a complex case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or issue that involves multiple factors or is difficult to understand or resolve. Example: "The lawyer was presented with a complex case that required extensive research and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A compact treatment of a complex case.

The New Yorker

But it wasn't a complex case".

The Guardian

"This is not a complex case," he said.

The New York Times

Decisional capacity in pregnancy: a complex case of pregnancy termination.

Harvard University

In short, this is going to be a complex case.

The New York Times

By the time he surfaced last month, he had constructed a complex case against the war.

The Guardian

Your president is a complex case, a man of passion, courage and oratory.

The New York Times - Books

The judge scheduled a series of potentially crucial pretrial hearings in what is highly likely to be a complex case.

The New York Times

I struggled with that example, because I know it's a complex case and the court decided it on standing grounds.

The New Yorker

Legal experts said it was no surprise that the judges reserved judgment as it was such a complex case.

The Guardian

A complex case study is presented for the evaluation of the suggested controller.

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a complex case" with more specific terms depending on the context. For example, "a complicated legal matter" is clearer than simply "a complex case" in legal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex case" as a vague descriptor without providing concrete details about what makes it complex. Saying a situation is complex without explanation can diminish your credibility and leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex case" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct. It characterizes a situation or matter as intricate and difficult to understand or resolve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex case" is a versatile descriptor used to denote intricate and challenging situations across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and academic writing. While universally understood, remember to provide specific details about the complexity to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "an intricate matter" or "a multifaceted issue" can provide nuanced perspectives. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "a complex case" allows for more effective communication in describing intricate situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate matter

Replaces "case" with "matter" and "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and complicated nature of the situation.

a complicated situation

Substitutes "case" with "situation" and "complex" with "complicated", providing a more general alternative.

a multifaceted issue

Replaces "case" with "issue" and "complex" with "multifaceted", highlighting the many aspects involved.

a thorny problem

Replaces "complex case" with a metaphor indicating a difficult and potentially troublesome problem.

a challenging scenario

Substitutes "case" with "scenario" and "complex" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty posed by the situation.

a difficult circumstance

Replaces "case" with "circumstance" and "complex" with "difficult", underscoring the problematic nature of the situation.

a convoluted affair

Replaces "case" with "affair" and "complex" with "convoluted", suggesting a confusing and complicated situation.

a sophisticated problem

Replaces "complex" with "sophisticated", implying a problem that requires advanced understanding and handling.

an elaborate undertaking

Replaces "case" with "undertaking" and "complex" with "elaborate", emphasizing the detailed and planned nature of the task.

a perplexing enigma

Replaces "complex case" with a more dramatic expression suggesting a mysterious and puzzling situation.

FAQs

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

"A complex case" is used to describe a situation that involves many interconnected factors or is difficult to understand. For example, "The lawyer was assigned "a complex case" involving international finance."

What are some alternatives to "a complex case"?

You can use alternatives such as "a complicated situation", "an intricate matter", or "a multifaceted issue" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is "a complex case" most appropriate?

The phrase "a complex case" is appropriate in various contexts, including legal, medical, technical, and business settings, where intricate details and multiple factors are involved.

How does "a complex case" differ from "a simple case"?

"A complex case" involves numerous interconnected factors and requires extensive analysis, whereas "a simple case" is straightforward and easily understood.