complex functions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex functions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical or scientific contexts to refer to functions that involve complex numbers or intricate relationships. Example: "In advanced calculus, we often study complex functions to understand their behavior in different domains."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Encourage students to consider that memory and sight are multilayered, complex functions.

The New York Times

They had no rigorous understanding of how complex functions like memory or learning functioned biologically.

The New York Times

Another impetus came from Riemann's theory of complex functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sadly, it doesn't have more complex functions like powers or fractions, but it's attractive and enjoyable.

The New York Times - Tech

Differentiability is a much more significant property for complex functions than for real functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the exaggerated stories and fabrications, Gage taught us that complex functions such as decision-making and social cognition are largely dependent upon the frontal lobes.

The Guardian

Too often, the Stirling shortlist favours arts and cultural projects over buildings that perform complex functions or provide routine backdrops to our daily lives.

The Guardian - Arts

They are closer, however, to the creation of ligaments, cartilage, valves and other tissue that perform less complex functions in the body.

The New York Times

She explains: "In general, love recruits neurotransmitters (eg, dopamine) and neural basis that activate brain areas involved in these complex functions: emotion, reward, goal-directed behavior, decision-making.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(32 where Ω x) and P x) are complex functions.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

be a linear space of real (complex) functions.

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or engineering contexts, "complex functions" can describe intricate processes or systems. Ensure the context clarifies the type of complexity being addressed (computational, structural, etc.).

Common error

Avoid using "complex functions" as a generic substitute for "difficult tasks". While technically correct, it can sound overly formal or jargonistic in everyday conversation. Use more straightforward language unless specific complexity is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex functions" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'complex' modifies 'functions'. This phrase is used to describe tasks, processes, or operations that are intricate or multifaceted, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex functions" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe intricate or multifaceted processes, especially in scientific, academic, and formal contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the audience and context to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood, making it a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate functions

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and complicated nature of the functions.

complicated functions

Substitutes "complex" with "complicated", highlighting the difficulty in understanding or dealing with the functions.

advanced functions

Replaces "complex" with "advanced", indicating a higher level of sophistication or skill required.

sophisticated functions

Substitutes "complex" with "sophisticated", suggesting refinement and intricacy in the functions.

multifaceted functions

Replaces "complex" with "multifaceted", emphasizing the many aspects or dimensions of the functions.

elaborate functions

Substitutes "complex" with "elaborate", highlighting the detailed and carefully arranged nature of the functions.

intricate operations

Changes both "complex" to "intricate" and "functions" to "operations", focusing on the detailed processes involved.

complicated processes

Replaces "functions" with "processes" and "complex" with "complicated", shifting the focus to the procedural aspect.

high-level operations

Uses "high-level" to describe the operations, indicating abstraction or complexity.

multi-stage processes

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the functions by describing them as "multi-stage processes".

FAQs

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

You can use "complex functions" to describe intricate processes in various fields. For example, "The brain performs "complex functions" such as decision-making and memory recall."

What is the difference between "complex functions" and "complicated functions"?

While both terms imply intricacy, "complex functions" often refers to mathematical functions involving complex numbers or intricate processes, while "complicated functions" may simply refer to something difficult to understand or manage.

What are some alternatives to "complex functions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "intricate functions", "sophisticated functions", or "multifaceted functions".

Is it appropriate to use "complex functions" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "complex functions" is more suited for formal, scientific, or technical writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "difficult tasks" or "complicated processes" may be more appropriate.