a further layer of complexity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a further layer of complexity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, problems, or topics that become more intricate or complicated. Example: "The new regulations add a further layer of complexity to the existing compliance requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

There is a further layer of complexity to this.

The Guardian - Books

That it is the NPG that is hosting the show adds a further layer of complexity.

The Guardian - Arts

Moves to protect depositors in bail-ins add a further layer of complexity.

The New York Times

Arguably, the 1988 Education Reform Act added a further layer of complexity when it added the requirement that collective worship should be wholly, or mainly, of a broadly Christian character.

The Guardian

The communists simply took over the imperial civil service and added a further layer of complexity by superimposing a party organisation on the government one.McDonnell Douglas for one fell foul of the system.

The Economist

But David Blake, director of the Pensions Institute at the University of London, warns that the scheme will add "a further layer of complexity for people who will find it very difficult to grapple with these issues".A more important problem with the new pension plan is likely to be its effect on working people.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Instead, it is better thought of as one of a number of broadly Levantine sauces (zhoug, tahini, tzatziki, harissa), which – when the (flat bread is thin enough and its contents juicy enough that this will not become a stodgy slog – can add a further layer of flavour complexity to a sandwich.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Science, in a further layer of nuance and complexity, later ran an unusual "partial retraction" after one of the labs that contributed to the paper found contamination.

MIT Technology Review

One further layer of complexity is the identification of key biological alterations to be selectively targeted by tailored therapies.

Acta neuropathologica communications

But, for all the verve of Goold's Headlong production, the result is an uneasy mish-mash - one that adds further layers of complexity to a work already loaded with them.

The Guardian

The only effect of these changes seems to have been the addition of further layers of complexity to a sport whose nuances are already beyond the comprehension of the average spectator.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, briefly explain the specific nature of the added complexity immediately after using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a further layer of complexity" when the situation isn't genuinely intricate. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Use more direct and simple options, like “complication”, if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a further layer of complexity" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement. It serves to identify or describe an added element that increases the intricacy of a situation, problem, or system. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a further layer of complexity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote an additional element that increases intricacy in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig, while appropriate for analytical and descriptive writing, its frequency is rare, mainly in Science, News & Media and Formal Business. When using this phrase, ensure that the base context is indeed complicated, and that the added complexity is significant enough to warrant the expression. Consider simpler alternatives, such as "an additional complication", when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional complication

Replaces "layer of complexity" with a more direct term for added difficulty.

a supplementary intricacy

Substitutes "layer" with "intricacy" emphasizing the detailed nature of the addition.

another level of detail

Focuses on the addition of more specific information.

a complicating factor

Highlights the element that makes things more difficult.

a further entanglement

Emphasizes the intertwining and confusing aspect of the added element.

a higher degree of sophistication

Indicates increased refinement and complexity.

an enhanced level of difficulty

Focuses on the increase in the challenge presented.

a more elaborate design

Highlights the increased complexity in structure or plan.

a superimposed complication

Highlights the overlapping or layering aspect of the added complication.

an added dimension

Indicates a new aspect or perspective contributing to overall complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "a further layer of complexity" in a sentence?

Use "a further layer of complexity" to introduce an additional element that makes an already complex situation even more intricate. For example, "The new regulations add "a further layer of complexity" to the compliance process".

What's a simpler alternative to "a further layer of complexity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an additional complication", "a complicating factor", or simply “another issue”.

Is it redundant to use "a further layer of complexity"?

It can be redundant if the context doesn't already imply some level of complexity. Ensure the situation warrants emphasizing the additional intricacy. Otherwise, simpler alternatives might be more effective.

What is the difference between "a further layer of complexity" and "a deeper layer of complexity"?

"A further layer" implies an addition to the existing complexity, while "a deeper layer" suggests exploring an existing complexity in more detail. For example, if you explore an "additional complication", this means the complexity is bigger and covers more aspects.