as complex as a

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use this phrase to compare two things as being equally complex or intricate. For example, "The math problem was as complex as a chess game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is a dawn chorus as complex as a parliamentary debate?

The Guardian - Opinion

The story of a word is as complex as a hurricane.

The New York Times

Our favorite, the Ambrée, or amber, from La Choulette, was as complex as a good Burgundy, yet harmonious too.

The New York Times - Food

You don't have to pin to-do lists to the cooker hood, documents as complex as a military campaign.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Anything as complex as a computer — which is what this phone is — is going to have vulnerabilities," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

And even if it doesn't, there are questions about his track record, and his lack of experience in running anything nearly as complex as a major city.

The New Yorker

I like a summer read to be only as complex as a white cashmere sweater with a whiskey stain on it: How did that stain get there?

The New Yorker

I prefer chocolate shaped by the hand of a master into a luscious mouthful with flavors as complex as a fine wine.

The New York Times - Food

Technically, he has to deal with the bewildering family tree of the Russian Chekhovs and the German Knippers (as complex as a Chekhov cast list).

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Gregg said that the North Korean officials emphasized the need for a nonaggression agreement that did not have to be as complex as a formal peace treaty.

The New York Times

This can be as basic as new CCTV for community safety, or as complex as a city-wide data collection and sharing network.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as complex as a" to draw a comparison that highlights the intricate or multifaceted nature of the subject. This is useful for making abstract ideas more relatable to the reader. For example, 'The regulatory landscape is as complex as a spiderweb.'

Common error

Avoid using "as complex as a" when describing something that is merely difficult or challenging. Ensure the comparison accurately reflects multifaceted nature rather than just difficulty. For example, don't say 'The task was as complex as a simple math problem.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as complex as a" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its level of complexity to another entity, emphasizing their similarity in intricacy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as complex as a" is a frequently used and grammatically correct comparative phrase that serves to illustrate a subject's level of intricacy by drawing a parallel to another entity. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples shows it is versatile, appearing in diverse sources from news to scientific journals. The phrase is most often employed in news, science, and formal business contexts. While seemingly straightforward, ensure the comparison is apt and genuinely reflects the multifaceted nature of the topic at hand. Consider alternatives like ""as intricate as a"" or ""as sophisticated as a"" to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as intricate as a

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of something, rather than general complexity.

as convoluted as a

Highlights the winding and confusing aspect of complexity.

as sophisticated as a

Implies a refined and advanced level of complexity.

as multifaceted as a

Indicates complexity through numerous aspects or angles.

as detailed as a

Emphasizes the presence of many specific elements.

as elaborate as a

Suggests complexity through careful arrangement and rich decoration.

as involved as a

Highlights the intricate connections and dependencies.

as labyrinthine as a

Focuses on the confusing and maze-like quality of something complex.

as Byzantine as a

Emphasizes excessive complexity and secretiveness.

as perplexing as a

Suggests complexity that causes confusion and difficulty in understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "as complex as a" to compare the intricacy of one thing to another. For example, "The human brain is "as complex as a" computer system".

What are some alternatives to "as complex as a"?

Alternatives include "as intricate as a", "as convoluted as a", or "as sophisticated as a" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as complex as a"?

Yes, "as complex as a" is a grammatically sound construction used for comparisons. It follows the standard "as [adjective] as" pattern.

What's the difference between "as complex as a" and "very complex"?

"As complex as a" provides a comparative reference point, whereas "very complex" simply indicates a high degree of complexity without offering a specific comparison.