a complex decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision that involves multiple factors, considerations, or complications that make it difficult to choose a course of action. Example: "Choosing a career path can be a complex decision, as it often involves weighing personal interests, job market trends, and financial implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The actual realizations that talkers adopted were a complex decision based on a combined concern for syllabic complexity, dialect conservativeness, and idiosyncratic preferences.

Lingua Sinica

Yes, I got the judgement wrong but it was a complex decision".

Independent

This makes late morning the best time to puzzle through a complex decision or absorb new information.

The New York Times - Books

Every issue that entered that rarefied sanctum required a complex decision, demanding focus, thoroughness and analytical potency.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is a complex decision, involving other assets, income taxes and estate plans, so it is best discussed with an adviser.

The New York Times

While deciding to purchase long-term care insurance is a complex decision, it is one that women, in particular, may want to spend some time considering.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Most people are uninterested and "ill-equipped to engage with a complex industry and a complex decision-making process," says Jonathan Ditchfield, director of Barchester Green, a financial adviser focused on ethical and environmental investment.

The Guardian

Evacuation route choice is a complex decision-making process.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Return migration after conflict is the result of a complex decision-making process.

Comparative Migration Studies

MCDM is considered as a complex decision-making tool involving both quantitative and qualitative factors.

Expert Systems with Applications

In order to generate operational schedules, airlines engage in a complex decision-making process, referred to as airline schedule planning.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, briefly outline the key elements contributing to the complexity of "a complex decision".

Common error

While "a complex decision" is appropriate, avoid overuse. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "a difficult choice" or "a multifaceted determination" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex decision" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to describe choices that are not straightforward and require careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complex decision" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a choice involving multiple factors and considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse domains, from science and news to formal business contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it effectively communicates the intricate nature of the decision-making process. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "a difficult choice" or "a multifaceted decision" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult choice

Replaces "complex" with "difficult", focusing on the challenge of the decision.

a complicated decision

Substitutes "complex" with "complicated", emphasizing the intricate nature of the decision.

a multifaceted decision

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

a challenging decision

Emphasizes the difficulty and demanding nature of the decision.

an intricate decision

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of the decision.

a weighty decision

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the decision.

a critical determination

Shifts from "decision" to "determination", stressing the importance of the outcome.

a sophisticated judgment

Replaces "decision" with "judgment", suggesting a need for refined understanding.

a thorny problem

Metaphorically describes the decision as a problem filled with difficulties.

a nuanced choice

Emphasizes the subtle differences and considerations involved in the selection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex decision" to describe a situation where choosing between options involves many factors. For example: "Choosing the right investment strategy is "a complex decision" that requires careful analysis."

What can I say instead of "a complex decision"?

Alternatives include "a difficult choice", "a complicated decision", or "a multifaceted decision" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a complex decision" or "complex decision-making"?

Both are correct, but "a complex decision" refers to the outcome of a process, while "complex decision-making" refers to the process itself. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What makes a decision "a complex decision"?

A decision is considered "a complex decision" when it involves multiple interdependent factors, uncertainty about outcomes, and potentially conflicting values or objectives.