into a complex animal body.

The New York Times - Science

It is a complex animal, but defining causes include free trade, deregulation, cutting taxes and welfare, and shielding City banks from EU rules.

The Economist

Some of his colleagues in primatology admit to impatience with his position — and with the broader bonobo cult that flattens a complex animal into a caricature of Edenic good humor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00170.001 The development of a single fertilized egg into a highly complex animal is determined by its genome, with a process called differential gene regulation exerting exquisite control over gene expression to ensure that various specialized cells are generated and that many types of tissue are produced.

eLife

As you spend more time together and get used to each other's company, a relationship often evolves into a more complex animal.

WikiHow

The short life span and simple treatment paradigm allowed for the use of an animal model in a class-based research course, which would not have been possible with a more complex animal model (e.g., rodents).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Navigating to a safe place, such as a home or nest, is a fundamental behavior for all complex animals.

Current Biology

The dog is an intelligent, complex animal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complex animal", ensure that the context provides specific examples of the animal's complexity, such as its intricate social behaviors, advanced cognitive abilities, or unique biological adaptations.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a complex animal" without providing specific details or examples to support the claim. Saying "the brain is a complex animal" is less effective than explaining the specific aspects of brain complexity that you are addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex animal" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies the noun "animal". Ludwig suggests that it's used to describe an animal possessing intricate characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex animal" is used to describe an animal that possesses intricate characteristics, behaviours, or biological features. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase, noting its appearance across different sources. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in News & Media and Science sources. While generally appropriate, remember to provide specific details or examples to avoid overgeneralization. To achieve clarity, consider using alternative phrases like "an intricate creature" or "a sophisticated organism", which offer more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate creature

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the animal.

a sophisticated organism

Substitutes "complex" with "sophisticated" and "animal" with "organism", suggesting advanced development and refinement.

an advanced lifeform

Highlights the evolved and sophisticated characteristics of the animal.

a multifaceted being

Emphasizes the many different aspects or features of the animal.

a labyrinthine organism

Emphasizes the intricate and complex inner workings of the animal's biology, similar to a labyrinth.

a complicated beast

Uses "complicated" instead of "complex" and "beast" instead of "animal", giving a slightly more informal and potentially negative connotation.

a remarkably developed being

Highlights the animal's advanced development and capabilities.

a challenging entity

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding or dealing with the animal, using "entity" as a more abstract term.

an elaborate life form

Highlights the detailed and intricate structure of the animal's life form.

a puzzling species

Suggests that the animal presents a mystery or is difficult to comprehend.

FAQs

How can I describe the specific complexities of an animal?

Instead of generally stating "a complex animal", specify what makes it complex. For example, mention its intricate social structure, advanced cognitive abilities, or unique physiological adaptations. This provides a clearer and more informative description.

What are some alternatives to describing something as "a complex animal"?

Consider using phrases like "an intricate creature", "a sophisticated organism", or "a multifaceted being", depending on the specific aspects you want to emphasize. These alternatives can provide more nuance and specificity.

Is it always necessary to use the adjective "complex" when describing an animal?

No, using "complex" isn't always necessary. If the animal's intricate nature is already implied by the context or further explained with specific details, you can omit the adjective. For example, you can say "the octopus displays remarkable problem-solving skills" rather than "the octopus is a complex animal because it displays remarkable problem-solving skills".

When is it appropriate to use "a complex animal" in scientific writing?

It's appropriate when introducing the animal as a subject of study or when highlighting its intricate biological or behavioral systems. Be sure to follow up with detailed explanations and evidence to support the claim of complexity. For example, you might introduce a study by saying, "We investigated the neural pathways of the box jellyfish, a complex animal with a surprisingly sophisticated nervous system."