complex lives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex lives" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the intricate and multifaceted nature of people's experiences or situations. Example: "In today's fast-paced world, many individuals lead complex lives filled with various responsibilities and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People lead complex lives".

The New York Times

Gradually the links between these complex lives are teased out.

The Guardian - Books

These are people with complex lives -- families, careers, concerns of their own.

The New York Times - Magazine

We live complex lives, and pensions need to meet different needs and circumstances.

The Guardian

The series gives a snapshot of complex lives without following every twist and turn.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We have these complex lives and are nice people to be around".

The New York Times - Arts

If we want our best and brightest in the workforce, we need to accept that they have complex lives.

The Guardian

Experts also say the test fails to take into account the complex lives and needs of children living in poverty.

The New York Times

The sledgehammer-shaped symbolism of the "falling man" can't really match the intricately complex lives of Don Draper and co.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In all three cities, she says, people lead increasingly complex lives and need their mobiles to manage them.

The Economist

It's a novel about the quiet but complex lives lived in suburban houses, and the imperfect understanding that children have of an adult's world.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing individuals or groups, use "complex lives" to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of their experiences and challenges. It adds depth and avoids simplistic generalizations.

Common error

Avoid reducing individuals' experiences to simple labels or stereotypes. Using "complex lives" implies a need for understanding and nuance, rather than quick judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex lives" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" acts as an adjective modifying "lives". Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is both correct and usable in written English, indicating its grammatical soundness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex lives" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to acknowledge the intricate and multifaceted nature of individual experiences, often prompting empathy and understanding. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and formal contexts underscores its versatility. When using the phrase, consider synonyms like "complicated lives" or "intricate lives" to fine-tune your message, but always strive to avoid oversimplifying the realities it represents. "Complex lives" serves as a reminder to approach discussions of human experience with nuance and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated existences

Replaces "lives" with a synonym "existences", maintaining a focus on life's multifaceted nature, with a slightly more formal tone.

intricate life stories

Substitutes "complex" with "intricate" and "lives" with "life stories", adding a narrative dimension to the concept of individual experiences.

multifaceted realities

Emphasizes the multiple aspects of reality experienced in individual lives, altering the focus from the individual to the broader scope of reality.

challenging circumstances

Focuses on the difficulties and trials of life, changing the overall tone to emphasize hardship rather than complexity.

demanding lifestyles

Highlights the pressures and expectations of modern living, with a slight shift towards external demands.

rich tapestries of life

Uses metaphorical language to convey the richness and variety of experiences in individual lives, altering the tone to be more poetic.

involved personal narratives

Switches the focus to personal stories that are deeply engaging and complicated, highlighting the narrative aspect of individual lives.

convoluted personal histories

Replaces "complex" with "convoluted" implying that the personal histories are complicated in a confusing way.

interwoven destinies

Focuses on how lives are interconnected and influence each other, shifting the perspective from individual experience to collective fates.

sophisticated patterns of living

Implies a high degree of refinement and complexity in how people structure their lives, changing the tone to emphasize sophistication.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex lives" to describe situations where individuals face numerous challenges or have multifaceted experiences. For example, "Social workers often deal with families leading "complex lives"."

What are some synonyms for "complex lives"?

Alternatives include "complicated lives", "intricate lives", or "multifaceted lives". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "complex lives" and "complicated lives" are acceptable. "Complex" emphasizes multiple interconnected elements, while "complicated" suggests difficulty and entanglement. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to say someone has "complex lives"?

Saying someone has "complex lives" means their experiences are multifaceted, often involving numerous responsibilities, challenges, and interconnected relationships. It acknowledges the depth and intricacy of their daily existence.