become complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or process that is evolving into a more complex state. Example: "As the project progressed, the requirements began to become complicated, leading to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So, it can become complicated.

The New York Times - Sports

Simple words become complicated weapons.

The Guardian - Books

What was simple had become complicated.

The Guardian - Books

And it's here that things become complicated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But rating songs in the digital age has become complicated.

The New York Times

The crime-fighting has become complicated and absurd.

The New Yorker

"We're looking into why some births become complicated and traumatic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lives and journeys become complicated in college basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

The world of nonprofit groups has become complicated.

The New York Times

After a quick start, the war has become complicated.

The New York Times

And this is where the issues start to become complicated.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in very short sentences. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "grow intricate" or "get complex" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Don't use "become complicated" when a simpler term like "difficult" or "tricky" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become complicated" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state. It describes the process of something transitioning into a state of increased complexity. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become complicated" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations evolving into a more complex state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While versatile, avoid overusing it in simple contexts. Instead, consider alternatives like "get complex" or "grow intricate" for variety. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get complex

This alternative uses a more direct and common verb, suggesting a simpler way of saying the same thing.

become problematic

This alternative specifically indicates that the situation has become a problem.

grow intricate

This phrase emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the complication.

turn convoluted

This suggests a twisting and confusing complication.

develop difficulties

Focuses on the emergence of problems rather than general complexity.

start spiraling

This implies a complication that is rapidly worsening and potentially out of control.

take a turn for the worse

This alternative suggests the complication has negative consequences.

deteriorate rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and negative direction of the complication.

descend into chaos

This phrase highlights a severe and disorganized complication.

exacerbate matters

Implies worsening an already bad situation, leading to complication.

FAQs

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

You can use "become complicated" to describe a situation, process, or relationship that is growing more complex. For example, "The legal proceedings "become complicated" due to conflicting testimonies."

What are some alternatives to "become complicated"?

Some alternatives include "get complex", "grow intricate", or "turn convoluted", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

The choice between "become complicated" and "became complicated" depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "become" for present or future tenses, and "became" for past tense. For example, "The situation will "become complicated" if we don't act now," versus "The situation "became complicated" after the new regulations were implemented."

What's the difference between "become complicated" and "is complicated"?

"Become complicated" implies a process of increasing complexity, while "is complicated" describes a state of existing complexity. For instance, "The system will "become complicated" over time," suggests a future increase in complexity, whereas "The system "is complicated" now" describes its current state.