complex of emotions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex of emotions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a person is experiencing multiple, often conflicting, feelings at the same time. Example: "After the breakup, she was left with a complex of emotions that she struggled to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

By and large, warmth, caring, love - the complex of emotions that we gather together under the general heading of sympathy.

BBC

Mallory, he says, "was the inheritor of a complex of emotions and attitudes toward mountainous landscape, devised long before his birth, which largely predetermined his responses to it".

The New York Times - Books

One of the first people to notice the disturbing complex of emotions we now see among self-seeking individuals around the world was Alexis de Tocqueville – who was already worried in the 1830s that the American promise of meritocracy, its uniformity of culture and manners, and "equality of conditions" would make for immoderate ambition, corrosive envy and chronic dissatisfaction.

The Guardian

The imperial impulse arose from a complex of emotions: racial superiority, yes, but also evangelical zeal; profit, perhaps, but also a sincere belief that spreading "commerce, Christianity and civilization" was not just in Britain's interest but in the interests of her colonial subjects too.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were driven, especially, by a desire to protect the local communities in which many of their families lived.Yet the Fukushima 50, despite heroic efforts, still suffer from the complex of emotions that soldiers might experience when returning from a losing battle.

The Economist

Despite the fact that emotions play the crucial role in Meinong's value theory, values are not just a matter of consciousness, not a complex of emotions only, but value experiences (value-feelings [Wertgefühle]) are explanatorily prior to values.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

There's a beautiful sadness that runs throughout the record; a complex array of electronic and acoustic sounds that trigger an equally complex range of emotions.

Vice

"Such a complex state of emotions".

The New Yorker

But that is just one of the complex sorts of emotions divorce can bring.

The New York Times

Shame is a huge part of a very complex knot of emotions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As the ensemble played, its founder and music director, William Russo, felt a complex mix of emotions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complex of emotions" when you want to emphasize that someone is experiencing several interconnected feelings simultaneously, especially when these feelings are difficult to disentangle.

Common error

Avoid using "complex of emotions" when a simpler term like "feelings" or "emotions" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when highlighting intricate or conflicting emotional states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex of emotions" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence to describe a multifaceted emotional state. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex of emotions" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an intricate emotional state comprising multiple, interconnected feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, fitting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "wide array of feelings" and "mixed bag of sentiments". Use it to precisely depict multifaceted emotional experiences, avoiding overuse in simple situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide array of feelings

Focuses on the variety and range of feelings involved.

mixed bag of sentiments

Emphasizes the diverse and sometimes contradictory nature of the emotions.

tangle of feelings

Highlights the confused and intertwined nature of the emotions.

range of affective states

Uses more formal and psychological terminology.

spectrum of sentiments

Implies a continuous range of feelings.

emotional tapestry

Uses a metaphorical image to convey the interwoven nature of different emotions.

emotional landscape

Suggests a broad and varied emotional experience.

emotional rollercoaster

Highlights the unpredictable and intense shifts between different emotions.

multitude of sensations

Focuses on the sensory aspect of emotions.

internal turmoil

Emphasizes the inner conflict and agitation caused by conflicting emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "complex of emotions" in a sentence?

You can use "complex of emotions" to describe a situation where someone is experiencing multiple, often conflicting, feelings. For example, "After the event, she felt a "complex of emotions", including sadness, relief, and confusion."

What can I say instead of "complex of emotions"?

You can use alternatives like "wide array of feelings", "mixed bag of sentiments", or "tangle of feelings" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "complex of emotions"?

It's appropriate to use "complex of emotions" when describing a situation involving multiple, interconnected, and often difficult-to-understand feelings. It is particularly useful when simpler terms don't fully capture the intricacy of the emotional state.

What's the difference between "complex of emotions" and "range of emotions"?

"Complex of emotions" implies that the emotions are intertwined and difficult to separate, while "range of emotions" simply refers to the variety of emotions experienced without necessarily implying intricacy.