complex emotions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex emotions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's feelings when they are difficult to understand or complex in nature. For example, "The patient was experiencing complex emotions due to their difficult past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the decision module, again an emotional rating takes place this time by the complex emotions module.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

This is especially true when complex emotions are of interest, or when complex emotions are compared to simple emotional states.

Behavior Research Methods

To former Yugoslavs it evokes complex emotions.

The Economist

I could never really share more complex emotions with people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Primary partners, secondary partners: all replete with complex emotions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All those complex emotions echo through Astral Weeks.

The Guardian - Music

We come with these complex emotions, thoughts and expectations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or more accurately, for telegraphing complex emotions that roil beneath a placid surface.

The Guardian - Film

The same complex emotions are at work at the end of the Nocturne.

The Guardian - Music

The team's goal was to create a next-gen character able to express complex emotions.

The Guardian - Tech

Wilson's true gift is for depicting the dangers of strong, complex emotions.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, use "complex emotions" to add depth and credibility to your statements. For instance, instead of simply stating someone is "sad", describing them as experiencing "complex emotions" provides a more nuanced understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "complex emotions" when describing simple or easily understood feelings. Stating someone felt "complex emotions" after receiving good news is less effective than directly stating they felt "joy" or "excitement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex emotions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject of a sentence. It refers to the intricate and multifaceted nature of human feelings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex emotions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression referring to intricate and multifaceted human feelings. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where emotions are genuinely complicated, avoiding overuse in simple scenarios. When considering alternative phrases, "intricate feelings", "profound emotions", and "multifaceted emotions" can offer nuanced substitutions depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate feelings

Replaces "emotions" with "feelings", offering a slightly more informal tone while retaining the complexity aspect.

profound emotions

Substitutes "complex" with "profound", emphasizing the depth and significance of the emotions.

deep-seated emotions

Replaces "complex" with "deep-seated", highlighting the entrenched nature of the emotions.

multifaceted emotions

Uses "multifaceted" instead of "complex", stressing the many aspects and layers of the emotions.

layered emotions

Emphasizes the different levels or strata within the emotional experience.

complicated feelings

Interchanges "emotions" with "feelings" and "complex" with "complicated", maintaining a similar meaning with a slightly different connotation.

mixed emotions

Focuses on the combination of different emotions experienced simultaneously.

nuanced emotions

Highlights the subtle variations and delicate distinctions within the emotional landscape.

sophisticated emotions

Implies a higher level of development or understanding of emotions.

involved emotional responses

Shifts the focus to the responses themselves, emphasizing their intricacy and engagement.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex emotions" to describe intricate feelings that are not easily defined. For example, "The character's backstory revealed a history of trauma, leading to a range of "complex emotions" that influenced their actions."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "complex emotions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "intricate feelings", "profound emotions", or "multifaceted emotions".

Is it redundant to say "very complex emotions"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very complex emotions" can be redundant. The word "complex" already implies a high degree of intricacy, so using ""complex emotions"" alone is usually sufficient.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "complex emotions"?

It is appropriate when describing feelings that involve multiple layers or conflicting elements, often stemming from complicated situations or deep-seated issues. It's often used in literature, psychology, and discussions about personal experiences.