a sense of complexity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sense of complexity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the intricate nature of a subject or situation, often to convey that something is not straightforward. Example: "The novel provides a sense of complexity that challenges the reader's understanding of morality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yet, when done right, the sheer fruit-drenched power of grenache can be immensely winning, particularly when the juicy, exuberant fruit is tempered by mineral or herbal flavors that create a sense of complexity.

The New York Times - Food

He knows both we and our causes are always flawed, so he does not write with hate, but from a sense of complexity – a complexity that is easy to lose in areas of conflict, where it's easy to get caught up in anger and injustice, and start to think in black and white.

The Guardian

By not reading, we lose "a sort of psychic habit, a logic, a sense of complexity, an ability to spot contradictions and even falsity," says Neil Postman, professor of communication arts at New York University and author of "Amusing Ourselves to Death" (Viking Penguin, 1986), a book that discusses the political, cultural and educational consequences of reading's decline.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ask that question and you get a sense of the complexity of such surveys.

The Guardian - Books

That said, Kay S. Hymowitz does get across a sense of the complexity of George's thinking.

The New York Times - Books

We really feel that one of the things that's needed in America's debate about social issues is a sense of human complexity".

The New York Times

The team that Gawande travelled with was led by Pankaj Bhatnagar, who gave Gawande a sense of the complexity of the effort: The W.H.O.

The New Yorker

This produces a sense of vertiginous complexity, which is accentuated by the fact that the wall against which the staircase is set slopes away from you.

The New Yorker

To get a sense of the complexity involved in condensing tens of thousands of disparate bike journeys into simple, coherent patterns, see the video above.

The Guardian

Mr. Maxson laid out an example of how such calls might work so I would have a sense of the complexity.

The New York Times

The hilarity of the scene — a concert stage filled with windup machines — gave way to a sense of unexpected complexity, as networks of rhythm emerged from clouds of ticktock noise.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, follow "a sense of complexity" with a brief explanation or example to ensure your audience understands the specific aspects you're referring to.

Common error

Avoid vague statements using "a sense of complexity" without providing concrete details. Instead, specify which elements contribute to the complexity to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of complexity" functions as a noun phrase expressing an awareness or understanding of intricate or complicated details. It's often used to convey that a subject is not simple or straightforward, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of complexity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that conveys an awareness or understanding of intricate details. Ludwig AI indicates its relatively rare usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While "a sense of complexity" is valid, it's important to provide clarifying context and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "an awareness of intricacy" or "an appreciation for nuance" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an understanding of the intricacies

Replaces 'sense' with 'understanding' and uses the plural 'intricacies' to emphasize multiple details.

an awareness of intricacy

Replaces 'sense' with 'awareness' and 'complexity' with 'intricacy', emphasizing cognitive understanding.

a perception of sophistication

Substitutes 'sense' with 'perception' and 'complexity' with 'sophistication', highlighting refined understanding.

an appreciation for nuance

Focuses on the subtle distinctions that create complexity, using 'appreciation' instead of 'sense'.

a grasp of the subtleties

Emphasizes understanding and control of complex details, differing slightly in tone.

a recognition of multifacetedness

Highlights the many aspects contributing to complexity, using more formal vocabulary.

an insight into its involved character

Focuses on the interconnected and complicated attributes of the subject.

a feeling for its convoluted nature

Highlights the tangled or complicated aspect of complexity, adding a layer of nuance.

a knowledge of detailed elements

Stresses the accumulation of information regarding intricate parts rather than a general impression of complexity.

a comprehension of compound factors

Stresses the many parts that makes up the situation at hand.

FAQs

How can I use "a sense of complexity" in a sentence?

You can use "a sense of complexity" to describe intricate situations or subjects. For example, "The novel provides "a sense of complexity" that challenges the reader's understanding of morality."

What are some alternatives to "a sense of complexity"?

Alternatives include "an awareness of intricacy", "a perception of sophistication", or "an appreciation for nuance", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a feeling of complexity" or "a sense of complexity"?

"A sense of complexity" is generally preferred in formal writing, whereas "a feeling of complexity" might be suitable for less formal contexts where emotional impressions are more relevant.

How does "a sense of complexity" differ from "a point of complexity"?

"A point of complexity" refers to a specific aspect that makes something complicated, while "a sense of complexity" describes an overall impression or understanding of intricate details.