can get complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can get complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or topic that may become intricate or difficult to understand. Example: "While the initial steps are straightforward, the process can get complicated as you delve deeper into the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things can get complicated.

The New York Times

It can get complicated.

The New York Times - Food

Preferred stocks can get complicated.

The New York Times

Still, the identity politics can get complicated.

The New York Times

The relationship chart can get complicated.

The New Yorker

After graduation, life can get complicated.

The New York Times - Arts

Occasionally, the laundry business can get complicated.

The New York Times - Sports

These dining and music experiences can get complicated conceptually.

The New York Times

But if they are too low, things can get complicated.

The New York Times

But in Hollywood a paycheck can get complicated.

The New York Times

It can get complicated – in Palestine in particular.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can get complicated", provide specific examples or areas where the complication is likely to arise to provide clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "can get complicated" as a vague warning without providing specific details about where the complexity lies. This can leave the reader feeling confused rather than informed.

Linguistic Context

"Can get complicated" serves as a qualifier, indicating a potential for increasing complexity in a given situation, process, or topic. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used when discussing a situation or topic that may become intricate or difficult to understand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can get complicated" is a versatile and frequently used expression to signal potential difficulties or intricacies ahead. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves to prepare the audience for more in-depth explanations. To use it effectively, provide specific examples of where complications might arise, avoiding vague warnings. Alternatives like "may become complex" or "might become intricate" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may become complex

Emphasizes the potential for a situation to evolve into a state of complexity.

might become intricate

Highlights the possibility of a situation developing fine, interwoven details.

could turn complex

Suggests a shift towards a more complex state.

could become convoluted

Focuses on the potential for something to become unnecessarily complicated and difficult to follow.

things may become difficult

Directly addresses the potential for challenges and hardships.

may prove challenging

Highlights that something could present significant difficulties.

might present difficulties

Similar to 'may prove challenging', but with a slightly different emphasis.

could pose problems

Suggests that a situation might create obstacles or issues.

may lead to entanglement

Focuses on the possibility of becoming caught up in a complex situation.

things may not be as straightforward as they seem

Implies the presence of hidden complexities beneath a simple surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "can get complicated" to indicate that a situation, process, or topic has the potential to become intricate or difficult to understand. For example, "Investing in the stock market can get complicated if you don't do your research."

What can I say instead of "can get complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "may become complex", "might become intricate", or "could turn complex" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "can get complicated" in formal writing?

Yes, "can get complicated" is acceptable in formal writing, although you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "may become complex" or "could become convoluted" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "can get complicated" and "is complicated"?

"Can get complicated" implies a potential for complexity in the future, while "is complicated" describes a current state of complexity. For example, "The rules of the game can get complicated as you advance" suggests increasing difficulty, while "The rules of the game are complicated" indicates the rules are currently difficult.