become complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which something has become increasingly complicated or difficult to understand. For example: "The problem quickly became complex as more and more factors had to be taken into consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've allowed it to become complex.

The Guardian - Sport

Utility considerations become complex in most critical-call situations.

The New York Times - Sports

Electric power system has become complex over the last decade.

Procedia Technology

The city's walls have become complex documents, authored and re-authored like ramshackle Wikipedia pages.

The Guardian

And the real-time strategy genre has become complex and intimidating to many casual players.

The Guardian - Tech

The simplest of issues can become complex if one lets them.

The Guardian

Shortly, we'll also consider complex exponentials, where these numbers can then become complex.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thinking of urban places with their associated rural hinterland and spheres of influence has become complex.

Landscape and Urban Planning

The permutations can become complex but put simply, after Austin there are a maximum of 75 points available.

The Guardian - Sport

But with James in charge, they expand their functional roles to become complex individuals with troubled psychological histories.

The New York Times - Books

Products have become complex systems that contain software and may have as much or more software in the cloud.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become complex", ensure you provide context regarding what is becoming complex and why. This helps the reader understand the specific nature of the increasing complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "become complex" as a vague descriptor. Always specify what is becoming complex. Instead of saying "The situation has become complex", try "The situation has become complex due to the addition of new stakeholders and conflicting objectives".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become complex" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, indicating a transformation or change in state. As Ludwig AI states, it refers to a situation where something is increasingly complicated. The examples provided by Ludwig show various contexts where this phrase is used to describe evolving systems, ideas, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become complex" is a versatile and widely used expression to describe the increasing intricacy or difficulty of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic writing. To use it effectively, provide specific details about what is becoming complex to maintain clarity. Consider using alternatives like "grow complicated" or "turn intricate" for nuanced meanings. The high frequency and broad applicability of "become complex" make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow complicated

Focuses on the gradual increase in complexity, similar to "become complex".

turn intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the increased complexity.

get convoluted

Highlights the confusing and tangled aspect of the situation becoming complex.

evolve into complexity

Suggests a more natural and gradual development towards a complex state.

develop complications

Implies that the process of becoming complex leads to difficulties or problems.

increase in intricacy

Emphasizes the increase in fine details and elaborate features.

move towards complication

Highlights the direction of change toward a more complicated state.

get elaborate

Focuses on the addition of details and ornamentation, contributing to complexity.

descend into convolution

Suggests a negative connotation, implying a decline into a confusing state.

transform into a maze

Metaphorically describes the situation as becoming confusing and difficult to navigate.

FAQs

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

You can use "become complex" to describe a situation, system, or idea that is increasing in intricacy or difficulty. For example, "The regulations surrounding data privacy have "become complex" in recent years".

What are some alternatives to "become complex"?

Alternatives include "grow complicated", "turn intricate", or "get convoluted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The correct form depends on the subject of your sentence. Use "become complex" with plural subjects or the pronoun 'I', 'you', 'we', or 'they'. Use "becomes complex" with singular subjects like 'it', 'he', 'she', or singular nouns.

What's the difference between "become complex" and "becoming complex"?

"Become complex" typically refers to a general change or a state that has been reached. "Becoming complex" refers to the ongoing process of change. For instance, "The algorithm has "become complex"" (it is now complex), versus "The algorithm is "becoming complex"" (it is in the process of becoming more complex).