add complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "add complication" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to make something more complex or difficult to understand. Example: "The new regulations will only serve to add complication to an already complicated process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Just to add complication, each will have a different electoral system: council elections in May will be by the traditional first-past-the-post method, European elections in June by a proportional system.

The Economist

Insurers and banks are feverishly consolidating, though the cross-holdings already typical in these industries in Europe add complication.

Forbes

This would add complication and potentially expense to the system and would have a significant impact on the transportation of time-sensitive goods.

Urban Rail Transit

For example if the word Bird is 'Vogelaviatiolap' then why not make the word Birds 'Vogelaviatiolaps' since the suffix 's' is added at the end for most languages at plurals.If you want to add complication, you can add genders like most European languages like French and German.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Heartbreak, a boyfriend's virginity pledge and a vengeful sister add complications.

The New York Times

The second may add complications, specified by the authors [10] as including additional iatrogenic nerve injury, haematoma and infection.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

That would add complications and increase costs.

Los Angeles Times

The timing on any such move was not clear, though, and the various regulatory probes could add complications.

Huffington Post

To add complications, the stage manager is the understudy's former fiancee.

Los Angeles Times

These rules add complications if the submitter wants to fully automate the process of annotation.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

Pooling training populations across countries provides an opportunity to increase training data size, but may add complications.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "add complication" when you want to express that something is making a situation, process, or system more complex or difficult than it already is. Be mindful of the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended level of increased intricacy.

Common error

Avoid using "add complication" in situations where a simpler term like "make harder" or "complicate" would suffice. Overusing complex language can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "add complication" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action contributing to increased complexity or difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. Its use clarifies how a situation becomes more intricate, as demonstrated by the examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "add complication" is grammatically correct and means to make something more complex or difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides context for its usage. Although relatively rare, the phrase is suitable for neutral to professional contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. When writing, be mindful to use it appropriately to convey an increase in intricacy without sounding overly complex. Similar phrases, such as "create complexity" or "further complicate matters", can offer alternative ways to express the same idea. Remember that adding complication is to make something complex and more intricate than it was before.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicate matters

This indicates adding another layer of difficulty to an already complex situation.

add layers of complexity

This option emphasizes adding multiple elements to a complex system.

create complexity

This focuses specifically on making something more intricate and elaborate, highlighting the structural aspect.

make more intricate

Similar to "create complexity" but with a stronger emphasis on detailed and elaborate design.

magnify the complexity

This indicates increasing the intricacy.

introduce difficulties

This phrase emphasizes the introduction of problems or challenges, focusing on the negative impact.

compound the problem

This suggests worsening an existing problem by adding another complicating factor.

muddy the waters

This idiom suggests making something less clear or more confusing.

inject convolution

This option means to insert something complex in the discussion.

obfuscate the issue

This implies deliberately making something unclear or difficult to understand, often to conceal the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "add complication" in a sentence?

You can use "add complication" to indicate that something makes a situation more complex. For example, "The new regulations "add complication" to the process".

What phrases are similar to "add complication"?

Similar phrases include "create complexity", "further complicate matters", or "introduce difficulties" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "add complication"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules.

What's the difference between "add complication" and "complicate"?

"Complicate" means to make something complex. "Add complication" implies that something is already complex, and you're adding to that existing complexity.