cause complications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause complications" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations or actions that lead to difficulties or problems. Example: "The new policy changes may cause complications in the workflow, affecting overall productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can cause complications in childbirth and takes away sexual pleasure for women.

The Guardian

Recovery time is often compressed, and a long flight home can cause complications like a blood clot.

The New York Times - Health

She usually took her meals in her hotel room, in order not to cause complications in restaurants.

The New Yorker

Many doctors prescribe antibiotics, but in many cases the drugs cause complications.

The New York Times

The Moscow-Havana flight goes over Europe and the US, which could cause complications.

Independent

About two-thirds decided to take part because they or their partner have health problems that could cause complications during pregnancy.

The Guardian

The panel concluded that weight training did not cause complications in healthy adults or people with minor damage to their hearts.

The New York Times - Health

An estimated 20% of pregnant women smoke, which is believed to lead to a low birth weight for their babies and cause complications in pregnancy and labour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If neglected, an infected diverticula can cause complications, including abscesses, fistulas, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, serious bleeding and perforations that allow toxic substances to seep into the abdomen.

The New York Times - Health

Judge Shuster said that to halt printing now could cause complications for the thousands of voters who vote by mail, particularly those in the military.

The New York Times

My name, on the other hand, though lovely, didn't end with an -a or a -ya, which would cause complications when we learned cases.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential negative outcomes in formal writing, use "cause complications" to clearly indicate the potential for problems. For example, "Failure to comply with regulations may cause complications with licensing."

Common error

While "cause complications" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in informal conversations where simpler alternatives like "mess things up" or "create problems" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause complications" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the verb and "complications" is the direct object. It indicates the action of creating or bringing about difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause complications" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the creation or introduction of difficulties. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It appears frequently across various domains, including science, news, and general writing. When writing, remember that while versatile, more straightforward alternatives might be preferable in extremely casual conversations. Keep this in mind as you construct sentences and strive to effectively communicate potential negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create difficulties

Focuses on the act of bringing difficulties into existence.

lead to problems

Emphasizes the resulting problems from a particular action or situation.

give rise to issues

Highlights the emergence of issues as a consequence.

generate setbacks

Stresses the creation of obstacles that hinder progress.

precipitate difficulties

Indicates the hastening or sudden causing of difficulties.

induce predicaments

Suggests the act of persuading or leading into difficult situations.

spawn adversities

Emphasizes the creation of unfavorable or challenging circumstances.

breed troubles

Implies the gradual development and increase of troubles.

stir up turmoil

Focuses on the creation of a state of disturbance or confusion.

initiate impediments

Highlights the starting or setting in motion of obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "cause complications" in a sentence?

You can use "cause complications" to describe actions or situations that lead to difficulties. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols can "cause complications" during the construction process."

What are some alternatives to "cause complications"?

Alternatives include "lead to problems", "create difficulties", or "give rise to issues", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cause complications" or "complicate matters"?

"Cause complications" directly indicates the creation of problems, while "complicate matters" suggests making something more complex. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the creation of difficulties or the increase in complexity.

Can medical treatments "cause complications"?

Yes, medical treatments, like any intervention, can potentially "cause complications". For instance, "Surgery can "cause complications" such as infection or bleeding."