as complicated as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as complicated as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to make a comparison between two subjects which are both complicated. For example: "My project is as complicated as a jigsaw puzzle made up of thousands of tiny pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But you do know you can build very complicated stuff, as complicated as it gets.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's as complicated as a textile.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not as complicated as you think.

Harvard University

It's not as complicated as it looks.

The Washington Post

It is as complicated as building a house.

The New York Times - Food

Wybar insists this is not as complicated as it sounds.

The Guardian

"This is as complicated as Visa," Mr. Walker said.

The New York Times

It's as simple, and as complicated, as that.

The New York Times - Books

Raising a family today is as complicated as ever.

The Washington Post

A green vegetable curry is as complicated as it gets.

The New York Times - Food

He says it is not as complicated as it sounds.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as complicated as", ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to your audience. For example, "Solving this problem is as complicated as navigating a maze in the dark."

Common error

Avoid using "as complicated as" when a simpler adjective like "difficult" or "complex" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as complicated as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to emphasize the degree of complexity something possesses by drawing a comparison to another entity or situation. Ludwig examples confirm its function to make direct comparisons of difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as complicated as" is a versatile comparative phrase used to illustrate the level of complexity by relating it to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and widely applicable. Analysis of the provided examples reveals that it's most frequently found in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is relatable and appropriate for your audience. Alternatives such as "as complex as" or "as intricate as" offer similar meanings but may provide a slightly different nuance. It's important to avoid overusing the phrase in simple contexts to maintain clarity and avoid sounding verbose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as complex as

Replaces "complicated" with a synonym emphasizing the multifaceted nature of something.

as difficult as

Emphasizes the challenge and effort required to understand or deal with something.

as intricate as

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of something, rather than just its difficulty.

as convoluted as

Suggests a winding and confusing complexity, often implying unnecessary difficulty.

as sophisticated as

Indicates a high degree of refinement and complexity, often in a positive light.

as involved as

Focuses on the many elements and steps required, rather than the inherent difficulty.

as thorny as

Implies that the situation is complicated with multiple difficult or controversial issues.

as problematic as

Focuses on the issues and challenges that arise from something being complicated.

as cumbersome as

Highlights the burden and difficulty in managing or dealing with something.

as messy as

Emphasizes the disorder and lack of clarity in a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "as complicated as" to compare the complexity of one thing to another. For example, "The instructions were as complicated as a tax form."

What phrases are similar to "as complicated as"?

You can use alternatives like "as complex as", "as intricate as", or "as difficult as" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "as complex as" or "as complicated as"?

Both "as complex as" and "as complicated as" are grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context. "Complex" might be preferred in more technical or formal settings.

What's the difference between "complicated" and "complex"?

"Complicated" often suggests something is difficult to understand due to many interconnected parts, while "complex" implies a system or entity has many different components that interact in various ways. Though often interchangeable, "complex" tends to have a more neutral or even positive connotation, while "complicated" can imply a negative difficulty.