a complicated subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "a complicated subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a concept or topic that is difficult to understand or requires a great deal of knowledge in order to fully comprehend. For example: "The intricacies of quantum mechanics make it a complicated subject to study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His answer: "This is a complicated subject".

The New York Times

A lucid article on a complicated subject.

Princeton University

Tort reform is a complicated subject and not a panacea.

The New York Times

It's a complicated subject, just as it was in 1997.

The New York Times - Sports

7. America America is such a complicated subject for Egyptians.

The New Yorker

Stoppard's relationship with politics has always been a complicated subject.

The Guardian

Like blackness, it has become a complicated subject for art.

The New York Times - Arts

America America is such a complicated subject for Egyptians.

The New Yorker

This is a complicated subject simply because there are so many options available in healthcare.

University of California, Berkeley

She's beloved by many, but also a complicated subject for a 7-year-old.

The Washington Post

The new film about third-trimester abortions takes a complicated subject beyond the familiar talking-points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a complicated subject", provide context or a brief overview to help the audience understand its complexity. This can make the topic more accessible and engaging.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a complicated subject" with simplistic explanations or generalizations. Acknowledge the nuances and multiple perspectives involved to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated subject" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "complicated" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "subject". It serves to identify and categorize a particular topic as being difficult or intricate. As Ludwig AI points out, its structure follows standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated subject" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively describes a topic requiring careful consideration due to its intricacy. Ludwig examples show it’s widely used across various domains, especially in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, it is important to contextualize the subject and avoid oversimplification. Related phrases, such as "a complex topic" and "an intricate matter", can be used to add variety to your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its structure and use case follows standard English grammar rules and patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex topic

Replaces "complicated" with "complex", emphasizing the intricate nature of the subject.

a multifaceted topic

Highlights the multiple facets of the topic, making it difficult to grasp fully.

an intricate matter

Substitutes both words with synonyms, highlighting the detailed and involved nature of the issue.

a convoluted issue

Emphasizes the complex and intricate nature of the issue, making it hard to follow or understand.

a challenging issue

Focuses on the difficulty the subject presents.

a thorny question

Implies the subject is difficult and potentially controversial.

a multifaceted problem

Highlights the many aspects and angles of the subject.

a knotty issue

Suggests the subject is tangled and difficult to untangle.

a perplexing question

Emphasizes the confusing and puzzling nature of the subject.

a demanding area

Shifts the focus to the effort required to understand the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated subject" to refer to topics that are difficult to understand. For example, "Quantum physics is "a complicated subject" that requires years of study".

What's a more formal way to say "a complicated subject"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "a complex topic", "an intricate matter", or "a multifaceted problem" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What are some synonyms for "complicated" when describing a subject?

Synonyms include "complex", "intricate", "challenging", "thorny", and "convoluted". Each of these words emphasizes a different aspect of the subject's difficulty.

Is it ever appropriate to avoid discussing "a complicated subject"?

Sometimes, if the audience lacks the necessary background knowledge or if the context is not suitable for a detailed discussion, it may be wise to address "a delicate subject" or "a thorny question" in a more generalized way or defer the discussion to a later time.