complex phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phrase that has multiple components or layers of meaning, often requiring careful analysis to understand fully. Example: "The author often employs a complex phrase to convey intricate ideas that challenge the reader's perception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was a complex phrase, offering both care and dejection, dependence and separation, but its resolution was one of devotion.

The New Yorker

The term 'flort' is simply a shortened form of FLORT, which is an acronym for a much longer and more complex phrase involving entire words.

The New Yorker

Product types A ⊗ B explicitly express the formation of a complex phrase out of constituent parts of type A and B in that order.

SEP

Koolsoom Bashir from Inspire, which works towards addressing inequalities facing British Muslim women, told the Today programme that some in the Pakistani community use the "raja complex" phrase to describe a certain subsection that allows conditions for abuse.

BBC

If we assume that being an activity is a lexical property of this verb, then surely by combining it with the noun wine this property is preserved for the complex phrase drink wine.

SEP

However, the military-industrial complex phrase is nearly always quoted out of the context of the speech.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Or does it only stop journalists from inventing too complex phrases that were not understandable anyway?

The Guardian

Dense blocks of type, complex phrasing and medical jargon are avoided.

The New York Times

People are now searching online using questions and complex phrases rather than just entering stand-alone keywords.

The Guardian

Robert Fairchild and Tiler Peck — both stylish, lovable, miraculous in complex phrasing — swept Tuesday's performance up into peak after peak.

The New York Times - Arts

By comparing the eye movements with the prose on the screen, the experimenters could tell if someone was slowing to understand complex phrases or simply scanning without comprehension.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using a "complex phrase", ensure the surrounding text provides sufficient context to aid comprehension. Avoid unnecessary complexity that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid stacking too many "complex phrases" within a single sentence. This can lead to convoluted writing that obscures your message rather than clarifying it.

Linguistic Context

The "complex phrase" typically functions as a noun modifier, adverbial modifier, or part of a clause, adding detail and nuance to the meaning of the sentence. As Ludwig AI underlines, this type of phrase contributes to the overall complexity of the text.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "complex phrase" refers to a phrase with intricate structure and multiple layers of meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and employed across various contexts, including news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. When incorporating a "complex phrase" in your writing, prioritizing clarity and ensuring sufficient contextual support for the reader will enhance comprehension. While there are other alternative phrases that express the same or close meaning of "complex phrase", it is key to choose wisely to balance effectively complexity with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate expression

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the phrase, suggesting a high level of complexity and artistry in its construction.

complicated wording

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or interpreting the phrase due to its complex structure or vocabulary.

difficult formulation

Focuses on the challenge involved in creating or understanding the phrase, suggesting it requires careful consideration and analysis.

elaborate phrasing

Stresses the detailed and extensive nature of the phrasing, implying a deliberate effort to add layers of meaning or nuance.

knotty phrase

Suggests a phrase that is difficult to untangle or resolve, often due to its intricate structure or ambiguous meaning.

cumbersome phrase

Indicates a phrase that is awkwardly long or complex, making it difficult to use smoothly or efficiently.

technical jargon

Highlights the use of specialized or technical terms within the phrase, making it difficult for those unfamiliar with the subject matter to understand.

dense language

Emphasizes the high concentration of information or meaning within the phrase, making it challenging to process or interpret.

layered expression

Suggests that the phrase has multiple levels of meaning or interpretation, requiring careful attention to uncover its full significance.

nuanced articulation

Focuses on the subtle and delicate distinctions within the phrase, highlighting the importance of precise expression and careful consideration of context.

FAQs

How can I effectively use a "complex phrase" in writing?

Use "complex phrases" judiciously and strategically, primarily when conveying intricate or multifaceted ideas. Ensure the surrounding context provides ample support for understanding, and avoid overcrowding sentences with multiple layers of complexity.

What are some alternatives to using a "complex phrase"?

Depending on the context, you might consider alternatives such as "intricate expression", "complicated wording", or "difficult formulation" to convey the same complexity with slightly different nuances.

Is it always better to avoid using a "complex phrase" in writing?

Not necessarily. While simplicity is often valued, a "complex phrase" can be essential for accurately and precisely expressing nuanced or intricate ideas. The key is to balance complexity with clarity and ensure that your audience can follow your train of thought.

How does a "complex phrase" differ from a simple phrase?

A "complex phrase" typically involves multiple components, layers of meaning, or intricate grammatical structures, requiring more cognitive effort to process than a simple phrase, which is straightforward and easily understood.