complex as it may seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex as it may seem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging that something might appear complicated or difficult to understand, while suggesting that there is more to it than meets the eye. Example: "Complex as it may seem, the solution to the problem is actually quite straightforward once you break it down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Bob Bagga: Initially, we had to help people understand the concept, and realize that it isn't as complex as it may seem.

Forbes

Learning code is not as complex as it may seem, especially if done gradually.

Huffington Post

ANSWER: Fortunately, determining the market value of a home is not as complex as it may seem.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But, unlikely as it may seem, the dark and skateboarder-haunted undercroft of the central London arts complex could one day join the ranks of Britain's village greens.

The Guardian

Strange as it may seem, it works.

The Guardian

The combination is not as outlandish as it may seem.

The New York Times - Arts

His stance is not as odd as it may seem.

The New York Times - Sports

This observation is not as facetious as it may seem.

The Economist

That is not as radical as it may seem.

The Economist

This crusade is not as righteous as it may seem.

The New York Times

This question is not as trivial as it may seem.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, follow it with a clear explanation or simplification to support the idea that the subject is not as complicated as it appears, providing concrete examples or steps.

Common error

Avoid using "complex as it may seem" merely as a rhetorical device without actually simplifying the topic. Ensure you provide concrete explanations to demystify the apparent complexity, or you risk confusing your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex as it may seem" functions as an introductory element, often setting the stage for a statement that clarifies or simplifies a seemingly complicated subject. It's used to acknowledge potential difficulties upfront, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex as it may seem" is a grammatically sound introductory phrase used to preface an explanation that simplifies an apparently complicated topic. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you follow it with a clear and concise explanation to support the idea that the subject is not as complicated as initially perceived. Alternative phrases include "complicated as it appears" or "difficult as it might appear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated as it appears

Replaces "complex" with "complicated" and "may seem" with "appears", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

difficult as it might appear

Substitutes "complex" with "difficult" and uses "might appear" instead of "may seem", indicating a similar level of uncertainty.

involved as it appears to be

Replaces "complex" with "involved" and adds "to be" for emphasis, suggesting a focus on the level of engagement required.

intricate as it looks

Uses "intricate" instead of "complex" and "looks" instead of "may seem", highlighting the detailed nature of the subject.

not as daunting as it seems

Shifts the focus to the perceived challenge, replacing "complex" with "daunting" and emphasizing the deceptive nature of appearances.

simpler than it looks

Presents a direct contrast, suggesting that the reality is less complex than initially perceived.

easier than it appears

Focuses on the ease of understanding or execution, contrasting with the initial impression of complexity.

less complicated than one might think

Elaborates on the potential for misunderstanding, highlighting the difference between expectation and reality.

not as hard as it seems at first glance

Emphasizes the initial perception of difficulty, suggesting that a closer look reveals a simpler reality.

on closer inspection, not so complex

Shifts the focus to a more detailed examination, suggesting that complexity diminishes with further analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "complex as it may seem" in a sentence?

You can use "complex as it may seem" to introduce a topic that appears complicated but is actually manageable or understandable with further explanation. For example, "Complex as it may seem, the solution to the problem is actually quite straightforward."

What phrases are similar to "complex as it may seem"?

Similar phrases include "complicated as it appears", "difficult as it might appear", or "not as daunting as it seems".

Is it grammatically correct to say "complex as it may seem"?

Yes, the phrase "complex as it may seem" is grammatically correct. It's a common construction used to introduce a potentially complicated topic with the implication that it's not as difficult as it first appears.

What's the difference between "complex as it may seem" and "simpler than it looks"?

"Complex as it may seem" introduces a topic that appears complicated. In contrast, "simpler than it looks" directly states that something is less complicated than its appearance suggests, offering a more immediate contrast.