complex system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex system" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a system that has many interconnected parts and as a result is difficult to comprehend or manage. For example, "The healthcare system in our country is a complex system that requires careful consideration and management."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a complex system.

The New York Times

"It's a very complex system.

The New York Times

It is a very complex system.

The New York Times

That is quite a complex system".

The New York Times

"This is a complex system," he said.

The New York Times

Britain has a complex system of VAT.

The Guardian - Business

The retail market as a complex system.

Harvard University

"Balance is a complex system," Manor says.

Harvard University

Others have discussed a complex system of trading development rights.

The New York Times

"Making this complex system 99% reliable is not good enough.

The Guardian - Tech

Fidelity uses a complex system to calculate these rewards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "complex system", be specific about the key components and their interactions to avoid vagueness. For example, instead of saying "The system is complex", specify which elements contribute to its complexity.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying explanations of "complex systems". While clarity is important, omitting crucial details can lead to misunderstanding. Strive for a balance between accessibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing diverse entities, from biological processes to economic models. The phrase identifies a system characterized by numerous interacting components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

40%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex system" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe entities with numerous interacting components, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and academia, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using "complex system", be specific about the key components and interactions to avoid vagueness. Related phrases, such as "intricate network" or "sophisticated structure", can offer alternative ways to convey the idea with slightly different emphasis. Remember to avoid oversimplifying explanations to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Systemic complexity

Rephrases "complex system" using a noun adjunct construction.

Intricate network

Focuses on the interconnectedness and detailed arrangement of elements.

Sophisticated structure

Suggests a high degree of refinement and advanced design.

Complicated mechanism

Emphasizes the operational aspect and potential difficulty in understanding.

Interwoven framework

Emphasizes the interconnected and interdependent nature of the components.

Multifaceted organization

Highlights the many different aspects and layers of the system.

Multi-layered construct

Stresses the different levels and layers that comprise the system.

Elaborate arrangement

Highlights the detailed and carefully planned nature of the structure.

Interrelated components

Focuses specifically on the interconnected parts of the system.

Integrated infrastructure

Highlights the unified and interconnected nature of the system's elements.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "complex system" in a sentence?

You can use "complex system" to describe anything with many interacting parts that make it difficult to understand or manage. For example, "The human body is a "complex system" of interconnected organs and processes".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "complex system"?

Alternatives include "intricate network", "sophisticated structure", or "complicated mechanism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a system "complex"?

A system is considered "complex" when it has many interdependent components, nonlinear interactions, and emergent properties that are not easily predictable from the individual parts.

Is it better to say "complicated system" or "complex system"?

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, "complex system" often implies a deeper level of interconnectedness and emergent behavior than "complicated mechanism". Complexity often suggests that the system's behavior is difficult to predict or control, while complicated simply means it has many parts.