complex relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex relation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that involves multiple factors or is not straightforward, often in contexts like psychology, sociology, or mathematics. Example: "The study revealed a complex relation between social media usage and mental health outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

21, 22 The obesity-related metabolic syndrome and its complex relation with fibrosis are increasingly being recognized as a contributing factor to fibrosis progression.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

This ambiguity stems in part from a complex relation that has been observed to exist among ECM-related cues, actin cytoskeletal organization, and MMP-2 activation.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The variety of evidence related to the source of the post-stimulus undershoot indicates a complex relation between each of the three sources and their respective cortical localities.

Plosone

And obviously, both Islam and Mormonism have a complex relation to the practice of plural marriage.

The New York Times

The memory of being uprooted still haunts these people 70 years after the event, but Mologa is also emblematic of the complex relation Russians have with their history.

The Guardian

But even better is Ms. Peck in complex relation to an ensemble embodying the designs of Mr. Peck's fertile imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

This colonial entanglement makes for a complex relation between colony and metropole - a psychic entanglement that is often beyond the understanding of a third-generation British citizen of West Indian ancestry.

The Guardian - Books

"The Plato Papers" could as reasonably (although with severely limited sales prospects) be presented as "Ackroyd's Poetics," a cogitation on the theory and practice of his writing -- more specifically on the complex relation between his novels and his biographies.

The New York Times - Books

The intricate yet complex relation between ritual and language can be seen in the history of various attempts to explain ritual behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Higher rates damage the housing market, and thus the broader economy, a development that can send bond yields back down.Then there is the complex relation between bonds and oil prices.

The Economist

Other commentators on globalisation have argued that the nation-state is in decline; Meiksins Wood argues that on the contrary "the world today is more than ever a world of nation-states": "The very essence of globalisation is a global economy administered by a global system of multiple states and local sovereignties, structured in a complex relation of domination and subordination".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "complex relation", ensure that the context clearly indicates the elements or factors that are intricately connected. Providing specific examples or further explanation can enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "complex relation" as a vague descriptor. Always strive to articulate at least some of the key elements contributing to the complexity to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex relation" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a connection or association that is not simple or straightforward. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in English. The examples show it appears in various contexts to denote intricate links.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex relation" is a widely used and accepted term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe intricate and multifaceted connections across various fields. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, it signals that a relationship involves multiple layers and is not easily understood. While grammatically correct, it's essential to provide context and specific examples to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "intricate relationship" or "multifaceted correlation" to fine-tune the meaning. To enhance clarity, always articulate the key factors contributing to the complexity. Using "complex relation" effectively requires a nuanced understanding of the interconnected elements and their intricate dependencies. As Ludwig shows, the phrase appears very frequently in the contexts of science and news.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate relationship

Replaces "relation" with "relationship" and "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and complicated nature of the connection.

complicated connection

Substitutes "relation" with "connection" and "complex" with "complicated", highlighting the confusing or difficult aspect of the link.

complex interdependence

Replaces "relation" with "interdependence", stressing the mutual reliance and intricate connections between elements.

multifaceted correlation

Uses "multifaceted" instead of "complex" to emphasize the many aspects, and "correlation" in place of "relation" to indicate a statistical relationship.

involved association

Employs "involved" instead of "complex", suggesting a deep and intricate connection, while "association" replaces "relation" to indicate a connection or link.

sophisticated interplay

Replaces "complex relation" with "sophisticated interplay" to emphasize the elegant and refined nature of the interaction.

elaborate nexus

Substitutes "complex" with "elaborate" to stress the detailed and intricate quality of the connection, and "nexus" replaces "relation" to suggest a central point of connection.

tortuous linkage

Uses "tortuous" instead of "complex" to highlight the winding and complicated nature of the link, while "linkage" replaces "relation" to indicate a connection.

Byzantine entanglement

Replaces "complex relation" with "Byzantine entanglement" to convey an extremely complicated and convoluted connection.

convoluted interconnectedness

Uses "convoluted" instead of "complex", emphasizing the intricate and complicated nature, and "interconnectedness" replaces "relation" to highlight the mutual connections.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex relation" to describe intricate connections between different elements. For instance, "The study revealed a "complex relation" between economic policy and social inequality".

What are some alternatives to "complex relation"?

Alternatives include "intricate relationship", "complicated connection", or "multifaceted correlation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "complex relation" or "complex relationship"?

Both "complex relation" and "complex relationship" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Relationship" might be preferred in contexts emphasizing interpersonal or social connections, while "relation" is suitable for more abstract or technical contexts.

What makes a relation "complex"?

A relation is considered "complex" when it involves multiple factors, intricate dependencies, or non-linear interactions that make it difficult to understand or predict outcomes based on simple cause-and-effect analysis.