complex idea

USAGE SUMMARY

'complex idea' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any concept or thought that is difficult to understand or explain. For example: "The professor presented a complex idea about the relationship between physics and metaphysics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Reddit itself is not the most complex idea.

The New Yorker

Here is one way he illustrates this complex idea.

The New York Times - Science

So what does an inventor with a more complex idea, like Shearn's, do?

The Guardian - Tech

"It's a hugely complex idea to explain in a few sentences.

Independent

That's a sentimental and not terribly complex idea, and one wishes it wasn't presented with such, well, gravity.

The New York Times

Wenders says he felt the same: "It only mattered we got across the most complex idea of Sebastião.

The Guardian - Film

It is hard enough to explain how to put a complex idea into practice when you understand the idea.

Harvard Business Review

Some board members suggest creating a slide, handout, or chart to boil down a complex idea when discussing it.

Harvard University

The entertainment complex idea was originally studied by developer Bruce Ratner, who was interested in investing in it.

The New York Times

Nutritionism is therefore a kind of "reductionism," that is, the simplification of a complex idea until it's distorted.

The Washington Post

As proposed by Locke, one idea can become associated, or linked, to another to produce a new, more complex idea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "complex idea", break it down into smaller, more manageable components to improve comprehension.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying a "complex idea" to the point where its core meaning is lost. Ensure that explanations, while accessible, retain the necessary depth and nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies the noun "idea". It serves to describe a concept that is not simple or straightforward. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex idea" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a concept that is intricate or difficult to grasp. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. When writing about a "complex idea", clarity is key: break it down into smaller parts and avoid oversimplification. While alternatives like "intricate concept" or "complicated notion" exist, "complex idea" remains a versatile and reliable choice for conveying intricate concepts. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate concept

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the idea.

complicated notion

Substitutes "idea" with "notion" and "complex" with "complicated", highlighting the challenging aspect of understanding the concept.

sophisticated concept

Replaces "complex" with "sophisticated", suggesting a high degree of refinement and intellectual depth.

multifaceted concept

Emphasizes the many aspects and dimensions of the idea.

abstract concept

Focuses on the non-concrete and theoretical nature of the idea.

challenging concept

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or implementing the idea.

subtle concept

Emphasizes the understated and nuanced aspects of the idea.

nuanced idea

Highlights the delicate distinctions and variations within the idea.

involved concept

Suggests that the idea has many interconnected parts or steps.

elaborate idea

Focuses on the detailed and comprehensive nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "complex idea" in a sentence?

You can use "complex idea" to refer to any concept or thought that is difficult to understand or explain. For example: "The scientist introduced a "novel complex idea" during the conference".

What are some alternatives to "complex idea"?

Alternatives include "intricate concept", "complicated notion", or "sophisticated concept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "complex idea" and "complicated idea" are acceptable. "Complex" often implies intricacy and many interconnected parts, while "complicated" emphasizes difficulty in understanding or resolving. The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

How do you explain a "complex idea" simply?

Start with a clear definition, break it down into smaller parts, use analogies or metaphors, and provide real-world examples to make the "complex idea" more accessible.