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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a complex item
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a complex item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an object, concept, or situation that has multiple interconnected parts or is difficult to understand. Example: "The project involves a complex item that requires careful analysis and consideration before proceeding."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Dropping a complex item with crossloading in case of difficult interpretation (Yong and Pearce 2013).
Satisfaction is a complex item, which is affected by many factors, especially expectations before the surgery [ 24].
Using an image host, such as photobucket, listhd, or classpics, allows you to post more high quality (larger) images, which can be really beneficial if you are selling a complex item (car, house, any motor vehicle, etc) or if your item is in really good condition.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
What if we took a more complex item?
News & Media
These are especially good categories for younger employees who may not have stocked pantries or the available funds to make a more complex item.
Wiki
This "general complexity" model assumes that any grammatically complex item creates an activation pattern that is similar to the pattern triggered by other complex items, but which is dissimilar to the pattern triggered by simple words.
Science
The present work addresses this limitation and aims at providing a flexible architecture for enabling CAT with arbitrarily complex item types, putting a particular focus on integration in online learning settings.
Matrix architecture is one the most complex item in a memory chip design.
Science
The computational complexity of an expression is determined by its most complex item.
For n > 1, the most complex item is the coefficient of εn+1.
However, the estimation of complex item response models is more cumbersome than in confirmatory factor analyses models with continuous variables and often requires larger sample sizes.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using "a complex item" as a vague substitute for more precise language. Choose specific adjectives that reflect the nature of the complexity, such as intricate, multifaceted, or sophisticated.
Common error
Avoid simply stating that something is "a complex item" without elaborating on the specifics. This can leave the reader without a clear understanding of why the item is considered complex.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a complex item" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" is an adjective modifying the noun "item". It generally refers to something intricate or not easily understood, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
25%
Wiki
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a complex item" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something intricate or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, but it's relatively rare. It's most frequently found in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the nature of the complexity. More specific language might be preferable in formal academic writing. Related phrases include "an intricate object" and "a multifaceted component", each offering a slightly different nuance.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
an intricate object
Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the item.
a complicated thing
Substitutes "item" with the more general term "thing", while maintaining the meaning of complexity.
a multifaceted component
Replaces "item" with "component" and "complex" with "multifaceted", highlighting the many aspects or features of the item.
a sophisticated element
Uses "sophisticated" to describe the complexity, implying a high degree of refinement or intricacy.
an elaborate construct
Replaces both "complex" and "item" with synonyms that emphasize the careful and detailed construction of something.
a compound entity
Focuses on the idea that the item is made up of multiple parts or elements.
a composite artifact
Emphasizes the artificial or constructed nature of the item and its complex composition.
a detailed subject
Shifts the focus to the complexity arising from the depth and amount of information associated with the item.
a challenging element
Highlights the difficulty associated with understanding or dealing with the item.
a difficult concept
Generalizes the item to a concept, emphasizing the cognitive complexity.
FAQs
How can I use "a complex item" in a sentence?
You can use "a complex item" to refer to something that has many interconnected parts or is difficult to understand. For example, "The analysis of "a complex item" requires specialized knowledge."
What are some alternatives to saying "a complex item"?
Alternatives include "an intricate object", "a complicated thing", or "a multifaceted component depending on the specific context".
Is it better to say "complex item" or "complicated item"?
Both "complex item" and "complicated item" are acceptable, but "complex" often implies a deeper, more inherent difficulty, while "complicated" can suggest something made difficult unnecessarily. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
In academic writing, is "a complex item" considered formal enough?
While acceptable, consider using more precise and descriptive language in academic writing. Instead of "a complex item", specify the nature of the complexity, such as "a multifaceted model" or "an intricately designed system".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested