a complex idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complex idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a thought or plan that is complicated or difficult to understand. For example: "The professor presented a complex idea that the students had to study for weeks to fully understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

What's important to me about the way you express complex ideas in your cartoons is that it allows people access to a complex idea, and maybe helps them make an informed decision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a complex idea but a simple collection of teen-scene summer clothes exploding with slogans and images and updated by the "onesies," all-in-one shapes, and by elongated T-shirt "dresses".

The New York Times

Even 'exclusive use' is a complex idea.

SEP

The DDE, invented by Aquinas, is a complex idea.

SEP

National culture captures a complex idea for Crummell.

SEP

Instead, you use photos and videos to deliver a complex idea or emotion quickly and vividly.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I love John Forté, and that's just mostly speaking about current artists in terms of people who know how to take a complex ideas and put them across.

Huffington Post

They suggest, however, that the very concept of benefit and compensatory taxation is a rather complex idea, presupposing a baseline against which specific policies and institutional arrangements can be seen to benefit or harm persons.

SEP

You can convey a pretty complex idea with a simple picture".

Vice

A symbol is a representational tool, meaningful either through convention or association as a condensation of a more complex idea.

Huffington Post

When we combine a subject- and a predicate-term we just form a more complex idea which is again the content of a presentation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract subjects, use "a complex idea" to signal that the topic requires careful consideration and is not easily simplified.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex idea" when describing something straightforward; reserve it for genuinely intricate and multifaceted concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a concept that is not straightforward and requires detailed understanding. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, presenting numerous examples where the phrase introduces sophisticated topics or theories.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex idea" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a multifaceted concept. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is frequently used in academic, scientific, and news contexts to introduce topics that require careful consideration. While alternatives like "a difficult concept" or "an intricate notion" exist, the phrase remains a standard choice for signaling intellectual depth. To use it effectively, ensure the subject truly warrants the descriptor to avoid overcomplicating simple concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult concept

Replaces 'idea' with 'concept', emphasizing the mental representation rather than the thought process.

an intricate notion

Substitutes 'complex' with 'intricate' and 'idea' with 'notion', heightening the sense of detail and subtlety.

a complicated theory

Employs 'complicated' instead of 'complex' and 'theory' in place of 'idea', suggesting a more structured and potentially testable explanation.

a multifaceted issue

Replaces 'idea' with 'issue', shifting the focus towards a problem or point of debate, and 'complex' with 'multifaceted' to emphasize its many aspects.

a sophisticated understanding

Implies a depth of comprehension rather than just the presence of a complex thought.

an elaborate scheme

Replaces 'idea' with 'scheme', suggesting a plan that is complex often with negative connotations.

a knotty problem

Highlights the difficulty in resolving or understanding the idea.

a deep concept

Emphasizes the profound nature and underlying significance of the idea.

a thorny question

Highlights the contentious and challenging nature associated with the idea.

a layered perspective

Suggests the idea has multiple levels of interpretation or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex idea" to describe intricate concepts that require deep understanding. For example: "The professor presented "a complex idea" about quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "a complex idea"?

Alternatives include "a difficult concept", "an intricate notion", or "a complicated theory", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a complex ideas"?

No, "a complex ideas" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a complex idea" (singular) or "complex ideas" (plural).

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a complex idea"?

Use "a complex idea" when referring to a concept with many interconnected parts that requires careful thought and analysis. It's suitable for academic, scientific, or philosophical discussions.