complex calculation

USAGE SUMMARY

"complex calculation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe a calculation that is intricate or difficult. For example, "The engineers needed to make a complex calculation to determine the exact dimensions of the bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a pretty complex calculation of risks versus benefits," Pitcavage of the ADL said.

The Guardian

But, crucially, it is a bet: a complex calculation rather than a simple fact.

The Guardian

The union reached the amount that it says the reserve pool costs through a complex calculation.

The New York Times

Altman knew the man was making a complex calculation, thinking of numbers and discarding them.

The New Yorker

It is quite difficult to assign pieces of a complex calculation to different computers and then combine the results.

The New York Times

The EU applies its complex calculation of how much member states should pay into its coffers largely on GDP levels.

The Guardian - Business

But Kim's experience with males, like that of the other women in the class, pointed toward a more complex calculation.

The New Yorker

With more of science becoming dependent on highly complex calculation, the demand for surplus cycles seems endless.

The New York Times - Science

The banks would use a complex calculation to collect cash or securities from their trading partners.

The New York Times

But on rare occasions something happens that forces them to do a complex calculation, or seek enlightenment by inspecting the back of a bidding-box card.

The New York Times - Arts

The exact levy extracted from Five's advertising income is based on a complex calculation reflecting its share of audience in both analogue and digital homes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a mathematical or scientific process, use "complex calculation" to accurately portray the level of sophistication and effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "complex calculation" when a simpler term like "calculation" or "estimation" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex calculation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies the noun "calculation". It describes a calculation that is intricate, involved, or requires significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex calculation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe intricate mathematical processes. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. The phrase is most common in science and news contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While versatile, it's important to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the complexity of the calculation being described. Alternatives like "intricate computation" or "sophisticated estimation" can be used for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate computation

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of the computation.

sophisticated estimation

Emphasizes the advanced and refined nature of the estimation process.

complicated arithmetic

Highlights the intricate nature of the arithmetic involved.

difficult computation

Focuses on the level of difficulty of the computation.

elaborate reckoning

Highlights the detailed and thorough nature of the reckoning.

involved estimation

Emphasizes the intricate and comprehensive nature of the estimation.

detailed analysis

Shifts focus to the analytical aspect, highlighting thoroughness.

advanced modeling

Suggests the use of high-level techniques for creating a model.

challenging quantification

Focuses on the difficulty of assigning numerical values.

precise determination

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the determination process.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex calculation" to describe an intricate mathematical process. For example, "The engineers had to perform a "complex calculation" to determine the bridge's load capacity".

What are some alternatives to "complex calculation"?

Alternatives include "intricate computation", "sophisticated estimation", or "complicated arithmetic", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "complex calculation" instead of "simple calculation"?

Use "complex calculation" when the process involves multiple steps, advanced formulas, or a high degree of precision. A "simple calculation" is more suitable for straightforward arithmetic.

Is "complex calculation" a formal or informal term?

"Complex calculation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the subject matter than the audience.