complex and time-consuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex and time-consuming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or process that requires significant effort and time to complete. Example: "The project was complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive research and collaboration among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The game can be quite complex and time-consuming.

The New York Times - Tech

The manufacture of this porcelain is complex and time-consuming.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the deal proved to be too complex and time-consuming.

The New Yorker

Examination timetabling is a hard, complex, and time-consuming task.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Their procurement is complex and time-consuming (Albers, 1997).

Comparative Migration Studies

Existing neuropsychological tests are often complex and time-consuming.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The real problem, in his view, is that snobbery has become enormously complex and time consuming.

The New York Times - Books

Using this accounting method, called specific share identification, is complex and time consuming.

The New York Times

"The research required to identify individual historical artists is complex and time consuming," he said.

The New York Times

In addition, quantitative analysis is complex and time consuming.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

This task, however, is highly complex and time consuming.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complex and time-consuming", consider if both adjectives are necessary. Sometimes, one might suffice. For instance, if a task is complex, it often implies it is time-consuming.

Common error

Avoid using "complex and time-consuming" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Find synonyms or rephrase sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex and time-consuming" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe a quality or characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It serves to provide a comprehensive description, indicating both intricacy and duration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex and time-consuming" serves as a descriptive compound adjective, indicating both intricacy and duration of tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields, notably science and news. While the phrase is generally suitable, consider synonyms like "intricate and time-consuming" or "difficult and time-consuming" for nuanced contexts and to avoid overuse. When deployed, provide specific details to validate the assertion. Remember, the goal is clear, concise, and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate and time-consuming

Emphasizes the detailed and complicated nature of the task, adding a layer of sophistication.

sophisticated and time-consuming

Highlights the advanced and elaborate nature of the activity, suggesting a high degree of skill or knowledge is required.

difficult and time-consuming

Focuses on the challenging aspects of the activity, stressing the effort required.

complicated and lengthy

Replaces "complex" with "complicated" and "time-consuming" with "lengthy", maintaining the core meaning with slightly different wording.

arduous and protracted

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the difficulty and extended duration of the activity.

laborious and lengthy

Similar to "arduous and protracted", emphasizing the effort and duration involved.

demanding and protracted

Highlights the demanding nature and extended duration of the process.

elaborate and lengthy

Focuses on the detailed and extended nature of the activity.

involved and lengthy

Emphasizes the intricate and time-consuming nature of the task.

challenging and lengthy

Highlights the difficulty and extended duration involved.

FAQs

How can I replace "complex and time-consuming" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "intricate and time-consuming", "difficult and time-consuming", or "complicated and lengthy" depending on the specific context.

Is "complex and time-consuming" redundant?

While the phrase "complex and time-consuming" is widely accepted, it can be considered slightly redundant as complex tasks often imply a significant time investment. Consider if using just "complex" or "time-consuming" sufficiently conveys your intended meaning.

How to use "complex and time-consuming" in a formal context?

In formal writing, ensure the phrase "complex and time-consuming" accurately reflects the scale and difficulty of the task. Provide specific details to support your claim, such as the resources required or the steps involved. Consider using more formal alternatives like "arduous and protracted" for added emphasis.

What's the difference between "complex and time-consuming" and "difficult and time-consuming"?

"Complex and time-consuming" emphasizes the intricate nature and prolonged duration of a task, while "difficult and time-consuming" highlights the challenging aspects and the extended time needed. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the intricacy or the difficulty of the task.