a very complex situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a very complex situation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a complicated, complicated problem or scenario. For example, "The situation in the Middle East is a very complex situation, with many different factions vying for control and influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"It's a very complex situation".

The New York Times - Tech

However, the article oversimplifies what is a very complex situation.

The Guardian

"It's a very complex situation in Connecticut," she said.

The New York Times

It's a very difficult situation, a very complex situation".

The Guardian

"This is a very complex situation," she said.

Independent

As you said, it is a very complex situation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It's a very, very complex situation in Diffa now, it's very difficult to control on the military side.

The Guardian

"What I am trying to do in this book," he says, "is work through the very complex situation of a field of study that seems to me hollow, falling, though perhaps not visibly fallen" (p. 18).

Johns Hopkins University

However, an enterprise is a market actor and we needed to take this into account, so it was very complex situation.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

We all seem to wake up every morning and think we have the very complex situation figured out.

Huffington Post

Campa added that the government hoped "to come out of the meeting with commitments defining where to go from here in this very complex situation".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very complex situation", be prepared to offer specific examples or details to illustrate the complexity. Avoid vague generalizations.

Common error

Avoid immediately following "a very complex situation" with simplistic solutions or explanations. This undermines the acknowledgment of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very complex situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly describes a complicated problem or scenario. It is used to identify and categorize a particular state of affairs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very complex situation" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for describing intricate scenarios. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While its straightforward nature makes it accessible, remember to provide specific details to truly convey the depth of the complexity and avoid oversimplification. Consider alternatives like ""a highly complicated scenario"" or ""a deeply intricate affair"" to subtly shift the emphasis. The high frequency of authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly complicated scenario

Replaces 'complex' with 'complicated' and 'situation' with 'scenario', emphasizing the intricate nature of the events.

a deeply intricate affair

Substitutes 'complex' with 'intricate' and 'situation' with 'affair', highlighting the convoluted and sensitive aspects.

a notably intricate state of affairs

Similar to 'a deeply intricate affair' but uses 'state of affairs' for a more formal tone.

a remarkably convoluted circumstance

Uses 'convoluted' instead of 'complex' and 'circumstance' for 'situation', suggesting a tangled and confusing set of conditions.

a truly labyrinthine circumstance

Emphasizes the confusing and maze-like quality of the situation.

a particularly thorny issue

Replaces the entire phrase with a metaphor, focusing on the problematic and difficult aspects of the matter.

a remarkably tangled web

Uses a metaphor to describe the intertwined and confusing elements of the situation.

a significantly challenging predicament

Focuses on the difficulty and challenge posed by the situation, rather than its complexity.

an exceptionally multifaceted problem

Emphasizes the many aspects and dimensions of the problem, rather than just its complexity.

a genuinely perplexing dilemma

Highlights the confusing and puzzling nature of the situation.

FAQs

What does "a very complex situation" mean?

The phrase "a very complex situation" refers to a scenario involving numerous interconnected factors, making it difficult to understand or resolve simply.

How can I use "a very complex situation" in a sentence?

You might say, "The geopolitical landscape is currently "a very complex situation", requiring careful diplomacy".

What are some alternatives to "a very complex situation"?

You can use alternatives like "a highly complicated scenario", "a deeply intricate affair", or "a particularly thorny issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a very complex situation" formal or informal?

The phrase "a very complex situation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might exist for academic or highly professional settings.