complex matters

USAGE SUMMARY

'complex matters' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to issues or topics that are intricate, tangled, or difficult to comprehend. For example, "We have to discuss some complex matters before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People love short explanations for complex matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Delegates were required to make decisions on complex matters within very short timeframes.

The Guardian

Seo's English has improved, but for complex matters he still relies on an interpreter.

The New Yorker

Decisions requiring foresight in complex matters are fraught with possible error.

The New York Times

After this, complex matters of trade, licensing, copyright protection, and latterly the internet revolution, preoccupied him.

The Guardian

Otherwise, in respect of relatively complex matters, the act may prove to be a toothless tiger.

The Guardian

He added: "These are complex matters and I'm not pretending that they are simple.

The Guardian

One of the most complex matters facing the area is development.

The New York Times

Fifth, new government expenditures on complex matters are being designed on a hasty, reckless timetable.

The New York Times

The Brookings authors acknowledge that the most complex matters will still go to the best-educated and qualified lawyers.

The Economist

"I talk off-script for four hours a week, about very sensitive, complex matters," he said two weeks later.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complex matters" when you want to convey that the subject at hand requires careful consideration and in-depth understanding. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "complex matters" when simpler terms like "issues" or "topics" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated language can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex matters" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to issues or topics that are intricate and multifaceted. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex matters" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe issues or topics that require careful and detailed analysis. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered appropriate and usable in written English. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from academic papers and news articles to business reports. While alternatives like "intricate issues" or "complicated problems" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, "complex matters" remains a versatile and reliable choice for communicating the intricate nature of a subject. It's crucial to avoid overusing it in situations where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate issues

Emphasizes the detailed and interwoven nature of the issues involved.

complicated problems

Focuses on the difficulty in resolving the problems.

sophisticated subjects

Highlights the advanced and refined nature of the subjects.

challenging questions

Underscores the difficulty in answering the questions.

thorny issues

Suggests that the issues are difficult and unpleasant to deal with.

sensitive topics

Implies that the topics require careful handling and consideration.

delicate situations

Highlights the need for careful management and tact.

convoluted affairs

Emphasizes the intricate and confusing nature of the affairs.

involved subjects

Stresses the complexity and depth of the subjects.

multifaceted problems

Highlights the multiple aspects and dimensions of the problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex matters" to refer to subjects or issues that are intricate and require careful consideration. For instance, "The committee was formed to address "complex matters" related to the new policy".

What are some alternatives to using "complex matters"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "complex matters" with phrases like "intricate issues", "complicated problems", or "sophisticated subjects".

Is it appropriate to use "complex matters" in informal settings?

While "complex matters" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, consider your audience. In very informal settings, simpler terms like "tricky issues" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "complex matters" and "difficult issues"?

"Complex matters" typically refers to subjects with many interconnected parts that require in-depth understanding. "Difficult issues", on the other hand, emphasizes the challenge in resolving or dealing with the issue, focusing more on the obstacles involved rather than the intricate details.