complex wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex wording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is intricate, difficult to understand, or overly complicated. Example: "The author's complex wording made it challenging for readers to grasp the main ideas of the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

David Sparks, chairman of the LGA, said: "Collective switching is making a real difference to people, both saving them money on their bills and providing an easy way to avoid the headache of having to spend time trying to wade through the complex wording of price plans, particularly for those residents without access to the internet.

The Guardian - Money

As Whitfield explains: "If there is a trust fund, then the will would include wording such as, 'I give £X to my trustees to hold upon trust for my son/daughter XX upon her attaining the age of X.' If the will was professionally drawn up and it contains a trust, there may be more complex wording to set out the terms of the trust and the trustees' powers in administering the trust fund".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Typically keyword-based tools have trouble with complex wording or sarcasm, but this tool is designed to deal with these.

TechCrunch

Each user gets a marked-up contract that provides notices of potential issues, simplified explanations of complex wording and suggestions on how to negotiate.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A difference in accuracy and response times between morphologically complex words and matched control words would indicate sensitivity to morphological complexity.

Applied Psycholinguistics

Results revealed that adults were vulnerable to morphological complexity: they performed more accurately and faster on matched control words versus morphologically complex word types.

Applied Psycholinguistics

We term these complex words decomposable.

Brain Research

Long drives meant discussions of history or solving complex word problems.

The New York Times

"The long, complex words of medicine are magical to Spaniards," Mr. Tremlett writes.

The New York Times - Books

Occasionally, he wove more complex words into his high school textbook.

Columbia University

She spends hours each day drawing and creating complex word puzzles.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, revise passages containing "complex wording". Break down long sentences and replace jargon with simpler terms to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "complex wording" to sound more intelligent. Often, simplicity and directness are more effective in conveying your message clearly. Prioritize understanding over sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex wording" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the quality of language being intricate and difficult to understand. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to point out potential problems in clarity and comprehension.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex wording" describes language that is intricate and difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct, though relatively rare in occurrence. It is most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, where clarity is often crucial yet sometimes compromised by convoluted language. When writing, aim for clarity and simplicity, revising passages containing "complex wording" to ensure your message is easily understood. Remember that while sophistication has value, the most effective communication prioritizes comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate phrasing

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate structure of the language.

complicated language

Highlights the difficulty and lack of simplicity in the language.

convoluted syntax

Emphasizes the complex arrangement of words in sentences.

dense prose

Refers to writing that is packed with information and difficult to penetrate.

abstruse terminology

Highlights the use of obscure and specialized terms.

Byzantine language

Implies an excessively complicated and typically scheming nature of the language.

impenetrable jargon

Stresses the difficulty in understanding the specific vocabulary used.

technical parlance

Suggests the use of specialized and technical language specific to a field.

tortuous expression

Focuses on the winding and complicated manner of expressing ideas.

verbose diction

Highlights the use of more words than necessary, making the language complex.

FAQs

How can I identify "complex wording" in my writing?

Look for long sentences, excessive jargon, and convoluted sentence structures. If you find yourself re-reading a sentence multiple times to understand it, it likely contains "complex wording".

What are some alternatives to using "complex wording"?

Consider using more straightforward language. Phrases like "intricate phrasing", "complicated language", or "dense prose" may be suitable depending on the context.

Why is it important to avoid "complex wording" in certain contexts?

In many situations, clarity is paramount. Using simpler language ensures that your message is easily understood by a wider audience. Especially when dealing with technical information or legal documents.

Does "complex wording" always indicate poor writing?

Not necessarily. In certain academic or technical contexts, a degree of complexity may be necessary to convey precise meanings. However, even in those cases, strive for the clearest possible expression.