complex expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex expression" is a perfectly acceptable and correctly used phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a phrase or thought that is difficult to interpret or understand, such as, "He made a complex expression when I asked him about his plans for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sentence It is traditionally defined as the (grammatical) complex expression capable of expressing a complete thought or proposition.

SEP

Likewise, some ARF and SAUR genes were differentially expressed, with a complex expression profile.

BMC Plant Biology

In the present study, we developed a novel protein complex expression system, ViperTEC (to be published elsewhere), to express recombinant human coatomer in insect cells.

Protein & Cell

Our hypothesis predicts the existence of complex expression dynamics in stem cells and reduced complexity in differentiated cells.

Biology Direct

Overall, the differentially expressed genes are involved in diverse pathways, displaying complex expression patterns.

BMC Plant Biology

Likewise, the rice OsAPC11 genes are differentially expressed in the inflorescence, with activators that have very complex expression patterns.

BMC Plant Biology

The message throughout, that media and technology limit the possibility of complex expression, rings loud and true.

The Guardian - Arts

And he is superb in the meeting with his daughter which, in Hodge's hands, becomes less a self-conscious tirade against the cool affectlessness of 60s youth than a complex expression of a love-hate relationship.

The Guardian

Whereas equivocation involves the ambiguity of a single word, amphiboly consists of the ambiguity of a complex expression (e.g., "I shot an elephant in my pyjamas").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, R is the real part of a complex expression.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In semantics it is widely assumed that each component of a complex expression makes some definite contribution to the meaning of the complex expression.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "complex expression", ensure the context clarifies what makes the expression complex: is it the grammar, the vocabulary, or the underlying concept?

Common error

Avoid using "complex expression" as a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you label something as complex, strive to simplify it for your audience rather than leaving it shrouded in unnecessary jargon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex expression" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complex" modifies the noun "expression". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, indicating its grammatical acceptability. It serves to identify and categorize a particular type of expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex expression" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. It functions as a noun phrase, describing statements or concepts that are intricate and challenging to understand. Primarily found in scientific and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the source of the complexity and avoid using it as a deterrent to simplification. Alternatives such as "intricate formulation" or "complicated statement" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate formulation

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of the expression's construction.

complicated statement

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding the expressed idea.

sophisticated articulation

Highlights the advanced and refined manner of expression.

elaborate phrasing

Draws attention to the detailed and extended structure of the phrase.

convoluted wording

Suggests that the expression is unnecessarily complex and hard to follow.

difficult term

Highlights the challenge in comprehending or using the specific terminology.

detailed explanation

Emphasizes thoroughness and comprehensiveness in the expression.

nuanced representation

Focuses on the subtle and finely distinguished qualities of the expression.

involved explanation

Implies that the expression requires careful consideration due to its complexity.

challenging concept

Highlights the intellectual demand required to grasp the meaning of the expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex expression" to describe something difficult to understand or interpret. For example, "The professor used a "complex expression" to explain quantum physics" or "Her "complex expression" made it difficult to understand her feelings".

What are some alternatives to "complex expression"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "intricate formulation", "complicated statement", or "sophisticated articulation".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "complex expression"?

Use "complex expression" when you want to emphasize that something is not straightforward and requires careful thought or analysis. It's suitable for academic, technical, and even creative writing contexts.

Is "complex expression" formal or informal language?

"Complex expression" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in informal settings, it's more commonly found in academic, professional, and news contexts. The formality depends on the surrounding language.