a complicated time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is difficult or challenging, often in a personal or societal context. Example: "During the pandemic, many people experienced a complicated time filled with uncertainty and stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's a complicated time," said Mr. Madarasz, the CSEA spokesman.

The New York Times

A complicated time flattens into the Clinton era.

The New Yorker

He served a complicated cause in a complicated time.

The New Yorker

We are trying to be unflinching about the fact that it is a complicated time.

The Economist

It's a complicated time for the grandes dames atop the mastheads of fashion magazines.

The New York Times

Wales has a complicated time balancing his new life with his old one.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It is still a complicated, time-consuming and inconvenient process for millions of people daily.

TechCrunch

Product machine qualification, or recipe machine qualification, is a complicated, time-consuming process that is frequently encountered in semiconductor manufacturing.

Computers & Operations Research

The geometry of the model is a complicated time-dependent two-dimensional configuration of flux contours analogous to a doublet.

Journal of Computational Physics

Efficient routes like integrating multiple nanomaterials or assembling nanoarrays often lead to a complicated, time-consuming, and uneconomic device fabrication process[24 26].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Designing and modeling such a cross-organizational workflow is a complicated, time-consuming process and requires that a designer has extensive experience.

Decision Support Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complicated time", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the time period complex. Provide specific examples or explanations to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated time" as a vague placeholder for any period of difficulty. Always provide enough context to specify the sources or nature of the complications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated time" functions as a noun phrase, where "complicated" modifies the noun "time". It describes a period characterized by complexity or difficulty. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated time" is a versatile phrase used to describe periods marked by complexity, difficulty, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and general discourse. While the phrase is acceptable in formal writing, consider alternatives like "complex period" or "intricate phase" for highly formal situations. When using "a complicated time", ensure that the context clearly establishes the factors contributing to the period's complexity to prevent overgeneralization. Remember to provide specific examples to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging period

Replaces "complicated" with "challenging", emphasizing the difficulty aspect.

a difficult phase

Substitutes "complicated" with "difficult", highlighting the troublesome nature of the time.

a complex era

Uses "complex" instead of "complicated" and "era" instead of "time", providing a more formal tone.

a trying moment

Emphasizes the stressful and testing nature of the "time".

a problematic juncture

Replaces with more formal, less common vocabulary

a period of upheaval

Focuses on the disruptive and transformative nature of the "time".

a season of adversity

Implies a longer duration of hardship and challenges.

an age of intricacy

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the period.

a spell of turmoil

Conveys a sense of disturbance and disorder during the "time".

a convoluted situation

Shifts the focus to the circumstances rather than the period itself, still implying complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complicated time" to describe periods marked by difficulty, uncertainty, or complexity. For example, "The transition to remote work was "a complicated time" for many businesses."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a challenging period", "a difficult phase", or "a complex era".

Is it appropriate to use "a complicated time" in formal writing?

Yes, "a complicated time" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing historical or political situations. However, for very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a complex era" or "a problematic juncture".

What makes "a complicated time" different from "a difficult time"?

"A difficult time" emphasizes hardship and adversity, while "a complicated time" suggests intricate or confusing circumstances. While there is overlap, "a complicated time" often implies multiple interacting factors that contribute to the overall challenge. For example, compare "a difficult time" and "a complex era".