a complex picture of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex picture of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation, issue, or phenomenon that has multiple facets or layers, indicating that it is not straightforward. Example: "The report provides a complex picture of the economic challenges facing the country, highlighting various contributing factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So that method here's a complex picture of that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Beckwith's diaries paint a complex picture of studio life.

The New York Times

In some regions, a complex picture of internet use has emerged.

The Guardian

Overall, the responses paint a complex picture of attitudes to online privacy.

The Guardian - Tech

The study showed a complex picture of HIV-related symptoms in all four countries.

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care

Over the next two years, Wright regularly visited Berlin, and built up a complex picture of his subject.

The Guardian

Together they paint a complex picture of the fairytale popularised by the Brothers Grimm in the early 19th century.

The Guardian

The result is a complex picture of progress—sometimes too late for the conflict and compromise, sometimes with serious consequences.

Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene

Employment experts say they see a complex picture of changing job patterns as employers respond to hard times, global competition and fresh opportunities.

The New York Times

Interviews with former aides, senior officials and foreign counterparts paint a complex picture of Clinton as a diplomat defying easy categorisation as "hawk" or "dove".

The Guardian

Interviews with former aides, senior officials and her foreign counterparts paint a complex picture of Clinton the diplomat that defies easy categorisation as "hawk" or "dove".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complex picture of" when you want to convey that a topic has many interconnected aspects that require careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex picture of" when describing straightforward situations. Simpler language will often be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex picture of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something multifaceted and not easily understood in a simple way. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex picture of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something with multiple layers or facets. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is suitable for formal and informal contexts. The phrase is most often found in scientific, news, and academic publications. When writing, it’s best to use the phrase when you want to communicate an idea with interconnected aspects that need careful consideration. Alternatives include "a multifaceted picture of", and "a nuanced view of". Remember, use it accurately to reflect the complexity of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multifaceted picture of

Emphasizes the many different aspects contributing to the overall image or impression.

a nuanced view of

Indicates a subtle and detailed perspective, often involving careful distinctions.

a sophisticated picture of

Highlights the advanced or refined nature of the understanding.

a complex illustration of

Replaces "picture" with "illustration", emphasizing visual representation of complexity rather than a general depiction.

a complex portrayal of

Substitutes "picture" with "portrayal", focusing on a detailed and often artistic representation.

a complex portrait of

Similar to "portrayal", this emphasizes a detailed and often formal depiction.

a complex description of

Replaces picture of with description of focusing on a written or spoken account.

a complex idea of

Replaces "picture" with "idea", shifting the focus to a conceptual understanding.

a complex vision of

Substitutes "picture" with "vision", suggesting a more imaginative or forward-looking perspective.

a diverse picture of

Focuses more on the variety of elements within the picture.

FAQs

How can I use "a complex picture of" in a sentence?

You can use "a complex picture of" to describe a multifaceted issue or situation. For example, "The research paints "a complex picture of" the effects of climate change on coastal communities."

What phrases are similar to "a complex picture of"?

Alternatives include "a multifaceted picture of", "a complex portrayal of", or "a nuanced view of".

Is it appropriate to use "a complex picture of" in formal writing?

Yes, it is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where nuanced understanding is important. However, ensure it accurately reflects the level of complexity involved.

What's the difference between "a complex picture of" and "a clear picture of"?

"A complex picture of" indicates that the subject is intricate and has many layers, while "a clear picture of" implies that the subject is well-understood and easily comprehended. They are opposites.