a complicated problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an issue or situation that is difficult to understand or resolve due to its complexity. Example: "The team is currently working on a complicated problem that requires innovative solutions and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Mr. Fair said gun violence was a complicated problem — too complicated to be solved with a ban on guns or background checks.

The New York Times

Garbage is a complicated problem.

The New York Times

It is a complicated problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of course, it is a complicated problem.

The Guardian

Allocating medical resources is a complicated problem.

The New Yorker

But it can also refer to a complicated problem.

The New York Times

In many ways, the wage gap is a complicated problem tied to culture, tradition and politics.

The New York Times

The director has set himself a complicated problem: shooting an action movie in narrow compartments.

The New Yorker

Each of these alone is a complicated problem that is hard to understand, let alone solve.

The Guardian

"It's a complicated problem," said Sam Hinkie, Houston's vice president for basketball operations.

The New York Times

A Monte Carlo analysis uses a random process to assess a complicated problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "a complicated problem", clearly define the scope and specific aspects you intend to tackle to avoid overwhelming your audience. Using visuals or analogies can make complex issues more accessible.

Common error

Avoid suggesting overly simplistic solutions to "a complicated problem". Acknowledge the complexity and outline a strategy that addresses various facets of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated problem" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complicated" modifies the noun "problem". It serves to describe the nature of the problem, indicating its difficulty and complexity. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated problem" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for describing intricate issues. Ludwig AI validates its common occurrence across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While alternatives such as ""a complex issue"" or ""a challenging dilemma"" exist, this phrase effectively sets the stage for addressing issues demanding careful analysis and strategic solutions. Bear in mind that while it's essential to acknowledge the complexity of such problems, avoid oversimplifying potential solutions or getting lost in unnecessary details. Overall, this phrase is a reliable and versatile tool for communicating the nature of challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex issue

Replaces "complicated" with "complex", suggesting a more systemic or intricate nature of the problem.

a challenging dilemma

Substitutes "problem" with "dilemma", implying a situation with difficult choices or conflicting solutions.

a tricky situation

Replaces "complicated problem" with "tricky situation", indicating a need for careful handling.

a difficult challenge

Emphasizes the effort required to overcome the problem by using the word "challenge".

an intricate matter

Uses "intricate" to highlight the detailed and interwoven aspects of the problem, instead of calling it simply "complicated".

a thorny issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", which implies it might involve conflicting opinions and makes it “thorny” or difficult to resolve.

a convoluted affair

Substituting “complicated” with “convoluted” increases emphasis on a confusing nature. "Affair" is more generic than "problem".

a puzzling question

This shift focuses on intellectual uncertainty versus functional difficulty by highlighting that the problem is "puzzling".

a head-scratching predicament

This suggests bemusement and uncertainty, implying the problem is difficult to even begin approaching.

a labyrinthine puzzle

Replacing “complicated problem” with this metaphor gives emphasis to the feeling that dealing with the issue will involve a long, intricate process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated problem" to describe a difficult issue, such as: "Climate change is "a complicated problem" that requires global cooperation".

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

Alternatives include "a complex issue", "a challenging dilemma", or "a tricky situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "a complex problem" and "a complicated problem" are correct, but "complex" often implies a systemic issue with many interconnected parts, while "complicated" suggests something difficult to understand or resolve. Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate term.

What makes "a complicated problem" different from "a simple problem"?

"A complicated problem" involves multiple factors, intricate details, and potentially conflicting elements, making it difficult to understand and solve. A simple problem, on the other hand, is straightforward and typically has a clear solution.