a complicated line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a line that is intricate, difficult to understand, or has many elements. Example: "The artist drew a complicated line that twisted and turned in unexpected ways, challenging the viewer's perception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

My father, on the other hand, comes from a complicated line of divorce and stepfamilies.

The New York Times

There are some deals, especially when one is looking at all 52 cards, that suggest a complicated line of play when there is a much simpler one available.

The New York Times

I have a similar thought regarding attention span and a listener's need for time to digest a complicated line or visualize an unusual image.

The New York Times - Books

"My daddy warned me about men like you," she says, drawing a complicated line of pain and distrust that bridges generations.

The New Yorker

It is a complicated line that officials must walk when they try to balance the values of foreign countries against the values at home.

The New York Times

Even a complicated line of code that enables an app to track one user and know when they have reached their target location can be cut and pasted from another website.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The novel moves along a blurred, complicated line of sexual consent, exploring just those topics that Freud spent a lifetime surgically packing and unpacking.

The Guardian - Books

The lawyer then re-examines the evidence and finds a very complicated line of reasoning showing that his client is innocent of the eighth murder.

SEP

Though he never took a drawing class, he became adept at complicated line drawings and geometric designs, even toying with the idea of becoming a tattoo artist.

The New York Times

The complicated line of reasoning is not a cause or causal overdeterminant of the lawyer's belief that his client is innocent because the lawyer's strong desire to believe that his client is guilty of the eighth murder prevents the complicated line of reasoning from causing the belief that his client is innocent.

SEP

The lawyer recognizes that the complicated line of reasoning shows that his client is innocent.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complicated line" to describe an argument or reasoning, ensure the complexity is justified and contributes to a deeper understanding, rather than merely obscuring the point.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated line" to describe something that can be explained simply. Clarity should always be prioritized over perceived sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated line" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to indicate its intricate or complex nature. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it can apply to arguments, family histories, code, reasoning and other concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complicated line" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys intricacy or complexity, making it suitable for various contexts, especially news, media, and scientific writing. While not incorrect, writers should ensure its usage adds value and avoids unnecessary obfuscation. Alternatives such as "an intricate boundary" or "a complex delineation" can be considered to diversify writing. The phrase's register is generally neutral and its frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate boundary

Replaces 'complicated' with 'intricate' and 'line' with 'boundary', highlighting the detailed and complex nature of the division.

a complex delineation

Uses 'complex' instead of 'complicated' and 'delineation' for 'line', emphasizing the complexity in the act of defining something.

a convoluted thread

Substitutes 'complicated' with 'convoluted' and 'line' with 'thread', suggesting something twisted and difficult to follow.

a thorny issue

Replaces the whole phrase with a common idiom that implies difficulty and complexity, shifting from a literal line to a figurative problem.

a labyrinthine path

Uses 'labyrinthine' to convey complexity and 'path' instead of 'line', evoking a sense of being lost in complexity.

a sophisticated approach

Suggests complexity stemming from advanced design or strategy, shifting focus from a literal line to a method.

a multifaceted perspective

Indicates complexity due to numerous aspects and viewpoints, altering the concept from a linear mark to a viewpoint.

a knotty problem

Replaces 'complicated' with 'knotty' to describe a difficult and intricate issue, moving away from the literal sense of 'line'.

a Byzantine process

Uses 'Byzantine' to denote extreme complexity and secretiveness, changing from a 'line' to an involved process.

an elaborate scheme

Highlights the detailed and intricate nature of a plan, moving away from the literal meaning of 'line'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated line" to describe anything that is intricate or difficult to understand, such as "The legal agreement contained "a complicated line" regarding intellectual property rights".

What's a synonym for "a complicated line"?

Alternatives include "an intricate boundary", "a complex delineation", or "a convoluted thread", depending on the context.

When is it best to use "a complicated line" instead of something simpler?

Use "a complicated line" when you want to emphasize the difficulty or intricate nature of something. However, always aim for clarity; if a simpler phrase works, use it.

Is it ever wrong to use "a complicated line"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. Ensure the complexity is necessary and adds value.