complex by design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex by design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been intentionally made complicated or intricate as part of its intended function or purpose. Example: "The software's user interface is complex by design, allowing for advanced features that cater to professional users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Complex by design: Investigating pathways into teaching in New York city schools.

Stanford University

The messaging subsystem being developed is similar to those found in microkernels such as Mach, though it is less complex by design.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this work, we aim to further improve the electroluminescent (EL) performances of a yellow light-emitting iridium III) complex by designing double light-emitting layers (EMLs) devices having stepwise energy levels.

Journal of Luminescence

We have developed a computational approach to increase the affinity of a protein peptide complex by designing N or C-terminal extensions which interact with the protein outside the canonical peptide binding pocket.

Journal of Molecular Biology

The simple experiments by entering a few control parameters and the complex experiments by designing overall controls, will be explained.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

This evening-length work tackles fractal geometry through improvisational processes and shifting, asymmetrical patterns, abetted by a complex lighting design by Clifton Taylor.

The New Yorker

Across Grand Avenue from Walt Disney Concert Hall, New York developer Related Cos. is planning a $750-million residential, hotel and residentiallex designed by archotelt Frand Gehretailo also designed the Disney.

Los Angeles Times

Wanda's One Beverly Hills property has approvals for a 134-room hotel and more than 190 condominiums in a complex designed by prominent architect Richard Meier, who designed the Getty Center.

Los Angeles Times

The design achieves a small area by simplifying the complex design by simpler designs.

Computers & Electrical Engineering

All analyses took into account the complex survey design by applying survey weights.

BMC Public Health

All of our models use robust standard errors which adjust for this complex sample design by clustering at the PSU level.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complex by design" when you want to emphasize that the complexity of something is not accidental but rather a deliberate and integral part of its purpose or function.

Common error

Avoid using "complex by design" to describe something that is simply complicated or poorly designed. The phrase implies intentional and purposeful complexity, not accidental or unintentional difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex by design" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It specifies that the complexity is intentional and not accidental. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex by design" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to indicate that the complexity of something is intentional and purposeful. Though relatively rare, as noted by Ludwig, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific publications, highlighting its versatility. When writing, remember that using "complex by design" implies a deliberate and well-reasoned approach to intricacy, rather than accidental complication. Consider alternatives such as "intentionally intricate" or "deliberately complicated" to fine-tune your message based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intentionally intricate

Focuses on the deliberate intent to create something with many details.

Deliberately complicated

Emphasizes the conscious decision to make something complex.

Engineered for complexity

Highlights the technical or methodical approach to creating complexity.

Designed to be intricate

Focuses on the planning stage where intricacy was a primary goal.

Purposefully complex

Stresses that the complexity serves a specific aim or function.

Systematically elaborate

Implies a structured and detailed approach to building complexity.

Consciously convoluted

Suggests an awareness of the potentially confusing nature of the complexity.

Artfully complex

Emphasizes the skill and creativity involved in designing the complexity.

Strategically intricate

Highlights the strategic advantage gained from the intricate design.

Intrinsically complex

Suggests that complexity is inherent to the nature of the subject and cannot be simplified.

FAQs

How can I use "complex by design" in a sentence?

You can say, "The security system is "complex by design" to prevent unauthorized access" or "The algorithm's architecture is "complex by design" to handle vast amounts of data efficiently".

What is an alternative to "complex by design"?

Consider using phrases like "intentionally intricate", "deliberately complicated", or "engineered for complexity" as alternatives to "complex by design". These options can offer nuanced emphasis depending on the specific context.

Is "complex by design" the same as "complicated"?

No, while both describe something not simple, "complex by design" implies that the complexity was intentionally created for a specific purpose, while "complicated" can suggest unnecessary difficulty or lack of clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "complex by design"?

Use "complex by design" when describing systems, processes, or designs where the complexity is a deliberate feature, often to achieve advanced functionality, security, or efficiency. For example, "The code is "complex by design" to optimize performance".