be a complicated issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a complicated issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or situation that has many intricate or difficult aspects to consider. Example: "The decision to implement new policies can be a complicated issue, as it involves various stakeholders and potential consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Independent

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That will be a complicated issue.

Independent

Facial hair in particular can be a complicated issue.

The New York Times

"People want to make it out to be a complicated issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Authors added to the growing evidence in support of PCI for survivors of OHCA, and time to goal temperature for MTH was found to be a complicated issue.

Critical Care

(And what does that yes mean? Sex once in a bar? An infatuation from a distance?) Regnerus says that he chose this question because he doesn't want to get into sorting out who's really gay — and that can be a complicated issue, to which he, unfortunately, has an absurd response.

The New Yorker

Ownership over users content can be a complicated issue, according to Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Gun control was a complicated issue.

The Guardian

But Mr. Southwick, the State Department official, said debt relief was a complicated issue.

The New York Times

Dr Peter Carter, RCN chief executive, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that the organisation recognised that assisted suicide was a complicated issue.

The Guardian

It is a complicated issue involving cost, services and guidelines about providing services in the least restrictive environment that the board majority says can be handled more effectively and less expensively in Ramapo.

The New York Times

Optimization of contrast efficiency is a complicated issue whenever subjects' responses are not deterministic but probabilistic.

NeuroImage

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "complicated" with a more precise adjective (e.g., intricate, multifaceted, thorny) to add nuance to your writing and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is a complicated issue" without providing any supporting evidence or explanation. This can weaken your argument and leave the reader unconvinced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a complicated issue" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject with a noun phrase that describes its complex nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. The phrase serves to characterize a situation, problem, or topic as having many intricate and difficult aspects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a complicated issue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a situation or topic with many intricate and difficult aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. While versatile, it's essential to provide specific details to support the assertion of complexity, avoiding vague language. Alternatives such as "pose a multifaceted problem" or "not be a simple matter" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be a simple matter

Emphasizes the lack of simplicity, which indirectly implies complexity.

be far from straightforward

Highlights the indirectness and complexity of the situation, rather than using "complicated" directly.

present a complex challenge

Replaces "issue" with "challenge" and uses "complex" instead of "complicated", shifting the focus to the difficulty involved.

pose a multifaceted problem

Substitutes "issue" with "problem" and uses "multifaceted" to emphasize the many aspects involved.

entail layers of complexity

Focuses on the multiple levels of complexity involved, changing the image.

be a knotty question

Replaces "complicated" with "knotty" to suggest something tangled and difficult to unravel, changing the metaphor.

require a nuanced approach

Indicates that the issue needs delicate and precise handling, reflecting its complexity.

raise a difficult point

Focuses on the challenging nature of the point or aspect being discussed.

involve intricate details

Shifts the focus to the presence of many small and complex parts, rather than the overall issue itself.

demand careful consideration

Shifts the emphasis to the need for thorough thought due to the underlying complexity.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something is a complicated issue?

Saying that something "is a complicated issue" means that it involves many interconnected factors, making it difficult to understand or resolve simply. It suggests that the topic requires careful consideration and nuanced understanding.

How can I use "be a complicated issue" in a sentence?

You can use "be a complicated issue" to describe a topic or situation that has many intricate or difficult aspects to consider. For example: "The decision to implement new policies can "be a complicated issue", as it involves various stakeholders and potential consequences."

What can I say instead of "be a complicated issue"?

You can use alternatives like "present a complex challenge", "not be a simple matter", or "require a nuanced approach" depending on the context.

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

Both "complex issue" and "complicated issue" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Complex" suggests intricacy and interconnectedness, while "complicated" suggests difficulty in understanding or resolving. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.