a complex system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a system that has multiple interconnected parts or variables, often resulting in intricate behavior or outcomes. Example: "The ecosystem is a complex system that relies on various species interacting with one another and their environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a complex system.

The New York Times

That is quite a complex system".

The New York Times

"This is a complex system," he said.

The New York Times

Others have discussed a complex system of trading development rights.

The New York Times

Fidelity uses a complex system to calculate these rewards.

The New York Times

Engaging a complex system is more like raising a child.

The Guardian

A practical fuel cell is necessarily a complex system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is how it the NHS was treating it: as helpful intelligence for a complex system.

The Guardian

"We're trying to see what we like and feel as a complex system.

The Guardian

As a complex system matures, Gould notes, it "equilibrates and variation decreases".

The New York Times

"Our job is to make a complex system simple for the general public," said one participant.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like economic models or social structures, using "a complex system" can effectively convey their multifaceted nature and interconnectedness.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "a complex system" without providing context or elaborating on why it's complex. Instead, offer specific details about the system's components and their interactions to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex system" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or direct object. Ludwig AI shows it describing various entities, such as ecological systems, technological infrastructures, and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex system" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe entities with multiple interacting parts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function typically involves characterizing a subject to highlight its intricacy and interdependence. It sees widespread use across news, science, and encyclopedic sources, reflecting a neutral register suitable for professional and academic discussions. When using the phrase, aim to be specific about the elements contributing to the system's complexity rather than relying on the label alone. Consider using alternatives like "an intricate mechanism" or "a multifaceted arrangement" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate mechanism

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the system's workings.

a multifaceted arrangement

Highlights the many different aspects and components that comprise the system.

a sophisticated setup

Implies a high level of design and functionality within the system.

a complicated structure

Focuses on the challenge of understanding or managing the system's organization.

an elaborate network

Stresses the interconnectedness and wide scope of the system's elements.

a knotty problem

Emphasizes the difficulty and intricacy associated with understanding or resolving issues within the system.

a tangled web

Suggests confusion and difficulty in navigating the system's interconnections.

a difficult undertaking

Shifts the focus to the challenging nature of working with or understanding the system.

a problematic situation

Highlights the potential for issues and complications arising from the system.

an involved procedure

Suggests that system requires a lot of steps and details that must be followed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex system" to describe anything with multiple interacting parts, like "The human body is "a complex system" of organs and processes".

What are some alternatives to "a complex system"?

Alternatives include "an intricate mechanism", "a multifaceted arrangement", or "a sophisticated setup" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

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

While both "complex" and "complicated" can describe something with many parts, "complex" often implies interconnectedness and emergent behavior, whereas "complicated" suggests difficulty in understanding due to its intricacy. The choice depends on the specific context.

What makes something "a complex system"?

A system is considered "a complex system" when it consists of many interacting components, exhibits emergent properties (the whole is greater than the sum of its parts), and is often difficult to predict or control.