a complicated issue

USAGE SUMMARY

'a complicated issue' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it to describe something that is difficult to resolve or comprehend, as in: "The budgeting process can be a complicated issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That will be a complicated issue.

Independent

Gun control was a complicated issue.

The Guardian

Facial hair in particular can be a complicated issue.

The New York Times

It's obviously a complicated issue.

Forbes

This project is meant to provide insight into a complicated issue.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Optimization of contrast efficiency is a complicated issue whenever subjects' responses are not deterministic but probabilistic.

NeuroImage

This is not a complicated issue.

Huffington Post

This was not after all a complicated issue.

Huffington Post

A simple insight into a complicated issue.

WikiHow

This is a complicated issue".

The New York Times

"It's a complicated issue," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complicated issue", be prepared to briefly explain the reasons behind its complexity. This adds credibility and demonstrates understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated issue" as a placeholder without elaborating. Failing to explain the layers of complexity can make your analysis seem superficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a particular topic as being complex and challenging to understand or resolve. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce topics demanding careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for use in written English. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it commonly appears in news, scientific articles, and even on wikis. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context and avoid oversimplification. Alternatives such as "a complex matter" or "a challenging situation" can be used to add variety, but the core meaning remains consistent: signaling the presence of underlying complexity. Therefore, it's crucial to elaborate and provide context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex matter

Replaces "issue" with "matter", implying a situation needing careful consideration.

a multifaceted problem

Emphasizes the multiple aspects and angles of the problem.

a challenging situation

Highlights the difficulty in dealing with the situation.

a thorny question

Suggests the issue is difficult and potentially contentious.

a delicate situation

Indicates that the issue needs to be handled with care to avoid problems.

a convoluted affair

Implies the issue is unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand.

a tough nut to crack

An idiomatic expression indicating a difficult problem to solve.

a labyrinthine problem

Highlights the confusing and intricate nature of the problem.

a perplexing puzzle

Suggests the issue is difficult to understand or solve.

an intricate web

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and complexity of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a complicated issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a complicated issue" to introduce a topic that requires careful consideration due to its multiple facets. For example, "Climate change is "a complicated issue" requiring global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a complicated issue"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "a complex matter", "a challenging situation", or "a delicate situation".

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

Both "complicated issue" and "complex issue" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Complicated" emphasizes difficulty in understanding, while "complex" highlights multiple interconnected parts. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a complicated issue"?

Avoid using "a complicated issue" if the topic is straightforward or if you cannot provide any further explanation of its complexity. In such cases, a simpler phrase might be more appropriate.