a more complex person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more complex person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has intricate or multifaceted characteristics, emotions, or behaviors. Example: "She is not just a simple character; she is a more complex person with a rich inner life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yet Montgomerie is a more complex person than sometimes imagined.

The Guardian

Katy Perry is no doubt a more complex person than her songs or even her behind-the-scenes film suggest.

The New Yorker

The media shorthand of "stone-throwing youth shot by soldiers" is left behind as a more complex person is revealed.

The Guardian

The Mayadeen interview suggests that Ms. Najjar may have been a more complex person than either side is making her out to be.

The New York Times

Montgomerie said carefully: "One day, we could bring two huge assets together, Boris, as a presidential PM, and the [very rightwing] class of 2010". Yet Montgomerie is a more complex person than sometimes imagined.

The Guardian

MySpace, on the other hand, created a more complex person online, and Grindr only gives you a sample.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"But he's a much more complex person than that.

The New York Times

Sally Field shows her as a much more complex person, who had suffered real loss in the death of their son Willie.

The Guardian - Film

Bradley was a far more complex person up close, inner-directed and surely no cheerleader, but smart and decent and sometimes even humorous.

The New York Times - Sports

You don't want to realize that the Canadian singer, 53, in real life is a considerably darker, far more complex person -- as most adults are.

The New York Times - Arts

Similar models have been used for the dynamics of single epidemics in a network of countries or areas connected by a complex airline network (6, 8, 12 ), and more complex, person-based, within-country models have been used to simulate epidemics within smaller groups of countries (10, 14 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a more complex person" to convey that someone has multiple layers to their personality, motivations, or history. It suggests they are not easily understood or categorized.

Common error

Avoid using "a more complex person" as a generic compliment. Ensure your description provides concrete examples of what makes the person complex, rather than just stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more complex person" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to modify the noun "person", indicating that the individual possesses a higher degree of intricacy or multifaceted qualities. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a more complex person" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe individuals with intricate and multifaceted characteristics. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While commonly found in News & Media, the phrase is also present in scientific and wiki-based sources. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific examples that illustrate the person's complexity, avoiding generic or superficial descriptions. Alternatives such as "a more intricate individual" or "a more layered personality" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. Remember to avoid oversimplifying or using the phrase as a mere compliment to truly capture the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an individual with greater complexity

Rephrases the original phrase using "complexity" as a noun.

a more intricate individual

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing detailed and elaborate characteristics.

a more layered personality

Focuses on the different levels or aspects that make up a person's character.

a more multifaceted character

Highlights the multiple sides or angles of a person's nature.

a more nuanced individual

Emphasizes subtle differences and refined qualities in a person.

a person of greater depth

Focuses on the profoundness and richness of a person's inner self.

a more profound person

Highlights the depth and insight of the individual.

a more sophisticated character

Suggests a person who is refined, cultured, and knowledgeable.

a person with deeper dimensions

Emphasizes the various aspects and layers that make up the person's character.

a more developed character

Suggests that the person's character has grown or evolved significantly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a more complex person" to describe someone whose personality or situation has many layers. For example, "The author portrayed the protagonist as "a more complex person" than initially perceived, with hidden motivations and a troubled past."

What's a good alternative to "a more complex person"?

Alternatives include "a more intricate individual", "a more layered personality", or "a more nuanced individual", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a more complex person"?

Yes, the phrase "a more complex person" is grammatically correct. It uses the comparative adjective "more complex" to describe the noun "person".

What does it mean to describe someone as "a more complex person"?

Describing someone as "a more complex person" means they have intricate and multifaceted characteristics that go beyond simple or superficial traits. It suggests depth, nuance, and perhaps hidden layers to their personality or story.