a complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a difficulty or problem that arises in a situation or process. Example: "The surgery went well, but there was a complication that required additional attention from the medical team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinton is a complication.

The New York Times - Books

"It adds a complication".

The New York Times

But there is a complication.

SEP

But there was a complication.

The New York Times

There is, though, a complication.

The Guardian - Business

There is a complication, though.

The New York Times - Sports

For women, it is still a complication.

The New York Times

"There's been a complication," I said.

The New Yorker

Here, at least, we have a complication.

The New Yorker

There is, of course, a complication.

The Guardian - Business

(It can be a complication of swine flu).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complication" to introduce an unforeseen element that negatively impacts an existing process or situation, adding an unexpected layer of difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "a complication" when a simpler term like "problem" or "issue" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Choose the most direct and clear way to express the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complication" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. As shown in Ludwig, it identifies a difficulty or problem that arises in a process or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complication" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote an element that introduces difficulty or intricacy into a situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. Its usage indicates a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for formal communication. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial to ensure the audience understands what aspect is being complicated. While generally acceptable, overusing "a complication" can lead to wordiness, so consider whether a simpler term might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficulty

A more general term for something that causes trouble.

a complexity

Focuses on the intricate and involved nature of the issue.

a problematic aspect

Highlights the problematic nature of the element.

a challenging factor

Focuses on the difficulty introduced.

an impediment

Indicates something that prevents easy progress or movement.

an obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering nature of the issue.

a stumbling block

Implies something that impedes progress.

a hurdle

Similar to an obstacle, but perhaps more easily overcome.

a snag

Suggests a small, unexpected difficulty.

a hitch

Implies a temporary problem or delay.

FAQs

How can I use "a complication" in a sentence?

You can use "a complication" to refer to something that makes a situation more difficult. For example, "There was "a complication" during the surgery that required additional attention".

What's the difference between "a complication" and "a problem"?

"A complication" often suggests an unexpected difficulty that arises within a larger process or situation, whereas "a problem" is a more general term for any difficulty. Therefore, “"a problem"” may be a more direct and simple way to refer to the situation.

What can I say instead of "a complication"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a difficulty", "an issue", or "an obstacle".

Is it always appropriate to use "a complication" in formal writing?

While "a complication" is generally acceptable in formal writing, consider whether a more precise term would be more effective. Sometimes, specifying the exact nature of the difficulty is better than using a general term.