a complicated path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated path" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, journey, or process that is complex and difficult to navigate. Example: "The project took longer than expected due to the complicated path we had to follow to meet all the requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's kind of a complicated path," he told American Songwriter, in 2015.

The New Yorker

The family, including Stefan's younger sister, Barbara Brecht Schall, eventually fled the Nazis and traced a complicated path, through Scandinavia and the Soviet Union, to the United States, settling in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1941.

The New York Times

We will have a complicated path to navigate and we will have to find €25 million from our research budget of €400 million over 6 years to build the detector.

Science Magazine

The history of sexuality at the UN has been a complicated path for activists to navigate.

Huffington Post

Sometimes the light bounces around inside the crystals, following a complicated path of reflection and refraction.

Huffington Post

I have chosen a complicated path, but my conscience is clear.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

McGeoch and her collaborator, Cong Wang, suggested that for at least one important kind of "optimization" problem — closely related to the famed travelling-salesman problem, in which one tries to calculate the optimal path for a complicated route — D-Wave's prototype significantly outperformed conventional machines.

The New Yorker

It was a long, complicated path and a historic achievement for both sides".

The Guardian

And when/if you decide to go down a less complicated path, grow a set and use your voice to tell her, not your texts.

Huffington Post

Mutations which do not change or even reduce the number of genes do not bring new elements to the system and the evolution can proceed only through a more complicated path of circumventing the absence of a critical element by adjusting parameters of the presumptive homeostasis mechanism, making it to work without it.

Biology Direct

This week, facing a more complicated path than he had anticipated in his race for a United States Senate seat, he is hoping to begin a second act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complicated path", ensure the context clarifies what makes the path complicated. Be specific about the challenges, obstacles, or complexities involved to provide a clearer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated path" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "complex route", "challenging journey", or "intricate process" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated path" functions as a noun phrase, where "complicated" modifies the noun "path". It describes a route or process characterized by complexity and difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Science & Research

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complicated path" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing a route, process, or situation fraught with difficulties and intricacies. While not exceedingly common, as Ludwig AI indicates, it finds usage across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Research. When employing this phrase, be sure to provide context that clarifies the nature of the complications. Consider alternative phrases like "a complex path" or "a challenging journey" to add variety to your writing and improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex path

Substitutes 'complicated' with 'complex', which is a very close synonym.

a complicated route

Replaces 'path' with 'route', a direct synonym, keeping the meaning intact.

a convoluted path

Uses 'convoluted' to highlight the intricate and complex nature of the path.

a tricky path

Replaces 'complicated' with 'tricky', implying a path requiring careful navigation.

a delicate path

Substitutes 'complicated' with 'delicate', suggesting a need for sensitivity and precision.

a difficult path

Uses 'difficult' instead of 'complicated', highlighting the challenges involved.

a challenging path

Uses 'challenging' instead of 'complicated', focusing on the difficulty involved.

a tough path

Replaces 'complicated' with 'tough', emphasizing the arduous nature of the path.

a thorny path

Replaces 'complicated' with 'thorny', which means full of difficulties or controversial points.

a circuitous route

Replaces "complicated" with "circuitous", emphasizing the indirectness and length of the route.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated path" to describe a process, journey, or situation that involves many steps and difficulties. For example, "Navigating the legal system was "a complicated path"."

What are some alternatives to "a complicated path"?

Alternatives include "a complex route", "a challenging journey", or "an intricate process", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "a complex path" and "a complicated path" are grammatically correct and semantically similar. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Complex" emphasizes intricacy, while "complicated" emphasizes difficulty in understanding or dealing with.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a complicated path"?

Use "a complicated path" when describing something that is not straightforward and involves multiple interconnected steps or elements that can be difficult to manage or understand. It's suitable for describing abstract concepts, physical journeys, or strategic approaches.