a complicated matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complicated matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is difficult to understand, a complex subject, or a situation that is difficult to resolve. For example: "The trade dispute between the two countries is a complicated matter that will require careful negotiation to resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a complicated matter the way the human is complicated.

Huffington Post

It's a complicated matter.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a complicated matter and should be treated as such.

The New York Times

Of course, the Great Patriotic War is a complicated matter.

The New York Times

But dealing with political bullies can be a complicated matter.

The Guardian

Then, when pressed, he said it was a "complicated" matter.

The New York Times

This is a complicated matter, and Garton Ash is honestly working his way through it.

The New York Times - Books

Nevertheless, planning wind power developments appears to be a complicated matter in most countries.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Boarding an El Al plane is a complicated matter, involving interrogations and personal searches.

The Guardian

The legality of online betting is a complicated matter of some dispute in the United States.

The New York Times

Race is a complicated matter here, because Nasdijj looks white to the world.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complicated matter", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the matter complicated. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated matter" as a vague placeholder. Instead, follow up with specific details or reasons that explain the complexity to provide a clearer understanding for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes something that is not simple or straightforward. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated matter" is a commonly used phrase to describe issues, situations, or topics that are complex and not easily understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. While its usage spans across various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media, and scientific publications. To maximize clarity, always provide specific details to illustrate the complexity you're referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", focusing on the subject being intricate.

a multifaceted problem

Highlights the many aspects contributing to the difficulty.

a challenging situation

Emphasizes the difficulty in dealing with the matter.

a delicate situation

Indicates the matter requires careful handling.

a perplexing question

Focuses on the confusing nature of the matter.

a convoluted affair

Suggests the matter is intricately involved and confusing.

a knotty problem

Implies the matter is full of complexities and hard to untangle.

a tricky business

Highlights the subtle difficulties and potential pitfalls involved.

a deep rabbit hole

This metaphor suggests exploring the matter may lead to many unexpected issues and complications.

an intricate web

This metaphor refers to an issue with many interconnected parts, suggesting a lack of simplicity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated matter" to describe a situation, issue, or subject that is complex and not easily understood or resolved. For example, "The legal proceedings turned out to be "a complicated matter"."

What are some alternatives to "a complicated matter"?

Some alternatives include "a complex issue", "a difficult situation", or "a delicate situation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Both "a complicated matter" and "a complex matter" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Complicated" emphasizes difficulty in understanding or resolving, while "complex" emphasizes having many interconnected parts. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes something "a complicated matter" versus just "a problem"?

A "problem" is a general term for something that needs to be solved. "A complicated matter" implies that the problem has multiple layers, interconnected issues, or a lack of straightforward solutions, making it more challenging to address.