but more complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but more complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not only different but also has additional layers of intricacy or difficulty. Example: "The solution to the problem is straightforward, but more complex than it initially appears."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our results show that low-complexity algorithms are generally sufficient, but more complex schemes may be needed if convergence speed, measured in iterations, is at focus.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Jambalaya ($9) is equally smoky but more complex.

The New York Times - Food

The situation with China today is not only different but more complex.

The New York Times

It's not just the simplistic – fish die and people starve – but more complex," said Isaac.

The Guardian

Dalí, Roy, and Delvaux rendered similar but more complex alien worlds that resemble compelling dreamlike scenes.

Britannica

reaches equilibrium right away, but more complex sentences can remain in limbo for longer.

The Economist

This second attack was shorter in duration than the first, but more complex and sophisticated.

The New York Times

The responses in the mammal were similar, but more complex than in the frog.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is similar to the FP-tree structure but more complex due to the requirement of up-to-date patterns.

Expert Systems with Applications

Ira's mother is less monumental but more complex than the martyred Yiddishe mama of "Call It Sleep".

The New Yorker

The paste, made from the pulp of the tamarind pod, is very sour, but more complex than citrus.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but more complex", ensure that the initial statement provides a clear baseline for comparison. This helps the reader understand the degree of increased complexity being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "but more complex" as a vague intensifier. Always specify what makes the subject more complex to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The issue is but more complex', say 'The issue is "but more complex" because it involves multiple stakeholders and conflicting regulations'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but more complex" functions as a conjunctive phrase. It connects two ideas, contrasting them while emphasizing that the second idea involves a higher degree of intricacy. As shown by Ludwig, this construction is common across diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but more complex" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a higher degree of intricacy or difficulty when comparing two related ideas. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely employed in a variety of contexts, especially in Science, News & Media. While versatile, using it with specific details improves clarity. The analysis suggests neutral formality, suitable for broad audiences. To enhance your writing, remember to provide clear comparisons and avoid vague usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however more intricate

Replaces "but" with "however" and "complex" with "intricate" to emphasize sophistication.

yet more sophisticated

Uses "yet" and "sophisticated" to suggest a higher level of refinement.

though more elaborate

Substitutes "but" with "though" and "complex" with "elaborate", highlighting detailed design.

albeit more convoluted

Employs "albeit" and "convoluted" to imply excessive complexity or difficulty.

nonetheless more involved

Replaces "but" with "nonetheless" and "complex" with "involved" to suggest greater participation or engagement.

still more compound

Uses "still" and "compound" to describe something formed of two or more parts.

even so more multifaceted

Replaces "but" with "even so" and "complex" with "multifaceted" to express that there are many aspects to consider.

instead more compound

Expresses that the subject is made of two or more elements.

on the other hand more labyrinthine

Expresses that the subject is very intricate and convoluted.

conversely more knotty

Expresses that the subject is intricate and difficult to solve.

FAQs

How can I use "but more complex" in a sentence?

The phrase "but more complex" is used to show that something is not only different, but also has more intricate details. For example, "The initial design was simple, "but more complex" solutions were needed to address all the requirements."

What phrases are similar to "but more complex"?

Alternatives to "but more complex" include "however more intricate", "yet more sophisticated", or "though more elaborate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "but more complex" in writing?

Use "but more complex" when you want to acknowledge a basic understanding of something while also pointing out that there are additional, intricate aspects that need to be considered. It's particularly useful in explanations and analyses.

Is there a more formal way to say "but more complex"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "nonetheless more involved" or "albeit more convoluted". These options lend a more sophisticated tone to your writing.