complex issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or problem that has many interconnected parts or is difficult to understand or resolve. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various scientific, economic, and social factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's a complex issue.

The New York Times

It is a complex issue, she said.

The Guardian

"Pizza box recycling is a complex issue.

The New York Times

"It's a very, very complex issue".

The New York Times

It is a very complex issue".

The New York Times

"It's a very complex issue".

The New York Times

"But it's a complex issue," she adds.

The Guardian

This is an incredibly complex issue.

The New Yorker

"This is a complex issue," he says.

The Guardian

"It's a very complex issue," he says.

The Guardian

But it is a complex issue.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "complex issue", ensure that your writing clearly identifies the different elements that contribute to its complexity. Provide specific examples or details to support your assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "complex issue" as a placeholder without providing further context or explanation. Readers might feel misled if the complexity isn't elaborated upon or remains vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to identify a topic or situation that is not easily understood or resolved due to its many interconnected parts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex issue" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe situations with interconnected parts that are difficult to understand or resolve. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While alternative phrases like "intricate problem" or "multifaceted challenge" exist, the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. When using this phrase, provide sufficient context to illustrate the complexity to your audience. This wrap-up consolidates insights from multiple sources and analyses to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", emphasizing the problematic nature of the complex situation.

complicated matter

Substitutes "complex" with "complicated" and "issue" with "matter", providing a more general term for a difficult situation.

multifaceted challenge

Replaces "complex" with "multifaceted" and "issue" with "challenge", highlighting the multiple aspects and difficulties involved.

knotty question

Uses "knotty" to describe the complexity and "question" instead of "issue", focusing on the interrogative aspect of the problem.

challenging situation

Replaces "complex" with "challenging" and "issue" with "situation", underscoring the difficulty posed by the context.

thorny subject

Substitutes "complex" with "thorny" and "issue" with "subject", emphasizing the sensitive and potentially contentious nature of the topic.

delicate situation

Highlights the need for careful handling, focusing on the sensitivity of the issue rather than its complexity.

sensitive subject

Emphasizes the sensitive nature of the topic, implying that it requires careful handling.

difficult question

Focuses on the difficulty in addressing the question, simplifying the complexity aspect.

convoluted situation

Uses "convoluted" to highlight the intricate and confusing nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex issue" to describe a problem with many interconnected parts. For example: "Climate change is a "complex issue" requiring global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to saying "complex issue"?

Alternatives include "intricate problem", "complicated matter", or "multifaceted challenge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Both "complex issue" and "complicated issue" are acceptable. "Complex" suggests multiple interconnected parts, while "complicated" suggests difficulty in understanding or resolving.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "complex issue"?

Use "complex issue" when the subject involves numerous factors, varied perspectives, and lacks a straightforward solution. It's suitable when deeper analysis and nuanced understanding are necessary.