a complex period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time characterized by intricate or complicated events, situations, or emotions. Example: "The 1960s were a complex period in American history, marked by social upheaval and cultural change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The film's nuanced treatment of a complex period in Japanese history has won praise from critics, while highlighting conflicting interpretations of Japan's wartime history.

The New York Times

Her new novel, "Peony in Love," is — for the reader willing to venture a crucial suspension of disbelief — a complex period tapestry inscribed with the age-old tragedy of love and death and bordered round with vignettes from Chinese metaphysics, dynastic history and the intimate chamber tales of women's friendship and rivalry.

The New York Times - Books

Adolescence is a complex period of life with hormonal, physiological, and psychological changes.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Level III, from the pleniglacial interstade (OIS 3), reflects a complex period in which three warmer woodland phases alternated with periods of more open vegetation.

Quaternary Research

As Aristotle's views were developed in the West following the textual recoveries of the late Middle Ages, these were received into a theological context that had been strongly defined by Augustinianism, and a complex interplay between this tradition and the new philosophical views that entered with the recovery of the Greek texts defined a complex period of intellectual ferment.

SEP

The Met's massive collection depicts 1,300 years of Islamic art as a complex period of growth, diversity and change.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"This is a very complex period in which the U.S. even more than usual must exercise leadership," he said.

The New York Times

Can a violent, complex period picture like "Gangs of New York" compete with more mainstream, youth-oriented fare?

The New York Times

Imagine such glee after 22 years and amid an emotionally complex period exacerbated by his wife's poor health.

The New York Times

Tom Rob Smith is patently a talented writer with a rich and complex period to explore.

The Guardian - Books

Though his life was brief — he died at 44 — it encompassed momentous shifts amid a turbulent and complex period in American history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical events, use "a complex period" to acknowledge the nuanced and multifaceted nature of the era. This indicates an understanding that the time was not simple or easily defined.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex period" as a vague descriptor without providing specific examples of what made the time complex. Back up your claim with concrete details and analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex period" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complex" modifies the noun "period". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show the phrase describing intricate times in history or personal development.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex period" is a valid and usable phrase that effectively describes a time characterized by intricate and often challenging circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples show its usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While not overly common, it adds depth to descriptions of times marked by multifaceted elements. When employing this phrase, ensure to follow up with specific examples to substantiate the nature of the complexity. Consider alternatives like "a complicated time" or "a challenging era" to tailor the tone to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complicated time

Replaces 'period' with 'time' emphasizing duration more generally; 'complicated' is a direct synonym for 'complex'.

a challenging era

Substitutes 'period' with 'era', suggesting a broader historical scope; 'challenging' implies difficulty or adversity.

an intricate phase

'Intricate' highlights the detailed and interwoven nature of the time frame; 'phase' emphasizes a stage within a larger process.

a sophisticated stage

'Sophisticated' suggests a high degree of complexity and refinement; 'stage' focuses on a specific point in development.

a knotty juncture

'Knotty' implies a tangled and difficult situation; 'juncture' denotes a critical point in time or events.

a convoluted chapter

'Convoluted' emphasizes the intricate and confusing nature of events; 'chapter' suggests a distinct part of a larger narrative.

a Byzantine epoch

'Byzantine' alludes to extreme complexity and intrigue, often with negative connotations; 'epoch' signifies a significant historical period.

a labyrinthine interval

'Labyrinthine' evokes a sense of being lost or confused within the complexities; 'interval' denotes a space of time between events.

a multifaceted stretch

'Multifaceted' highlights the many different aspects or angles of the period; 'stretch' simply indicates a length of time.

a perplexing span

'Perplexing' suggests bewilderment or confusion caused by the events; 'span' refers to a continuous length of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex period" to describe a time characterized by intricate or complicated events, situations, or emotions. For example: "The early 20th century was "a complex period" of rapid industrialization and social change."

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

You can use alternatives like "a complicated time", "a challenging era", or "an intricate phase" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a complex period" or "a complicated period"?

Both "a complex period" and "a complicated period" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Complex" might suggest interwoven elements and intricate details, while "complicated" highlights difficulty in understanding. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "a complex period"?

It's appropriate when referring to a specific duration marked by numerous interconnected factors that are difficult to understand or manage in isolation. This is often applicable in discussing historical, social, or personal timelines marked by significant upheaval or change.