complex the situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex the situation" is not correct in standard English.
The correct expression would typically be "complicate the situation." Example: "The new regulations will only serve to complicate the situation for small businesses trying to comply."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The more complex the situation, the more likely Painter was to make a mistake.

The New York Times

That they could not agree on the best course of action points to how complex the situation is.

The Guardian

I sometimes felt Barack didn't fully understand how complex the situation really was, but I expect he had a lot of other things to think about.

The Guardian - Books

To recognize just how complex the situation is, you have to appreciate the number of indigenous languages that are still spoken.

Cornell University

But we also felt that we had now understood just how complex the situation was in this country, and that no quick fix will be possible.

The New York Times

Caught in the sheer intensity of the media glare – and the message that failing to prevent the death of a child, however complex the situation, was career-destroying – many professionals quit.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

2.17pm GMT This picture shows how isolated the gas complex where the situation is unfolding is.

The Guardian

To most observers, there was nothing complex about the situation at all.

Vice

This is more complex than the situation described here and is more difficult to assess.

Biochemistry

The more complex the road situation, the harder it is for an autonomous car.

Forbes

WHS senior Michael Hudson said he was drawn to the character Radames because of the complex situation the character finds himself in and the inner tribulations he experiences.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "complex the situation", opt for clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives like "complicate the situation" or "make the situation more complex".

Common error

Avoid using "complex" as a verb when you intend to describe the act of making something complex. "Complex" is typically an adjective, not a verb in this context. Use "complicate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex the situation" functions incorrectly as it attempts to use the adjective "complex" as a verb. This is not standard English. Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect, suggesting revisions for proper grammar.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex the situation" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. As Ludwig AI points out, it's better to use alternatives like "complicate the situation" or "make the situation more complex". Since the phrase is not found in authoritative sources, it lacks credibility and correct usage. Opting for grammatically sound alternatives will ensure clarity and enhance the quality of your writing. Therefore, always favor established and accepted phrases to effectively convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Complicate the matter

Replaces "situation" with "matter", focusing on the issue at hand.

Make the situation more complicated

Adds explicit comparative adjective for clarity.

Make more intricate the situation

Rephrases the sentence to use the word "intricate" instead of "complex".

Worsen the situation

Focuses on making the situation worse, not just more complex.

Intensify the issue

Focuses on increasing the intensity or severity of the problem.

Exacerbate the circumstances

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes making the circumstances worse.

Further confuse the problem

Highlights adding more confusion to an existing problem.

Muddy the waters

An idiomatic expression implying confusion and lack of clarity.

Add fuel to the fire

An idiomatic expression implying making the situation more intense.

Make a mountain out of a molehill

An idiomatic expression implying exaggerating the importance of something.

FAQs

How can I properly express the idea of making a situation more complex?

Instead of "complex the situation", use phrases such as "complicate the situation" or "make the situation more complex".

Is "complex" used correctly as a verb?

In the phrase "complex the situation", "complex" is being used as a verb, which is grammatically incorrect. "Complex" is primarily an adjective.

What is a more appropriate synonym for "complex" when referring to a situation?

When describing a situation, consider using adjectives like "intricate", "complicated", or "involved" instead of attempting to use "complex" as a verb.

How can I rephrase "complex the situation" to improve clarity?

You can rephrase it as "make the situation "more complex"", "complicate the matter", or "make the situation more complicated" for better clarity.