a more complex matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more complex matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic that involves multiple layers or intricacies, indicating that the issue is not straightforward. Example: "While the initial problem seemed simple, it turned out to be a more complex matter that required further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Small bits of plutonium, however, are a more complex matter.

The New York Times

While he has no doubt that individuals can live without religion — he is, after all, a happy atheist — whether societies can live without religion, he feels, is a more complex matter.

The New York Times

Outsourcing is a more complex matter, Brown says.

Science Magazine

Note that showing that the pure deontic fragment of Kd contains no more than SDL is a more complex matter.

SEP

The concept of "sliding scale fees," aiming to moderate use of services decided by the patient, is a more complex matter.

Clinical Rheumatology

Whether or not the classical bacterial pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis derives from a common ancestor with the archaeal pathway is a more complex matter.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The use and abuse of the environment is a far more complex matter, especially in the vast but fragile Amazon rainforest.

The Economist

As for my teenage dream of helping people to be happy – well, it was a far more complex matter than I could ever have guessed back then.

The New York Times

But whether or not they are authors is a much more complex matter that merits their attention before, rather than after, they run into trouble at the keyboard.

Science Magazine

On matters that only a fool would dispute, as well as on more complex matters where the wise agree, one can claim to have probable knowledge.

SEP

Is Mitt Romney's handling of the controversy surrounding the release of his tax returns an example of how he will lead America on even more complex matters if he is elected to the White House?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a more complex matter", ensure that the surrounding text provides sufficient context to understand the specific complexities involved. This helps avoid ambiguity and clarifies the issue at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "a more complex matter" when a simpler explanation would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Consider whether the issue truly warrants such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more complex matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It often introduces or characterizes a situation, problem, or topic that requires deeper understanding or analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a more complex matter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations that demand careful consideration due to their intricate nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and suitable for written English. While its frequency is categorized as uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, media and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, ensure the surrounding text provides sufficient context to clarify the specific complexities. Alternatives such as "a more intricate affair" or "a more complicated issue" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. Avoid overuse to prevent your writing from sounding unnecessarily convoluted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more intricate affair

Replaces "matter" with "affair" and "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the delicate and involved nature of the situation.

a more complicated issue

Substitutes "matter" with "issue" and "complex" with "complicated", focusing on the problematic aspect.

a more convoluted situation

Uses "convoluted" instead of "complex" and "situation" instead of "matter", highlighting the confusing and intricate nature.

a more involved undertaking

Replaces "matter" with "undertaking" and "complex" with "involved", stressing the amount of effort and detail required.

a more multifaceted problem

Employs "multifaceted" instead of "complex" and "problem" instead of "matter", indicating that the issue has many aspects.

a deeper quandary

Highlights a more profound and perplexing problem or dilemma by using "deeper" and "quandary".

a trickier question

Replaces "matter" with "question" and "complex" with "trickier", shifting to a problem needing skill to solve.

a thornier proposition

Replaces "matter" with "proposition" and "complex" with "thornier", suggesting a problem that is difficult to handle and potentially unpleasant.

a challenging phenomenon

Shifts the context to a "phenomenon" instead of a "matter", emphasizing its difficult or demanding nature.

a labyrinthine circumstance

Implies a situation as intricate and perplexing as a labyrinth by using "labyrinthine circumstance".

FAQs

How can I use "a more complex matter" in a sentence?

You can use "a more complex matter" to introduce a topic or situation that requires deeper analysis or understanding. For example: "While the initial assessment seemed straightforward, the underlying issues proved to be "a more complex matter"."

What are some alternatives to "a more complex matter"?

Alternatives include "a more intricate affair", "a more complicated issue", or "a more involved undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a more complex matter"?

Yes, "a more complex matter" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe situations that are not simple or straightforward. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.

What's the difference between "a complex matter" and "a more complex matter"?

"A complex matter" describes something that is inherently complicated. "A more complex matter" implies a comparison, suggesting that something is complex relative to a previous state or another situation. For example, "Solving climate change is "a complex matter", but implementing specific policies is "a more complex matter"."