a complicated question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that has multiple layers, nuances, or is difficult to answer straightforwardly. Example: "The topic of climate change raises a complicated question about the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a complicated question.

The New Yorker

It is a complicated question.

The Guardian - Books

"It's not a complicated question.

The New York Times

Whether that price is worth paying is a complicated question.

The Economist

"You know, that's a complicated question," she said.

The New Yorker

This is a complicated question hastened by technology.

The New Yorker

How to regard those results is a complicated question.

The New York Times - Food

JAMES SUROWIECKI: I think this is a complicated question.

The New Yorker

But which practices qualify as discriminatory is a complicated question.

The Washington Post

Do they exist?' " That was a complicated question.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a complicated question because of the undocumented population".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing "a complicated question", break it down into smaller, more manageable parts to facilitate understanding and response.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a complicated question" as if it has a simple, straightforward answer; acknowledge the nuances and potential for multiple perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the nature of a query that necessitates significant thought and analysis, as evidenced by examples found through Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated question" is a commonly used phrase that describes a query requiring careful and detailed consideration. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and formal business settings. When faced with such a question, breaking it down into smaller parts can aid comprehension. While alternatives like "a complex question" or "a difficult question" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and effective way to signal the intricacy of a topic. Common mistakes involve oversimplifying the issue, which should be avoided to maintain accuracy and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex question

Replaces "complicated" with "complex", indicating intricacy.

a difficult question

Substitutes "complicated" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenge in answering.

a thorny question

Uses "thorny" instead of "complicated", suggesting a prickly or troublesome issue.

a tricky question

Replaces "complicated" with "tricky", implying a need for careful handling.

a challenging question

Uses "challenging" to convey that the question requires effort and thought.

a multifaceted question

Replaces "complicated" with "multifaceted", highlighting the multiple aspects involved.

an intricate question

Substitutes "complicated" with "intricate", suggesting detailed and complex elements.

a convoluted question

Uses "convoluted" instead of "complicated", indicating a winding and confusing nature.

a problematic question

Replaces "complicated" with "problematic", indicating the question poses certain problems.

a delicate question

Substitutes "complicated" with "delicate", suggesting sensitivity and need for careful consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated question" to introduce a topic that requires deep thought or has no easy answer, such as: "The ethics of AI is "a complicated question"".

What's the difference between "a complicated question" and "a simple question"?

"A complicated question" implies multiple layers and potential answers, whereas "a simple question" suggests a straightforward inquiry with an obvious response.

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

You can use alternatives like "a complex question", "a difficult question", or "a challenging question" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe a question as "complicated" in formal writing?

Yes, describing a question as "complicated" is acceptable in formal writing to indicate its complexity and the need for thorough consideration.