complex individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person with intricate or multifaceted characteristics, behaviors, or emotions. Example: "She is a complex individual, with a rich inner life and a variety of interests that make her unique."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As a result of this growing intolerance, the willingness and capacity to appreciate complex individual life experiences is lost precisely because individual experiences with their nuances, complexities, and shades of gray undermine rigid ideologies and reductionist and essentializing narratives with their binaries, polarities, absolutism, abstractions, and unassailable certainty.

Huffington Post

He's a hugely complex individual".

The Guardian

I'm slowly realizing that I'm a highly complex individual".

The New Yorker

It reminds you how mysterious and complex individual character really is.

The New York Times

She could "do no more", as she said, with such a complex individual.

The Guardian - Sport

But he's always had issues, always been a complex individual with massive addiction issues all his life.

The Guardian - Sport

Cockburn was sometimes typecast as a leftwing journalist, but in fact his positions were complex, individual and unpredictable.

The Guardian

It should have grouped the cases, they say, instead of trying dozens of complex individual crimes one at a time.

The New York Times

She isn't selfless – how could she be, this creative artist and complex individual, accustomed to her autonomy, to ambition and plans for a different future?

The Guardian - Books

Meanwhile, Drew, Gabe's lover, is a campaigning journalist more concerned to portray Teddy as a martyr than as a complex individual.

The Guardian

Over-reliant on familiar material, it shows scant concern for possible angles from which new light might illuminate a complex individual.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction or nonfiction, use "complex individual" to convey depth and avoid simplistic portrayals. Ensure the narrative provides specific examples to illustrate this complexity.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone a "complex individual" without providing concrete examples or details that demonstrate their intricate nature. Back up the description with specific behaviors, motivations, and contradictions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex individual" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate that the person has multifaceted characteristics. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex individual" is a descriptor used to convey that a person's character is multifaceted and not easily understood through simple labels. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in news, science, and business contexts. While alternatives like "multifaceted person" or "intricate character" exist, "complex individual" maintains its relevance due to its ability to accurately depict someone possessing a rich inner life, and sometimes, conflicting motivations. When using this phrase, it's crucial to back up the description with specific examples to avoid superficial characterization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multifaceted person

Replaces "complex individual" by focusing on the diverse aspects of someone's character.

intricate character

Replaces "complex individual" emphasizing the detailed and interwoven nature of a person's personality.

complicated person

Similar to "complex individual" but may imply challenges or difficulties in understanding.

deeply layered individual

Highlights the multiple levels and hidden aspects of a person's personality.

enigmatic figure

Suggests a mysterious and puzzling nature, adding an element of intrigue.

individual with many facets

Emphasizes the various aspects and dimensions of a person's character.

person of substance

Focuses on the depth and richness of someone's character and experiences.

unconventional person

Highlights someone who does not conform to societal norms and expectations.

remarkable personality

Emphasizes the unique and noteworthy qualities of a person's character.

singular character

Highlights the uniqueness and individuality of a person.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "complex individual" in a sentence?

Use "complex individual" to introduce the multifaceted nature of a person, and then provide specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate their complexity. For example, "She is a "complex individual", driven by ambition yet haunted by past failures".

What are some alternatives to "complex individual"?

You can use alternatives like "multifaceted person", "intricate character", or "complicated person" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The most appropriate alternative depends on the context.

What does it mean to describe someone as a "complex individual"?

Describing someone as a "complex individual" means they possess a rich inner life, conflicting motivations, and are not easily understood through simple labels. It suggests depth and nuance in their personality and behavior.

Is it always positive to describe someone as a "complex individual"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies depth and interest, it can also hint at difficulties or contradictions in their personality. The connotation depends on the context and the specific qualities being highlighted.