complex circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

'complex circumstances' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe a situation with many contributing factors that make it difficult to understand or navigate. For example, "We had to find a way to make critical decisions in the face of complex circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It happens with far less complex circumstances too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under such complex circumstances, it helps to proceed explicitly.

Harvard Business Review

We suggest that in realistically complex circumstances, people share activities and not merely concepts.

Interacting with Computers

"The Keep" grows more and more hallucinatory, and under these complex circumstances, that vagueness amounts to an easy way out.

The New York Times - Books

We fully sympathize with the impulse, but the complex circumstances of the Mideast make it premature to act so precipitately.

The New York Times

Casuistry also helps clarify cases in which novel or complex circumstances make the application of rules unclear.

Britannica

Under these complex circumstances, doctors need the full range of treatment options to provide the best care, including abortion.

The Washington Post

But can military intervention really succeed in such complex circumstances, or would less eye-catching approaches be more effective?

The Guardian

Natural selection causes evolutionary changes that give people the means to exploit their new, more complex circumstances.

The Economist

In contrast, in all cultures and times, diverse social actors are required to make decisions in complex circumstances.

Procedia Computer Science

He said: "We now have a clear understanding of the complex circumstances surrounding her death and where the army needs to learn lessons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complex circumstances", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the circumstances complex. Providing specific details or examples helps the audience understand the intricacies involved.

Common error

Avoid using "complex circumstances" as a vague substitute for specific problems or situations. Instead, elaborate on the particular aspects that contribute to the complexity to provide clarity and depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "in complex circumstances") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase serves to describe situations or conditions that are not simple or straightforward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex circumstances" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes intricate and multifaceted situations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, the phrase serves to emphasize the need for careful consideration and expertise when dealing with challenging conditions. When writing, specify the nature of the complexity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "difficult situations" or "intricate scenarios" can provide nuanced variations. Avoid using it as a generic placeholder for specific problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situations

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the circumstances, emphasizing the hardship involved.

complicated situations

Highlights the intricate and interwoven nature of the circumstances, suggesting a need for careful analysis.

intricate scenarios

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the scenarios, often implying a need for specialized knowledge.

challenging conditions

Shifts the focus to the conditions that make the situation difficult, highlighting external factors.

demanding environments

Implies that the environments require significant effort and resilience to navigate successfully.

multifaceted issues

Draws attention to the many different aspects and perspectives involved in the issues.

convoluted affairs

Highlights the confusing and tangled nature of the affairs, often implying a negative connotation.

delicate situations

Focuses on the sensitivity and potential for harm within the situations, requiring careful handling.

sensitive matters

Emphasizes the need for discretion and careful consideration when dealing with these matters.

problematic contexts

Focuses on the existence of problems and difficulties within the contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex circumstances" to describe a situation involving many interconnected factors that make it difficult to understand or resolve. For example, "Navigating the company's financial crisis required a deep understanding of the "complex circumstances" surrounding its debt."

What are some alternatives to "complex circumstances"?

Some alternatives to "complex circumstances" include "difficult situations", "complicated situations", or "intricate scenarios" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "complex circumstances" and "complicated circumstances" are correct and often interchangeable. "Complex" emphasizes the interconnectedness of factors, while "complicated" highlights the difficulty in understanding or resolving the situation.

What makes circumstances 'complex'?

Circumstances are considered "complex" when they involve a multitude of interconnected factors, variables, and potential outcomes that are difficult to predict or manage. They often require a sophisticated understanding and multifaceted approach to address effectively.