a complex issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic that has multiple facets or is difficult to understand or resolve. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various scientific, economic, and social factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's a complex issue.

The New York Times

It is a complex issue, she said.

The Guardian

"Pizza box recycling is a complex issue.

The New York Times

"But it's a complex issue," she adds.

The Guardian

"This is a complex issue," he says.

The Guardian

But it is a complex issue.

The Guardian - Sport

The group's appeal remains a complex issue.

The Guardian - Music

True to say, cultural diversity is a complex issue.

The Guardian

Gender inequality is a complex issue in higher education.

The Guardian

The thoughtless labelling of a complex issue is everywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

So it's a long investigation, it's a complex issue".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complex issue", provide specific examples of the complexities involved to give your audience a clearer understanding of the subject. For example: "Healthcare reform is a complex issue, involving considerations of cost, access, and quality of care."

Common error

Avoid using "a complex issue" as a placeholder without further explanation. Vague references undermine credibility. Instead, elaborate on the specific factors that make the issue complex to provide a more nuanced perspective for your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used in writing to introduce or describe topics with multiple facets. For example: "Climate change is a complex issue."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex issue" is a versatile phrase used to denote subjects with multiple interconnected elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media, followed by science and formal business contexts, suggesting its suitability for both general and professional audiences. When employing this phrase, remember to elaborate on the specific complexities to avoid oversimplification. Alternatives such as "a multifaceted problem" or "a complicated matter" can provide nuanced variations, but the core message of intricate involvement remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multifaceted problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem" and "complex" with "multifaceted", emphasizing the many aspects of the problem.

a complicated matter

Substitutes "issue" for "matter" and "complex" for "complicated", suggesting difficulty in understanding or dealing with.

an intricate situation

Replaces "issue" with "situation" and "complex" with "intricate", highlighting the interwoven elements of the situation.

a thorny question

Uses "thorny" to describe the question, indicating that it is difficult and unpleasant to deal with.

a challenging predicament

Replaces "issue" with "predicament" suggesting a difficult, unpleasant or dangerous situation. "Challenging" replaces "complex" to highlight the difficulties of the situation.

a vexing dilemma

Uses "vexing" to describe the dilemma, emphasizing the irritating and frustrating nature of the issue.

a convoluted subject

Substitutes "issue" with "subject" and "complex" with "convoluted", implying that the subject is complicated and difficult to follow.

a multifaceted challenge

Emphasizes the challenge aspect of the issue, using "multifaceted" to highlight its many different aspects.

a deep-seated problem

Replaces "complex" with "deep-seated", indicating that the problem has existed for a long time and is difficult to change.

a Gordian knot

This metaphor implies a complex or intractable problem that can only be solved by bold action or by 'cutting the knot'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex issue" to introduce a topic that has many interconnected factors and is difficult to understand or resolve. For example: "The question of international trade is "a complex issue" with significant economic and political implications."

What are some alternatives to "a complex issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a multifaceted problem", "a complicated matter", or "an intricate situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "complex issue" or "complicated issue"?

Both "complex issue" and "complicated issue" are acceptable. "Complex" suggests interconnected parts, while "complicated" suggests something difficult to understand. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "a complex issue"?

Something becomes "a complex issue" when it involves multiple factors, stakeholders, and perspectives, making it challenging to analyze, understand, or resolve. It often requires considering various angles and potential consequences.