a complex individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone with intricate or multifaceted personality traits, behaviors, or experiences. Example: "She is a complex individual, with a rich background that influences her perspectives and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

She could "do no more", as she said, with such a complex individual.

The Guardian - Sport

But he's always had issues, always been a complex individual with massive addiction issues all his life.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, Drew, Gabe's lover, is a campaigning journalist more concerned to portray Teddy as a martyr than as a complex individual.

The Guardian

Over-reliant on familiar material, it shows scant concern for possible angles from which new light might illuminate a complex individual.

The Guardian - Books

It's difficult to capture Corré's character in print, but he is certainly a complex individual: passionate, volatile, even belligerent, but with a vulnerable side, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Scot is a complex individual and his tennis reflects his personality, perhaps more than any player since John McEnroe roared across this grass in the 80s.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As played by the Ethiopian-American actor Aaron Arefe, the character is a psychologically complex individual with an Everyman's charm.

The New York Times

More flamboyant than the men, Rosalyn Coleman, looking chic as Grace Mugabe, sweetly hints at a malicious streak within a manipulative, complex individual.

The New York Times

Fleming developed the James Bond character more in Goldfinger than in the previous six novels, presenting him as a more complex individual, whilst also bringing out a theme of Bond as Saint George.

Wikipedia

The human body is simply a particularly complex individual body, capable of maintaining its distinctive structure through a wide variety of externally imposed modifications, and capable of forming corporeal images of those bodies that affect it.

SEP

He's a hugely complex individual".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a complex individual", provide specific examples of their complexities to add depth and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid immediately following the description of someone as "a complex individual" with simplistic explanations of their behavior. Instead, delve into the nuances that make them so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex individual" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, adding depth and nuance to the noun it modifies. It suggests that the individual in question possesses intricate, multifaceted characteristics, as Ludwig suggests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex individual" serves as a descriptor for someone with intricate and multifaceted traits. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific sources. While other phrases like "a multifaceted person" or "an intricate character" offer similar meanings, "a complex individual" suggests a deeper level of intricacy. When using this phrase, it’s beneficial to provide specific examples to illustrate the individual’s complexities, avoiding oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multifaceted person

Focuses on the many aspects of a person's character.

an intricate character

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of someone's personality.

a complicated person

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the person.

a deep thinker

Focuses on intellectual complexity and thoughtfulness.

a person of many layers

Emphasizes that the person has hidden or less obvious aspects to their personality.

an enigmatic figure

Suggests mystery and difficulty in understanding the person's motives.

a profound soul

Highlights the depth and intensity of the person's emotions and experiences.

a layered personality

Focuses on the different strata that compose someone's character.

an unconventional person

Suggests that the individual does not conform to traditional or common norms.

a non-conformist

Emphasizes the person's rejection of societal norms and expectations.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a complex individual" in a sentence?

Use "a complex individual" to introduce a character or person whose behavior or motivations aren't straightforward. Follow up with details that exemplify this complexity. For instance, "He was a complex individual, torn between his ambition and his moral compass."

What phrases can I use instead of "a complex individual"?

You can use alternatives like "a multifaceted person", "an intricate character", or "a complicated person" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "complex person" or "a complex individual"?

"A complex individual" is often preferred in formal writing because it sounds more specific and descriptive. "Complex person" is also correct but may sound more general. Consider the tone and audience of your writing when making this choice.

What implications does describing someone as "a complex individual" carry?

Describing someone as "a complex individual" suggests they have depth, nuance, and perhaps contradictory traits. It implies they cannot be easily understood or categorized, and their behavior may require careful consideration.