complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is made up of many connected parts and is complicated or intricate. For example: "The tax code is a complex system that can be difficult to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The truth is more complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then by the time Twitter's finished amplifying their shock by a factor of 10, it's easy to forget that some of the justices will have a more complex thought process than was on display in their questioning.

The Guardian

In reality, the effect on MPs' seats is more complex to measure as voters are not spread evenly across constituencies: some areas within may heavily favour one party, others its main rival.

The Guardian

"This was during a period of high intensity, with an unprecedented number of arrivals and an increased number of people presenting with a range of significant, complex medical conditions".

The Guardian

Ministers promise to provide for "appropriate oversight arrangements and safeguards", but there is no immediate detail on how the complex web of intelligence and surveillance commissioners and parliamentary oversight might be strengthened.

The Guardian

The term "nervous" is on every rider and manager's lips when asked to describe the demands of the early phase of the race, but what they mean is more complex than a few shivers of anticipation at the prospect of a tricky bit of road or two.

The Guardian - Sport

"We realised our consultations were becoming longer and more complex," Smith says in the presentation.

The Guardian

They're too complex, too political, too real.

The Guardian - Film

The defence offered by one of the latest care employers to be named and shamed, East Midlands Crossroads – Caring for Carers, that the rules are "complex, in parts ambiguous and open to interpretation", does not sound good.

The Guardian

Often ostensibly secular and radically libertarian, for decades they have lobbied to turn public education – currently an $85bn federal operation – into an industrial complex.

The Guardian

Her fate was all the more harrowing because the IRA murder squad that came to kill her dragged her away from her screaming, crying children in a rundown flats complex in 1972, the bloodiest year of the conflict.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing systems or models, use "complex" to convey a nuanced understanding, highlighting the interplay of various components. For example, "a complex ecosystem".

Common error

Avoid using "complex" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify what makes something complex. For example, instead of "a complex issue", try "an issue with multiple stakeholders and conflicting interests".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "complex" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that they consist of multiple interconnected parts and are not simple. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and correct application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex" is a versatile adjective used to describe something composed of many interconnected parts, indicating intricacy and a deviation from simplicity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage and grammatical correctness across various contexts. While highly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains, "complex" is best employed with specificity, avoiding overuse as a generic descriptor. Alternative phrases such as "complicated", "intricate", and "multifaceted" can offer more nuanced expressions depending on the specific context. Its frequency and authoritative sources underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated

Focuses on the intricate and often confusing nature.

intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate structure.

involved

Highlights the many elements and dependencies.

multifaceted

Stresses the many aspects or sides.

sophisticated

Suggests a high degree of refinement and complexity.

detailed

Emphasizes the inclusion of many specific elements.

elaborate

Implies a high level of detail and ornamentation.

difficult

Highlights the challenge involved in understanding or dealing with something.

advanced

Suggests a higher level of skill or knowledge is needed.

convoluted

Implies something is unnecessarily complicated and hard to follow.

FAQs

How to use "complex" in a sentence?

You can use "complex" to describe something that is made up of many interconnected parts. For example: "The human brain is an incredibly "complex" organ".

What can I say instead of "complex"?

You can use alternatives like "complicated", "intricate", or "multifaceted" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "complex situation" or "complicated situation"?

Both "complex situation" and "complicated situation" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Complex" emphasizes the many interconnected parts, while "complicated" suggests something is difficult to understand or deal with.

What's the difference between "complex" and "sophisticated"?

"Complex" refers to something having many interconnected parts, while "sophisticated" suggests refinement and advanced design. A system can be complex without being sophisticated, and vice versa.