a complex mechanism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex mechanism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a system or process that involves multiple interconnected parts or functions, often requiring detailed understanding or analysis. Example: "The engine operates as a complex mechanism, with various components working together to produce power efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The narrative is a complex mechanism.

The New Yorker

Treasury Secretary Paul H. O'Neill later described a complex mechanism that he said Al Barakaat used to provide secret financing to Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

A complex mechanism drew in outside air and released nitrogen and other gases while pumping oxygen-enriched air through the train.

The New Yorker

The Spider, by the way, weighs 132 pounds more than the Modena, in part because it includes a complex mechanism for the cloth top.

The New York Times

This dismemberment seems to reveal his hand to him for what it really is: a complex mechanism, and an object in the world of objects.

The New Yorker

The recession would occur now, not next year.Second, the economy is a complex mechanism with many working parts.

The Economist

Using a complex mechanism, it would allow the owners of scanned, out-of-print libraries, such as Google or actual non-profits like the Hathitrust library, to make a limited set of them available with payouts to authors.

The New Yorker

The first two versions of the program contained a complex mechanism designed to permit the downloading of attack code that could presumably do anything from stealing passwords to sending spam e-mail messages to the millions of infected computers.

The New York Times - Science

HIV causes aortitis though a complex mechanism of infectious and non-infectious processes.

Insights into Imaging

The wheel rail wear is influenced by many factors, and governed by a complex mechanism.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Previous studies demonstrate a complex mechanism for chalkiness formation in the rice endosperm.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system, specify which aspects make it "a complex mechanism". Provide specific details to illustrate its intricacy rather than simply stating its complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex mechanism" as a generic descriptor. Ensure that the level of detail you provide reflects the actual complexity involved, rather than using the phrase as filler.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex mechanism" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe intricate systems or processes across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complex mechanism" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe intricate systems or processes across various domains, from science to news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the description of complexity and provide sufficient detail to support your claim. Alternatives such as "a sophisticated system" or "an intricate process" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is quite common as shown by Ludwig's examples and the frequency of usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sophisticated mechanism

Replaces "complex" with "sophisticated", emphasizing refinement and advanced design.

a sophisticated system

Uses both "sophisticated" and "system" to replace "complex" and "mechanism", highlighting advanced and refined aspects.

an intricate system

Substitutes "mechanism" with "system" and "complex" with "intricate", highlighting the detailed and interwoven nature.

a multifaceted process

Replaces "mechanism" with "process" and "complex" with "multifaceted", focusing on the many aspects involved.

a complicated apparatus

Replaces "mechanism" with "apparatus" and "complex" with "complicated", emphasizing the intricate arrangement of parts.

a convoluted procedure

Substitutes "mechanism" with "procedure" and "complex" with "convoluted", highlighting the complicated and difficult-to-follow nature.

a detailed process

Focuses on the level of detail involved, rather than complexity itself.

an involved arrangement

Highlights the interconnectedness and engagement required to understand it.

a tricky contrivance

Indicates that the mechanism is not only complex but also potentially deceptive or difficult to handle.

a complicated setup

Focuses on the arrangement or configuration of the elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex mechanism" to describe anything from biological processes to economic models. For instance, "Photosynthesis is "a complex mechanism" that converts light into energy."

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

You can use alternatives like "a sophisticated system", "an intricate process", or "a multifaceted approach" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to describe something as "a complex mechanism" or "a complicated system"?

Both "a complex mechanism" and "a complicated system" can be used, but "a complex mechanism" often implies a more engineered or designed intricacy, whereas "a complicated system" might suggest a more confusing or difficult-to-understand arrangement.

What's the difference between "a complex mechanism" and "a simple mechanism"?

"A simple mechanism" refers to something straightforward and easy to understand, while "a complex mechanism" involves many interconnected parts and requires a deeper understanding to grasp its functionality.