complex to sustain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex to sustain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is difficult to maintain or support over time, such as a project, relationship, or system. Example: "The new software system proved to be complex to sustain, leading to frequent technical issues and user frustration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Initiatives to enrich the graduate student experience have included improving the academic curriculum, expanding professional development programming, boosting support for graduate students with families, integrating graduate students into the residential college system, and building the new Lakeside complex to sustain the University's commitment to graduate housing.

Princeton University

These results show that SMAD2 and CITED1 work together in a complex to sustain actomyosin contractility and amoeboid features.

Current Biology

These results demonstrated that ILK facilitated the formation of the IQGAP1 Ras complex to sustain Ras activity.

Cell Communication and Signaling

Accreditation can make a contribution to business improvement but if used incorrectly it can result in a bureaucratic system that is complex to sustain and engage staff.

BMC Health Services Research

Second, ISRIB could enhance the basal activity of eIF2B so that the fraction not engaged with eIF2α-P would produce sufficient levels of ternary complex to sustain translation in cells.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Indeed, without sufficient levels of CNGA3, it is unlikely that there would be enough functional channel complexes to sustain cone phototransduction.

Human Molecular Genetics

It's an approach that succeeds when the performers are particularly vibrant and inventive and their characters are colorful and complex enough to sustain interest on their own.

The New York Times

This growth has been greatest in societies complex enough to sustain these activities and to provide leisure for contemplation and the opportunity to build on the achievements of earlier mathematicians.

Britannica

Hydroelectric complexes needed to sustain the growth of the industrial economy have displaced thousands of villagers from their homes and fields, inundated large areas of forest, transformed flood patterns, and reduced the supply of fish, on which many depend for their livelihood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Deep analysis does not seek to simplify complex decisions, but to sustain the complexity while maintaining the organization's capacity to take action.

Harvard Business Review

Reputation, like life itself, is a complex affair, difficult to sustain but simple to destroy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complex to sustain", consider whether simpler phrasing like "difficult to maintain" would improve clarity and conciseness. Reserve "complex to sustain" for situations where the intricacy of the system is central to the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "complex to sustain" in contexts where it adds unnecessary length or formality. For instance, instead of saying "The relationship was complex to sustain", consider "The relationship was hard to maintain" for a more direct approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex to sustain" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing the inherent difficulty in maintaining something due to its intricate nature. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is not easily supported or continued over time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex to sustain" is grammatically sound and serves to describe something that is difficult to maintain due to its intricacy. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While the phrase appears across various contexts such as science, academia and news, it is relatively rare, making simpler alternatives often preferable for clarity. When using this phrase, be mindful of potentially overcomplicating your sentence structure, and ensure that the complexity of the subject is a key factor in its sustainability challenges. The best practice is to consider a simpler phrasing, only using it in specific use cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to maintain

Focuses on the challenge of upkeep.

hard to keep up

Emphasizes the effort needed to continue.

challenging to uphold

Highlights the difficulty in supporting or defending.

tough to perpetuate

Stresses the problem of continuing something.

complicated to prolong

Focuses on the intricacy of extending its existence.

intricate to preserve

Highlights the detail involved in keeping it safe.

elaborate to continue

Emphasizes the detail of process required for continuation.

involved to support

Underlines the complexity of giving assistance.

demanding to prolong

Stresses the exacting nature of extending its existence.

laborious to uphold

Highlights the effort required to support or defend.

FAQs

How can I use "complex to sustain" in a sentence?

You can use "complex to sustain" to describe something intricate that is difficult to maintain over time. For example, "The system was too "complex to sustain" without constant updates".

What are some alternatives to "complex to sustain"?

Alternatives include "difficult to maintain", "hard to keep up", or "challenging to uphold". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "complex to sustain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "complex to sustain" is grammatically correct. It is used to describe something that is intricate and challenging to maintain or support over a period.

What makes something "complex to sustain"?

Something becomes "complex to sustain" when its intricate nature makes it difficult to provide the necessary resources, attention, or effort required for its continued existence or functionality.