a complex request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a request that involves multiple components or is difficult to fulfill. Example: "The client submitted a complex request that required extensive research and collaboration among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's it". "Let me get a reservations agent for you". Ron Cole, the director of the Center for Spoken Language Research at the University of Colorado, said that when you are calling with a fairly complex request, an automated system can feel like a trap.

The New York Times - Tech

Where it concerns a fairly complex request for information, a public body may be tempted to tot up the cost and say that it exceeds the limit.

The Guardian

This is especially appropriate if it is a very complex request.

Nature

SEATTLE — Cliff Lee sent Jack Zduriencik, the general manager of the Seattle Mariners, a text message Friday morning with a simple but complex request: "Am I pitching tonight?" Zduriencik did not know yet.

The New York Times - Sports

VXDL [34] allows the complex request presentation required in a holistic cloud delivery model [28].

Journal of Cloud Computing

But it also insists that a sense of perspective is needed, arguing that there are considerable cost implications stemming from a small number of complex requests at a time when the council has to make substantial savings.

BBC

(That compares to an average processing time for complex requests of 119 days across the whole government). "A lack of responsiveness prompted lawsuits that cost the agency a bunch of money," said James Holzer, the head of the ombudsman's office, who praised FEMA officials for at least recognizing the problem.

The Washington Post

In preparation for their peak festive season, small businesses should check that their IT systems are in good shape and that their websites can deal with more traffic and more complex requests in a shorter intense period, so that goods can be sent out to customers without delays.

The Guardian

It notes some authorities have set up an "escalation system" so the most complex requests are subject to validation at a high level within each DPA.

TechCrunch

Programmed to "answer a small selection of basic questions and direct people to the most popular areas of the council building", Shanice can never fully take the place of a human receptionist, with the ability to process complex requests and synthesise myriad details.

The Guardian - Opinion

While both 18 month-old children and chimpanzees respond to simple requests (e.g. picking up a dropped object), children are able to respond to more complex requests (Warneken & Tomasello 2006, video from these studies is available here).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When dealing with a "complex request", break it down into smaller, manageable tasks to ensure clarity and efficiency.

Common error

Avoid labeling routine inquiries as "complex requests"; reserve this term for situations genuinely demanding significant effort or specialized knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex request" functions as a noun phrase, where 'complex' modifies 'request'. It commonly acts as the object of a verb, as shown in Ludwig, such as 'handling a complex request'. It serves to identify and describe a specific type of request.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex request" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a request that requires significant effort, expertise, or resources. As Ludwig AI suggests, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. While its register is generally neutral, it can lean towards professional or formal contexts, especially in academic, scientific, and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the request genuinely warrants the label of 'complex' to avoid miscommunication. Alternatives such as "a complicated request" or "a sophisticated request" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A complicated request

Replaces "complex" with "complicated", emphasizing the difficulty in understanding or dealing with the request.

A sophisticated request

Uses "sophisticated" to imply that the request requires advanced knowledge or skills to fulfill.

An elaborate request

Emphasizes the detailed and intricate nature of the request.

A multifaceted request

Highlights the multiple aspects or dimensions involved in the request.

A challenging request

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required to address the request.

A demanding request

Stresses the high expectations and requirements associated with the request.

A comprehensive request

Highlights the all-inclusive and thorough nature of the request.

A convoluted request

Implies that the request is unnecessarily complicated and difficult to follow.

A tricky request

Suggests that the request requires careful handling and may involve hidden difficulties.

A thorny request

Indicates that the request is problematic and likely to cause difficulties or disagreements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex request" to describe a situation where someone is asking for something difficult to achieve, such as, "The customer submitted "a complex request" that required input from multiple departments".

What are some alternatives to saying "a complex request"?

You can use alternatives like "a complicated request", "a sophisticated request", or "a demanding request depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "a complex request" and "a complicated request" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Complex" tends to emphasize intricacy, while "complicated" highlights difficulty in understanding or resolving.

What makes a request qualify as "a complex request"?

A request is typically considered "a complex request" when it involves multiple steps, requires specialized knowledge, or involves coordinating various resources or individuals to fulfill it.