a complex operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a task or process that involves multiple steps or intricate procedures, often requiring specialized knowledge or skills. Example: "The engineers were tasked with designing a complex operation to optimize the manufacturing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a complex operation.

The Guardian

Is it a complex operation?

The Guardian

The Secret Service acknowledges that this is a complex operation.

The New York Times

Vivendi, formerly Compagnie Generale des Eaux, is a complex operation.

The New York Times

"It has been a complex operation," he said.

The New York Times

Vivendi, which was formerly known as Compagnie Generale des Eaux, is a complex operation.

The New York Times

"Combating terrorist insurgent groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group is a complex operation," the admiral said.

The New York Times

It is also a complex operation, from its logistics to its layers of corruption to its artistic subtleties.

The New York Times

Beijing gave the local authorities little sense of how such a complex operation should be run and regulated.

The New Yorker

The day after surgery, Dr. Choti said, "I think we got away with quite a complex operation".

The New York Times - Health

In a complex operation like a hospital, many consequential failures are the result of a series of small events.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "a complex operation" to highlight its multi-faceted nature and the expertise required to execute it effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex operation" when describing tasks that are relatively straightforward. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex operation" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies the noun "operation". It describes a task, process, or procedure that is intricate and requires significant expertise. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe various situations, from medical procedures to military endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex operation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe intricate tasks requiring specialized knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve it for scenarios genuinely deserving of such a description, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts. Alternatives such as "an intricate process" or "a complicated procedure" offer nuanced options for varying the language while maintaining clarity. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate process

Changes the noun from 'operation' to 'process' and uses 'intricate' instead of 'complex'.

a complicated procedure

Replaces 'complex' with 'complicated' and 'operation' with 'procedure'.

a sophisticated undertaking

Uses 'sophisticated' to describe the level of complexity and 'undertaking' to refer to the task.

an elaborate scheme

Substitutes 'complex' with 'elaborate' and 'operation' with 'scheme', implying a detailed plan.

a multifaceted endeavor

Replaces 'complex' with 'multifaceted' to emphasize the many aspects involved and uses 'endeavor' as a synonym for operation.

a demanding task

Focuses on the difficulty aspect of the operation by using 'demanding' instead of 'complex' and 'task' instead of 'operation'.

a challenging activity

Similar to 'demanding task', this focuses on the difficulty and uses 'activity' in place of 'operation'.

a sophisticated mechanism

Emphasizes the intricacy of the operation's workings by using 'mechanism'.

a tricky maneuver

Conveys the difficulty and precision required, using 'tricky' and 'maneuver'.

a convoluted activity

Replacing "complex" with "convoluted" emphasizes the intricacy and potential difficulty in understanding the activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex operation" to describe a task or process that involves many different steps and requires a lot of skill or knowledge. For example, "The surgery was "a complex operation" that required a team of specialists".

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

You can use alternatives like "an intricate process", "a complicated procedure", or "a sophisticated undertaking" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "a complex operation" when you want to emphasize the multiple steps, intricate details, and specialized knowledge required for a particular task or process.

Is there a difference between "a complex operation" and "a routine operation"?

Yes, "a complex operation" implies a high level of difficulty and intricacy, whereas "a routine operation" suggests a standard procedure that is performed regularly and with minimal complications.