complex to trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex to trace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to follow or understand, often in contexts like research, investigations, or data analysis. Example: "The origins of the ancient artifact are complex to trace, requiring extensive research and expert analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But her underlying goal was far more complex: to trace, and in a sense relive, the traumatic war experiences about which her father always remained mute but that had nonetheless marked and transformed him into the emotionally removed man she knew.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The chain of transmission of salmonellosis is often complex and difficult to trace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The causes of changes in phage susceptibility are complex and difficult to trace but are thought to result from the acquisition of new phages or plasmids and to changes in bacterial cell surface phage-receptors.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Meanwhile, minority investors in A, B, C, and D would all lose out.In practice, though, the transactions tend to be more complex, and therefore harder to trace.

The Economist

The ZR012 shows the time using curved-sided rotors, known technically as Reuleaux triangles, turning eccentrically — as in the Wankel engine — to trace complex geometric paths called epitrochoid curves.

The New York Times

Several iterative numerical techniques have been developed to solve nonlinear structural problems and some of these methods are capable to trace complex paths in the space load/displacement.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The DEA, whatever the value of its ultimate mission, is widely credited as a highly functioning agency, with an impressive array of confidential informants, the ability to trace complex financial transactions and a history of successfully placing undercover operatives deep inside closed groups of militants.

Huffington Post

In order to solve the phylogenetic tree topology and test among opposite evolutionary hypotheses, we will use both classic distance-based and recently developed coalescent-based approximate Bayesian computation methods, which have been successfully used to trace complex colonizing scenarios [ 32].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Devised by the graphic designer Nigel Evan Dennis as a personal tribute to the show, the site uses color coding and symbolism to trace the complex allegiances between the characters so ingeniously, that deciphering it is nearly as much fun as watching the Starks and their wolves battle their foes on the screen.

The New York Times - Arts

These include the ability to manage and monitor data flows in a complex organization, for example, or to trace data flows across an organization and to optimize and balance data running on Kafka clusters more efficiently.

TechCrunch

Despite their importance in pivotal signaling pathways due to trace quantities and complex matrices, the analysis of plant hormones is a challenge.

Journal of Chromatography A

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complex to trace", ensure that the subject you're describing genuinely involves multiple interconnected elements. Overuse can dilute its impact. If the issue is merely difficult, consider alternatives like "hard to follow".

Common error

Avoid using "complex to trace" for situations that are simply unknown or have missing information. The phrase implies a known system of interconnected parts, not just a lack of data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex to trace" functions as a descriptive element, characterizing something as intricate and challenging to follow or understand. This is supported by the examples Ludwig provides, where the phrase is used to describe war experiences, financial transactions, and even disease transmission.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complex to trace" describes something intricate and difficult to follow due to its interconnected elements. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, though its frequency is rare. It is suitable for neutral, formal, and scientific contexts. While it's acceptable to use in your writing, ensure you accurately convey the multifaceted nature of the subject. Consider using alternatives like "difficult to follow" or "hard to track" for clarity or emphasis. Remember that Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to follow

Focuses on the challenge of understanding the steps or logic involved.

hard to track

Emphasizes the difficulty in monitoring or keeping up with something.

challenging to ascertain

Highlights the difficulty in establishing something with certainty.

complicated to unravel

Suggests a need to disentangle or resolve a complex situation.

intricate to discern

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature making it hard to perceive or recognize.

obscure to determine

Implies that the matter is vague and not easily discovered.

convoluted to understand

Stresses the winding and confusing nature making comprehension difficult.

elusive to pinpoint

Indicates that something is hard to exactly identify or locate.

labyrinthine to navigate

Compares to a maze, suggesting a confusing and complicated path.

impenetrable to decipher

Implies the subject is impossible to break down and understand.

FAQs

What does "complex to trace" mean?

The phrase "complex to trace" describes something that is difficult to follow or understand because it involves many interconnected elements. It often implies that the individual elements are known, but their relationship and overall impact are hard to ascertain.

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

You might use "complex to trace" to describe a financial transaction, a historical event, or a disease pathway. For example: "The money laundering scheme was so "complicated to unravel" that investigators needed years to understand it".

What are some alternatives to "complex to trace"?

Alternatives include "difficult to follow", "hard to track", or "challenging to ascertain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "complex to trace" formal or informal?

"Complex to trace" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler language might be preferred. More specific wording will further enhance your communication.