became complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, process, or concept that has evolved or developed into a more complicated state. Example: "As the project progressed, the requirements became complex, requiring more resources and time to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Soon, routine missions became complex and dangerous.

The New York Times

As Almodóvar spoke, he reverted to Spanish when his thoughts became complex.

The New Yorker

Here, as enunciated by a group, the dance became complex, as geometry, as sculpture and as meter.

The New York Times - Arts

During the following period of the Italian Baroque, fountains became complex compositions of basins, sculpture, and water display.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, one problem with the proposed method was that the number of solutions could easily explode if the 2D assembly drawings became complex.

Computer-Aided Design

During the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM), the zonal differentiation became complex, with warm humid forest in the southeastern part and semi-arid steppe in the northern CLP.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The dough becomes complex and nuanced.

The New York Times

This is where the narrative becomes complex.

The New York Times - Books

We've allowed it to become complex.

The Guardian - Sport

Utility considerations become complex in most critical-call situations.

The New York Times - Sports

But as they grow up, the position becomes complex.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system that has gained complexity, use "became complex" to clearly indicate a change over time.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "became complex" without explaining how it became complex. Provide details about the specific changes or factors that contributed to the increased complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became complex" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a transformation or evolution of a subject towards a state of increased intricacy or difficulty. Ludwig provides examples across various domains, illustrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became complex" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verbal phrase that describes a transition towards increased intricacy or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to provide specific details about the changes contributing to this complexity rather than simply stating it. Alternatives such as "grew intricate" or "turned complicated" may offer nuanced variations in meaning. This analysis provides a thorough understanding of the phrase's usage, common errors, and semantic range, supporting effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew intricate

Emphasizes a gradual development of detailed and elaborate features.

turned complicated

Highlights a shift towards a state of being difficult to understand or deal with.

evolved into complexity

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of becoming more complex over time.

morphed into intricacy

Implies a transformation into a state of complex detail.

escalated in complexity

Suggests a rapid increase in the level of complexity.

developed into a convoluted state

Describes a progression towards a tangled and difficult-to-follow condition.

transformed into a sophisticated structure

Indicates a change towards a more advanced and elaborate arrangement.

progressed to a higher level of difficulty

Highlights the advancement to a more challenging stage.

gradually increased in intricacy

Emphasizes the gradual nature of becoming more detailed and elaborate.

assumed a tangled form

Describes the adoption of a complicated and confusing shape or structure.

FAQs

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

Use "became complex" to describe a situation, process, or concept that has evolved into a more complicated state. For instance, "As the project progressed, the requirements "became complex", requiring more resources."

What are some alternatives to "became complex"?

Alternatives include "grew intricate", "turned complicated", or "evolved into complexity", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "became complex" or "become complex"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "became complex" for past events and "become complex" for present or future situations. For example, "The situation has "become complex"" (present) versus "The situation "became complex"" (past).

What's the difference between "became complex" and "is complex"?

"Became complex" indicates a transition to a more complicated state, while "is complex" simply describes a current state of complexity. For instance, "The system "became complex" over time," versus "The system "is complex" due to its many interconnected components."