as a complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is intricate or composed of multiple interconnected parts, often in a technical or academic context. Example: "The issue should be analyzed as a complex of various factors that influence the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abraham as a complex Tony Soprano figure?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The retail market as a complex system.

Harvard University

This is considered as a complex task.

Future Generation Computer Systems

As for Gordon Brown, he emerges as a complex figure.

The Guardian - Books

1.Water, climate change and Earth as a complex system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We frame system change as a complex innovation process.

Stanford University

He characterized the process as a "complex and demanding challenge".

The New York Times

Other nongenetic theories consider aging as a complex psychosociological process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The automotive industry operates as a complex web.

The Economist

Biofilm modeling is often considered as a complex mathematical subject.

Water Research

Meanwhile, people also perceive the recyclability of materials as a complex issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a complex" to introduce a concept or system that involves multiple interacting components, requiring careful consideration of all elements.

Common error

Avoid using "as a complex" when describing something that is inherently simple or straightforward. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a complex" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It characterizes the noun by attributing to it the quality of being intricate, multifaceted, or composed of numerous interconnected elements. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where diverse subjects are described in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Academia

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a complex" is a versatile tool for describing multifaceted subjects, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. It frequently appears in scientific, academic, and news contexts, highlighting intricate systems and concepts. While grammatically correct and widely used, it should be reserved for genuinely complex subjects to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives like "as an intricate" or "as a multifaceted" can offer nuanced variations, maintaining clarity and precision in your writing. The examples provided by Ludwig are supporting the correct and relevant use of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an intricate

Focuses on the detailed and complicated nature of something.

as a multifaceted

Highlights the many different aspects or features involved.

as a sophisticated

Emphasizes the advanced and refined nature of something.

as an elaborate

Stresses the detailed and carefully arranged nature of something.

as a compound

Indicates that something is made up of multiple parts or elements.

as a compound

Highlights the composite nature of the subject.

as a multifaceted entity

Explicitly denotes a thing with many faces or aspects.

as a tangled web

Implies a confusing and interconnected system or situation.

as a knotty issue

Signifies a problem that is complicated and difficult to resolve.

as a problematic

Shifts the focus to the challenging or troublesome aspect of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "as a complex" in a sentence?

Use "as a complex" to describe something intricate or consisting of many interconnected parts. For instance, "The human brain functions "as a complex" network of neurons."

What are some alternatives to "as a complex"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as an intricate", "as a multifaceted", or "as a sophisticated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "complex" or "complicated" with "as a"?

While both "complex" and "complicated" can work, "complex" often suggests a system with many interacting parts, while "complicated" implies difficulty in understanding or dealing with something. The choice depends on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "as a complex"?

Avoid using "as a complex" when describing something simple or straightforward. Overusing the phrase can make your writing seem pretentious or unnecessarily verbose. Ensure the subject genuinely warrants such a descriptor.