a complex situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scenario that involves multiple factors or difficulties that make it challenging to understand or resolve. Example: "The negotiations were stalled due to a complex situation involving various stakeholders with differing interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a complex situation".

The New York Times

The ad distorted a complex situation.

The New York Times

Housing recovery is a complex situation.

The New York Times

"It's a complex situation," he told reporters.

The New York Times

We are in a complex situation," she said.

The Guardian

"It is a complex situation, but we are making progress".

The New York Times

"Suicides are a tragic occurrence and a complex situation.

The Guardian

The Knicks face a complex situation in dealing with Ewing.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not expecting an early resolution to a complex situation".

The New York Times

"It was right at the beginning of the commute and created a complex situation.

The New York Times

So anyone in a complex situation may well find a tax professional's fee worth paying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complex situation", be specific about which elements contribute to its complexity. Avoid vague statements and provide context to help your reader understand the intricacies.

Common error

Avoid proposing simple solutions to what is clearly "a complex situation". Acknowledge the nuances and potential challenges instead of offering a quick fix that ignores the underlying complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex situation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies and categorizes a scenario as intricate and multifaceted, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex situation" is a versatile noun phrase widely used to describe scenarios with multiple interconnected factors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to provide specific details about the elements contributing to the complexity, and avoid offering simplistic solutions. Alternatives like "a difficult circumstance" or "a complicated scenario" may suit different contexts. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult circumstance

Emphasizes the hardship or trouble involved, focusing on the problematic aspect.

a complicated scenario

Highlights the multiple interacting elements that make it hard to understand.

a multifaceted issue

Focuses on the many different aspects or angles that need consideration.

a challenging predicament

Stresses the demanding nature of the situation and the need for skill to resolve it.

an intricate affair

Implies detailed and complex interrelations between the different parts involved.

a delicate matter

Suggests a situation where careful handling is required to avoid negative consequences.

a thorny problem

Highlights the difficulties and potential pain points associated with the issue.

a sensitive subject

Indicates a need for tact and awareness when discussing or dealing with the situation.

a convoluted state of affairs

Stresses the confusing and tangled nature of the circumstances.

a problematic development

Highlights the troublesome or unwelcome nature of the events unfolding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex situation" to describe scenarios involving many interconnected factors that make understanding or resolving them difficult. For instance, "The company's financial troubles were due to "a complex situation" involving debt, declining sales, and increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "a complex situation"?

Alternatives include "a difficult circumstance", "a complicated scenario", or "a multifaceted issue depending on the specific context".

Is it better to say "complex situation" or "complicated situation"?

Both "complex situation" and "complicated situation" are acceptable, but "complex" often implies multiple interconnected elements, while "complicated" suggests something is difficult to understand. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes "a complex situation" different from "a simple problem"?

"A complex situation" involves many interacting factors and layers of difficulty, requiring a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to understand and resolve. In contrast, "a simple problem" is more straightforward and typically has a direct solution.