a complicated operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated operation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task or procedure that involves multiple steps or is difficult to execute. Example: "Performing heart surgery is a complicated operation that requires years of training and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"It would be a complicated operation," she said.

The Guardian

The idea was to reduce the need by guards to move detainees, a complicated operation that involves intensive security steps.

The New York Times

A complicated operation, involving about a dozen agents, most now dead, was prepared and executed in May 1960.

The Guardian

Hadn't I read the analyses on the Internet, he wanted to know: the Arabs involved lacked "the capabilities to do all the planning" for such a complicated operation.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We know this is someone with an alcohol habit and even if we cannot know for sure, it leads us to believe that at the moment of the surgery, this medic was not in an appropriate state for a complicated operation, and a caesarean remains a complicated operation".

The Guardian

How in the world will they bring that down?" With the storm growing in ferocity, it was not safe to send workers to disassemble the crane, a complicated operation even in the best of conditions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

And these guys earned it". CARPENTER WORKS WAY BACK The former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter, who will start Game 2 for St . Louis said he feared he might never pitch again after having a complicated operations on his right shoulder in July.

The New York Times - Sports

But Ms. Radke's store is also a front for a more complicated operation.

The New York Times

"It's a large budget and a very complicated operation".

The New York Times

It's a relatively complicated operation but one that people have had done a lot now.

The Guardian - Sport

"She was completely competent, unflappable — just the way she is now — and running a very complicated operation with great skill".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, follow "a complicated operation" with specifics about what makes it complex. Instead of just stating that something is "a complicated operation", explain which steps are intricate or resource-intensive.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated operation" as a vague descriptor. If you don't provide details about the specific complexities, your writing may lack clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival Phrase. "A complicated operation" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability as a descriptor for tasks or procedures. It describes the nature of the "operation" by highlighting its complexity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complicated operation" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe tasks or procedures that are intricate and require significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse fields, including news, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's best practice to provide specific details about what makes the operation complex to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "an intricate procedure" or "a challenging task" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate procedure

Replaces "complicated" with "intricate" and "operation" with "procedure" maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

a complex undertaking

Substitutes "complicated operation" with "complex undertaking", emphasizing the scale and involvement of the task.

a challenging task

Replaces the technical term "operation" with the more general "task" making it suitable for less formal contexts.

a difficult endeavor

Similar to "challenging task", but "endeavor" suggests a more prolonged and effortful activity.

a sophisticated scheme

Emphasizes the advanced and potentially subtle nature of the operation.

an involved process

Highlights the numerous steps and potential complexities within the operation.

a knotty problem

Implies the operation involves resolving a particularly difficult or complex issue.

a multifaceted project

Focuses on the many different aspects and requirements of the operation.

a demanding activity

Highlights the high level of effort and resources required for the operation.

a labyrinthine affair

Suggests the operation is confusing and difficult to navigate, like a labyrinth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated operation" to describe a task or procedure that involves many steps or is difficult to execute. For example: "Performing heart surgery is "a complicated operation" that requires years of training."

What can I say instead of "a complicated operation"?

You can use alternatives like "an intricate procedure", "a complex undertaking", or "a challenging task" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "complicated process" or "complicated operation"?

While both are acceptable, "complicated operation" often implies a more structured and potentially technical undertaking, whereas "complicated process" can refer to a broader range of complex activities. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes an operation "a complicated operation"?

An operation may be considered "a complicated operation" due to factors such as the number of steps involved, the need for specialized skills, the potential for unforeseen issues, or the importance of precision and accuracy.