complex matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"complex matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or idea that is difficult to understand or explain. Example: Attempting to arrive at a reasonable solution to this complex matter is proving to be more difficult than anticipated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think it's a complex matter.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a very difficult, complex matter.

The Guardian

Small bits of plutonium, however, are a more complex matter.

The New York Times

No doubt the class divide is an extraordinarily complex matter.

The New York Times

Lehn, J. M.. Toward self-organization and complex matter.

Nature

Tax is a mightily complex matter for multinational companies, he said.

The Guardian - Business

What the White House might do to genuinely "reach out" is a complex matter.

The New York Times

"It is a very complex matter because it is done on an entirely piecemeal basis.

The Guardian - Money

And the complex matter of arranging financing for a nonprofit development still had to be resolved.

The New York Times

Ball, P. Why Society is a Complex Matter (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2012).

Nature

By integrating different observations and theories, the complex matter became simple".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complex matter", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the specific area of complexity. Avoid vagueness by hinting at the nature of the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "complex matter" when a simpler term like "issue" or "problem" would suffice. Overusing "complex matter" can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies the noun "matter". According to Ludwig AI, it describes something difficult to understand or explain. Examples show its use in various contexts to indicate intricacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex matter" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to describe situations or topics that are intricate and challenging. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for both formal and informal writing, though more prevalent in professional and academic contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using "complex matter", writers should strive for clarity and context, avoiding overuse to maintain impact. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "complicated issue" or "intricate situation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", focusing on the problem aspect.

intricate situation

Uses "intricate" for a slightly more sophisticated tone than "complex", and replaces "matter" with "situation".

challenging problem

Shifts focus to the difficulty posed by the matter.

difficult subject

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the topic.

involved question

Highlights the level of detail and engagement required.

knotty affair

Implies a tangled and potentially problematic situation.

convoluted topic

Stresses the winding and confusing nature of the topic.

thorny question

Suggests a problem that is sensitive and difficult to handle.

multifaceted issue

Highlights the many aspects and perspectives involved.

Byzantine situation

Emphasizes the intricate and often perplexing nature, drawing an analogy to the complexity of the Byzantine Empire.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex matter" to describe a situation or subject that is difficult to understand or deal with. For example: "The negotiation process proved to be a "complex matter", requiring careful consideration of all parties' interests."

What are some alternatives to "complex matter"?

Alternatives to "complex matter" include "complicated issue", "intricate situation", or "challenging problem". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "complex matter" formal or informal?

"Complex matter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in professional or academic writing. You can also use "convoluted topic" if you need another option.

What makes something a "complex matter"?

A "complex matter" involves multiple interconnected factors, making it difficult to analyze or resolve. It often requires specialized knowledge or expertise to fully understand its intricacies. You could consider something to be a "multifaceted issue".