complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation, process, or relationship that is difficult to understand or work out. For example, you can say: "The tax system is very complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It's complicated).

The New York Times

The reality is more complicated.

The Economist

Žantovský recalls the practical headaches of deciding who got what, just like the average divorce but rather more complicated.

The Guardian

Whether or not there was antisemitic intent behind the front page, the issue is complicated even further by the question of how far the Sun's readership will actually get the references.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dynamics are further complicated by the fact that a good performance by Sturgeon is not good news for Scottish Labour, which faces losing dozens of seats.

The Guardian

(Told you it was complicated; essentially, pensions, benefits and tax credits now use a lower measure of inflation to calculate their annual increases).

The Guardian - Opinion

However, he added, the hunt had been complicated by the fact that in parts of Mali, a whole village shares the same Sim card.

The Guardian

The Huangs have maintained their innocence and say their daughter suffered from medical problems complicated by unusual eating habits that included periods of binging and self-starvation.

The Guardian

China rebuked the US when it called for Pu's release earlier this month, and the charges may add to strain on a trip already complicated by tensions over the South China Sea.

The Guardian

However, under the bonnet of the two blocs, the mechanics that could propel one to No 10 are more complicated for Cameron than they are for Miliband.

The Guardian

"Everybody says how complicated a book it is, but also it is very simple; a man tracking down one of four people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "complicated", briefly identify the key elements contributing to its complexity. This provides context and clarifies the nature of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "complicated" without explaining why. Providing specific details about the intricacies or challenges involved will make your writing more informative and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The word "complicated" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is difficult to understand, analyze, or deal with due to its intricate nature. Ludwig AI confirms that "complicated" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "complicated" is a versatile term used to describe situations, processes, or relationships that are difficult to understand or manage due to their intricacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts. While "complicated" is widely used, it's essential to provide context and specifics to clarify the nature of the complexity. Alternatives like "complex", "intricate", and "convoluted" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Predominantly found in news and media, "complicated" serves to highlight challenges and complexities in various subjects, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex

A more general term indicating a state of being composed of many interconnected parts.

intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of something, often suggesting beauty or skill in its design.

convoluted

Implies that something is unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow.

involved

Suggests that something has many aspects or elements that make it hard to deal with.

knotty

Describes a problem or situation that is full of difficulties and complications.

difficult

A broad term referring to something that is not easy to do, understand, or deal with.

problematic

Highlights that something presents challenges or difficulties that need to be addressed.

unwieldy

Suggests that something is difficult to manage or handle due to its complexity or size.

Byzantine

Implies a high degree of complexity and intricacy, often associated with secretiveness or intrigue.

arcane

Refers to something that is mysterious or understood by few, often due to its specialized nature.

FAQs

How can I use "complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "complicated" to describe situations, processes, or relationships that are difficult to understand or deal with. For instance, "The instructions were too "complicated" to follow" or "Their relationship is "complicated"".

What are some alternatives to the word "complicated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "complex", "intricate", or "convoluted" to describe something that is not simple.

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

Both "complex" and "complicated" suggest something is not simple. "Complex" often refers to something with many interconnected parts, while "complicated" implies difficulty in understanding or dealing with something. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a situation "complicated" rather than just "difficult"?

A "difficult" situation presents challenges, while a "complicated" one involves multiple interconnected factors and layers that make it hard to understand or resolve. "Complicated" implies a higher degree of intricacy and entanglement.