complex questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex questions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to questions that involve multiple layers of meaning or require deep thought to answer. Example: "In the discussion, we encountered several complex questions that challenged our understanding of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His role raises complex questions.

The New York Times - Arts

All of them raised morally complex questions.

The New York Times

Then more complex questions set in.

The New Yorker

Such simplistic faith avoids complex questions about life and death.

The New York Times

That said, the question of "free art" raises complex questions.

The New York Times - Arts

There are complex questions for the police, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Complex questions will be asked and hopefully answered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All new behaviours raise complex questions of etiquette.

Independent

And even more complex questions lie beyond the essential design.

The New York Times

Congress, he said, is the "preferable forum" for deciding such complex questions.

The New York Times

I don't know, and I wonder whether the Aberystwyth report can answer such complex questions.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing "complex questions", ensure you provide sufficient context and background information to allow the recipient to understand the nuances and intricacies involved.

Common error

Avoid offering simplistic or generalized responses to "complex questions". Acknowledge the multifaceted nature of the issue and provide a nuanced explanation that addresses the various layers of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex questions" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" is an adjective modifying the noun "questions". It is used to describe questions that are not straightforward and require careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex questions" is a versatile and frequently used expression, accurately described as grammatically correct and highly suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce topics necessitating careful consideration and analysis. While "complex questions" is widely accepted, alternative phrases like "difficult questions" or "intricate inquiries" can add nuance or formality. When addressing "complex questions", remember to provide sufficient context and avoid oversimplifying the response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult questions

Uses a more common synonym for "complex", making the phrase slightly less formal.

intricate inquiries

Replaces "questions" with a synonym emphasizing detail and intricacy; "inquiries" is slightly more formal than "questions".

sophisticated questions

Indicates that the questions require a high degree of knowledge or understanding to answer.

challenging queries

Emphasizes the difficulty in answering the questions, using "queries" as a more formal substitute for "questions".

demanding questions

Highlights the intellectual effort required to address the questions adequately.

multifaceted inquiries

Highlights the many aspects or dimensions of the questions, using "inquiries" as a formal synonym.

convoluted questions

Emphasizes the confusing and intricate nature of the questions.

profound questions

Focuses on the depth and significance of the questions rather than their complexity.

complicated problems

Shifts the focus from questions to problems, implying the questions are part of larger, more involved issues.

thorny issues

Uses a metaphor to suggest the questions are difficult and potentially problematic.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "complex questions" in a sentence?

You can use "complex questions" to describe inquiries that require deep thought and thorough analysis. For example: "The research paper addressed several "complex questions" related to climate change."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "complex questions"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult questions", "intricate inquiries", or "multifaceted inquiries" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "complex questions" and "complicated questions"?

While "complex" and "complicated" are often used interchangeably, "complex questions" typically implies a multi-layered issue requiring deep understanding, whereas "complicated questions" suggests something is difficult to understand or solve due to its convoluted nature. However, the distinction is subtle and often depends on context.

How do I avoid giving simple answers to "complex questions"?

To avoid oversimplification, break down the "complex questions" into smaller parts, research thoroughly, and acknowledge multiple perspectives. Provide a nuanced and well-supported response that reflects the depth of the issue.