complex alliance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex alliance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a multifaceted or intricate partnership or relationship between entities, such as countries, organizations, or individuals. Example: "The complex alliance between the two nations has led to both cooperation and tension in various international matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Connor, R. C. Dolphin social intelligence: complex alliance relationships in bottlenose dolphins and a consideration of selective environments for extreme brain size evolution in mammals.

Nature

There's a complex alliance at work — patient groups desperate for a cure or alleviation of suffering; researchers motivated to benefit humanity but also by the prize of making a breakthrough.

The Guardian

The real issue for the fund industry will be whether the report is persuasive to Mr. Spitzer, who has already forced one big fund complex, Alliance Capital, to reduce its future management fees.

The New York Times

The Assad family has wielded power through a complex alliance of intersecting interests between the Assads' minority Alawite sect and other religious minorities, including Christians, and an elite Sunni business class.

The New York Times

This has increased the strain on a crucial, but complex alliance, as Barbara Plett Usher reports.

BBC

Ghosn's fall from grace will go down among the most memorable in recent corporate history, roiling the relationship between Nissan and Renault, which are partners in a complex alliance of cross-shareholdings and shared production.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Among ourselves we form all kinds of complex alliances, affiliations, attachments, loves, and hates.

Harvard University

In authentic lucha libre, the action merely punctuates an operatic narrative of inconstant loyalties, complex alliances and dark brooding.

The New York Times

Despite Bremer's assertions, Saddam Hussein's regime was not a Sunni regime; it was a dictatorship with many complex alliances in Iraqi society, including some with Shiites.

The Washington Post

A growing number of companies form complex alliances with other firms, NGOs and government bodies.Yet all these techniques come with a sting in the tail.

The Economist

One of the most recent technology products for the mass market, the personal digital assistant, was created by complex alliances among telecommunications, computer hardware, computer software and consumer electronics industries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing international relations or business partnerships, use "complex alliance" to convey intricate dynamics and interwoven interests, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of interconnected relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "complex alliance" when a simpler partnership is more accurate. Ensure the alliance truly involves multiple layers of interdependence and intricate agreements rather than a basic collaboration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex alliance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a partnership or union characterized by intricate and multifaceted relationships, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex alliance" is a grammatically sound and usable term for describing intricate partnerships, often found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not overly common, its use effectively conveys the idea of multifaceted relationships with interwoven interests. When writing, ensure the alliance truly warrants the descriptor "complex" by involving multiple layers of interdependence. Alternatives such as "intricate coalition" or "complicated partnership" can offer slight variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate coalition

Replaces "alliance" with "coalition", emphasizing a union formed for a specific purpose, while "intricate" highlights the complicated nature.

complicated partnership

Substitutes "alliance" with "partnership", suggesting a more cooperative relationship, with "complicated" stressing the intricate dynamics.

sophisticated association

Uses "association" instead of "alliance", implying a more formal or organized connection, and "sophisticated" highlights the advanced level of complexity.

elaborate collaboration

Replaces "alliance" with "collaboration", suggesting a joint effort, and "elaborate" emphasizes the detailed and intricate nature of the cooperation.

multifaceted coalition

Substitutes "complex" with "multifaceted", highlighting the many different aspects or features of the alliance.

byzantine entanglement

Uses "entanglement" to suggest a complicated and potentially confusing relationship, with "byzantine" further emphasizing the intricacy and intrigue.

tortuous web of relationships

Emphasizes the indirect and complicated nature of the relationships within the alliance, using "tortuous" to highlight the twisting and turning nature.

intricate network

Focuses on the interconnectedness of the alliance members, using "network" to highlight the web of relationships and "intricate" to emphasize the complexity.

strategic interdependence

Highlights the mutual reliance between members of the alliance, with "strategic" suggesting a calculated and deliberate interdependence.

interwoven structure

Implies a tightly connected and integrated alliance, with members closely linked and dependent on each other.

FAQs

How can I use "complex alliance" in a sentence?

You can use "complex alliance" to describe intricate partnerships between countries, organizations, or even individuals. For instance, "The success of the mission hinged on the delicate balance within the "complex alliance"."

What are some alternatives to "complex alliance"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use terms like "intricate coalition", "complicated partnership", or "sophisticated association" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "complex alliance" or "complicated alliance"?

While both are acceptable, "complex alliance" often implies a more deeply interwoven and multifaceted relationship, whereas "complicated alliance" simply suggests difficulty or intricacy. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does a "complex alliance" differ from a simple alliance?

A "complex alliance" involves multiple layers of interdependence, shifting dynamics, and intricate agreements, whereas a simple alliance is typically more straightforward, with fewer conditions and a more direct goal.