a little bit complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little bit complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a situation, problem, or process that you consider to be complicated, but not too difficult. For example: "Figuring out how to pay my taxes is a little bit complicated for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It somehow got a little bit complicated.

The Guardian

This game is a little bit complicated.

Yale University

It seems like there's a psychological barrier toward adopting something that's a little bit complicated.

Yale University

The answer is a little bit complicated and involves something I call the Tipping Curve.

The New York Times - Magazine

The situation was a little bit complicated but you must be sure to make this decision.

The Guardian - Sport

The answer is — it will appear a little bit complicated, but I'm not sure that it's complicated.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

So as we go on we'll get more complicated, so let's get a little bit more complicated now.

Yale University

So let's make this a little bit more complicated now.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So before we leave coordination games, I want to look at another one, a little bit more complicated one perhaps, that we mentioned briefly last time.

Yale University

Ecclestone said he could not say whether the team had a future because "it is a little bit too complicated to be able to say anything with any real knowledge".

BBC

Things got a little bit more complicated in 1987, when the United Kingdom extended its territorial waters from three miles to 12. Sealand, sitting six miles offshore, was suddenly, technically, on British land.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little bit complicated", ensure that the context clarifies what aspect is complex. Providing a brief explanation prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a little bit complicated" as a vague placeholder. Replace it with specific reasons or aspects of the subject that contribute to its complexity to improve clarity and understanding for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little bit complicated" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a degree of complexity. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to describe situations, tasks, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little bit complicated" is a common adjective phrase used to describe something that has a moderate level of complexity. It is grammatically correct and functions to soften the perception of difficulty, as supported by Ludwig's examples. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or scientific writing. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Academic sources indicates its widespread use. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for expressing nuanced complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly complex

Directly substitutes "a little bit" with "slightly", maintaining a similar level of understatement.

Not entirely simple

Uses negation to express that something has some level of complexity.

Not straightforward

Highlights the lack of directness and ease in understanding or execution.

Somewhat intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and interwoven nature of the complexity.

A bit tricky

Emphasizes the need for caution and skill to navigate the complexity.

Moderately involved

Indicates a degree of engagement or entanglement that makes things not entirely simple.

Reasonably knotty

Uses a metaphorical description to suggest a problem with a few tangles.

Kind of convoluted

Implies that something is unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow.

Subtly labyrinthine

Evokes the image of a maze to describe a delicate complexity.

A tad perplexing

Focuses on the confusing or puzzling nature of the complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "a little bit complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "a little bit complicated" to describe a situation that is not straightforward but not overly complex. For example, "The instructions were "a little bit complicated", but I managed to assemble the furniture."

What are some alternatives to saying "a little bit complicated"?

Alternatives to "a little bit complicated" include phrases like "slightly complex", "somewhat intricate", or "not entirely simple depending on the specific context".

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

While "a little bit complicated" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "moderately involved" or "somewhat intricate" might be more suitable for highly formal or academic writing.

What does "a little bit complicated" imply about the level of difficulty?

"A little bit complicated" suggests that something requires some effort or thought to understand or deal with, but it isn't overwhelmingly difficult. It implies a manageable level of complexity, unlike saying something is "very complicated".