as complex as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as complex as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the complexity of a subject or situation while acknowledging that complexity itself. Example: "The project is challenging, as complex as it is, but I believe we can manage it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But dig a little deeper, and its message is as complex as it is straightforward, at once historical and allegorical.

The New York Times - Arts

A quick response to Beardsley's misgivings about intrinsic value would be to admit that it may well be that, the world being as complex as it is, nothing is such that its value is wholly intrinsic; perhaps whatever has intrinsic value also has extrinsic value, and of course many things that have extrinsic value will have no (or, at least, neutral) intrinsic value.

SEP

"The complexity is that understanding the science of why visual speech is as complex as it is is a much harder question than can we use machine learning to get better results.

TechCrunch

SOIL is as complex as it is enigmatic.

The New York Times

His background, though, is as complex as it is impressive.

The New York Times

The line from Beethoven through Brahms to Charles Ives is as complex as it is obvious.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The tension, was as complex as it was divisive.

The New York Times

After all, the result was as complex as it was unexpected.

The Guardian - Opinion

The music on 10, 9, 8 was immensely powerful, attacking, and as complex as it was memorable.

The Guardian - Music

Although this murder case offers plenty of mirth, Mr. Handler added that the score was as complex as it was accessible.

The New York Times

And part of the credit goes to Jennifer Lee's team, for the choices they consciously made to make the screenplay as complex as it was.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as complex as it is" to introduce a contrasting element, such as simplicity, necessity, or manageability, to balance the perception of complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "as complex as it is" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and detract from its overall impact. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as complex as it is" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or situation. It emphasizes the degree of complexity involved, often introducing a contrasting or balancing perspective. Ludwig shows how this phrase is used to acknowledge difficulty while also suggesting potential resolution or understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as complex as it is" is an adjectival phrase used to acknowledge the intricacy of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more commonly found in news and media. The phrase often sets the stage for a contrasting perspective or a proposed solution, balancing the perception of difficulty. While alternatives such as "as intricate as it seems" exist, ""as complex as it is"" provides a versatile way to introduce nuanced discussions. Avoid overuse to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as intricate as it seems

Substitutes "complex" with "intricate", focusing on detailed and elaborate construction.

as complicated as it appears

Replaces "complex" with "complicated" and "is" with "appears", shifting from inherent nature to perception.

as multifaceted as it can be

Emphasizes multiple aspects or dimensions instead of general complexity.

no less challenging than it is

Highlights the challenging nature while acknowledging its existing state.

as layered as it stands

Focuses on the multiple layers or levels contributing to the complexity.

as involved as it gets

Suggests a high degree of engagement or entanglement.

as deep as it runs

Implies complexity stemming from profound underlying factors.

as knotty as it may be

Conveys complexity through the image of something tangled or difficult to unravel.

as sophisticated as it is

Indicates complexity arising from refinement and advanced development.

as labyrinthine as it looks

Uses the metaphor of a labyrinth to describe something extremely complex and confusing.

FAQs

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

This phrase is typically used to acknowledge the intricate nature of something before presenting a contrasting perspective or a solution. For example, "The problem is challenging, "as complex as it is", but we have a plan to address it."

What are some alternatives to saying "as complex as it is"?

You could use phrases like "as intricate as it seems", "as complicated as it appears", or "as multifaceted as it can be" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "as complex as it is" and "it is complex"?

"It is complex" is a simple statement of fact. "As complex as it is" is often used to set up a contrast or a further explanation. It acknowledges the complexity but suggests there's more to consider.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as complex as it is"?

This phrase works best when you want to acknowledge the inherent difficulty or complication of a subject before offering a simplified explanation, a solution, or a contrasting viewpoint. It adds a layer of nuance and acknowledges the challenges involved.