complex state of affairs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex state of affairs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is intricate or difficult to understand, often involving multiple factors or elements. Example: "The negotiations were stalled due to the complex state of affairs surrounding the trade agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

So how can companies successfully navigate this complex state of affairs?

Harvard Business Review

Lastly, although (f) is unrestrictedly repeatable, (f) is another type of complex state of affairs.

SEP

In some cases a complex state of affairs contains some good parts and some bad parts.

SEP

But that tropes are one of the constituents of a complex state of affairs does not make them complex.

SEP

Fourth, while (e) is unrestrictedly repeatable, it is a complex state of affairs, namely, a conjunctive state of affairs whose second conjunct is not repeatable.

SEP

He suggests that the goodness of a complex state of affairs is not merely a function of the value of its parts.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There are additional operations that build complex states-of-affairs from simpler ones, including analogues of conjunction, disjunction, and existential and universal quantification (see Devlin 1991, 2006, and Ginzburg & Sag 2000).

SEP

Or are there complex states of affairs involving other states of affairs?

SEP

Every reason we can think of for the existence of (simple) tropes is likewise a reason for the existence of (complex) states of affairs.

SEP

Universals are brought down to (spatio-temporal) earth, but there are no such things as pure universals nor pure particulars outside their roles within complex states of affairs.

SEP

But if they are, Chris Daly (1997 [1994]) has argued, then there must be some reason for preferring a theory of simple tropes over a theory of complex states of affairs.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complex state of affairs" to introduce a detailed explanation of the various factors and elements involved in a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "complex state of affairs" as a filler phrase. If the situation isn't genuinely complex, simpler terms like "situation" or "circumstances" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex state of affairs" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a particular situation characterized by intricate and often difficult-to-understand elements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex state of affairs" is a versatile phrase used to describe intricate situations across various domains. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the complexity is justified and well-explained to avoid vagueness. For alternative wording, consider "complicated situation" or "intricate circumstances" to achieve similar semantic effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated situation

Replaces "state of affairs" with "situation", focusing on the difficulty aspect.

intricate circumstance

Substitutes both words for synonyms emphasizing the detailed and involved nature.

difficult predicament

Highlights the challenging and problematic aspect of the situation.

convoluted scenario

Emphasizes the winding and complex nature of the situation or event.

complex set of circumstances

Replaces "state of affairs" with a more descriptive phrase.

complicated set of events

Focuses on the sequence of happenings and their entangled nature.

knotty problem

Implies a problem that is difficult to untangle or resolve.

elaborate issue

Suggests that the problem or matter is highly detailed and developed.

messy situation

Highlights the disordered and confused nature of the circumstances.

tangled web of issues

Suggests interconnected and confusing problems.

FAQs

How can I use "complex state of affairs" in a sentence?

You can use "complex state of affairs" to describe a situation that is intricate and difficult to understand. For example: "The current political climate is a "complex state of affairs", requiring careful analysis".

What are some alternatives to "complex state of affairs"?

You can use alternatives such as "complicated situation", "intricate circumstances", or "difficult predicament" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "complex state of affairs" formal or informal?

"Complex state of affairs" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings.

What makes a "state of affairs" complex?

A "state of affairs" becomes complex when it involves multiple interconnected factors, uncertainty, or difficulty in understanding the causes and effects. It often requires careful analysis and consideration of various perspectives.