a complicated year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated year" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a year that was filled with challenges, difficulties, or complex events. Example: "2020 was a complicated year for many, as the pandemic changed the way we live and work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Countrywide research director Johnny Morris said: "2016 looks to be a complicated year for landlords.

The Guardian - Business

NATE CHINEN BELLS AT MIDNIGHT A musical event that calls itself a "ritual/jam" seems like a fittingly transformative way to close out a complicated year.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a complicated year for Medicare beneficiaries," said Judith Stein, executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, a nonprofit group that helps Medicare beneficiaries.

The New York Times - Health

"Because of injuries, I was not able to play a full season and it's been a complicated year as I could see I didn't have the same ambition after 14 years on the tour".

The New York Times

In March J.P. Morgan, a bank, more than doubled the share of Colombian bonds in its emerging-market indices.By contrast, Peru is suffering what Mr Castilla calls a "complicated" year.

The Economist

And if you've been paying attention to Apple's past earnings, you know that Apple has had a complicated year.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

That leads to a complicated year-round exercise in bookkeeping.

TechCrunch

But now, the third (and most enthusiastically received) installment of the four-part Picasso biography is giving the author a triumphant and complicated year of his own.

The New York Times

He remained a vigorous spokesman for the traditional brand of Democratic New Deal liberalism at a time when his party's mainstream was moving to the right, putting him at the center of a complicated political year.

The New York Times

The tax code has gotten thicker and more complicated year by year.

The New York Times

In the long, complicated year before I met Henry, I heard endlessly about him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complicated year", be specific about what made the year complicated. Providing context will help your audience understand the challenges or complexities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated year" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that a year was complicated, elaborate on the specific events, challenges, or factors that contributed to its complexity. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated year" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a description or characterization of a particular year. It typically serves as a subject complement or an appositive, providing additional information about the subject. Ludwig examples showcase its descriptive use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Arts

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Health

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated year" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to depict a year marked by complexity and challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing diverse situations across various fields. While relatively common in news and media, its effectiveness is greatly enhanced by providing specific details about the complexities involved, avoiding vague generalizations. Consider alternatives like "a challenging year" or "a difficult year" to adjust the nuance. Ludwig examples show how to use the expression in several contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging year

Focuses on the difficulties and demands of the year.

a difficult year

Emphasizes the hardship and adversity experienced.

a tough year

Highlights the resilience required to overcome obstacles.

a trying year

Suggests the year tested one's patience and endurance.

a tumultuous year

Implies the year was marked by significant upheaval and unrest.

a problematic year

Draws attention to specific issues and setbacks.

an eventful year

Highlights the occurrence of many significant or notable events, which may or may not be positive.

a demanding year

Stresses the high expectations and pressures faced.

a taxing year

Implies a year that was physically or mentally draining.

an intricate year

Focuses on the complexity and interconnectedness of events.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "a challenging year", "a difficult year", or "a tumultuous year" depending on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

How do I use "a complicated year" in a sentence?

You can use "a complicated year" to describe a period marked by difficulties, challenges, or complex events. For example, "2020 was a complicated year for many businesses due to the pandemic."

What makes a year "complicated"?

A year can be considered "complicated" due to various factors, such as economic instability, political unrest, significant personal challenges, or a combination of multiple complex issues. It often implies a situation with no simple solutions.

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

Both phrases are acceptable, but "complicated" often implies difficulties or challenges, while "complex" simply suggests intricate or multifaceted aspects. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.