complicated business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or matter that is complex or difficult to understand or manage. Example: "The negotiations turned into a complicated business, with multiple stakeholders involved and differing opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Sorry to keep you waiting, complicated business, complicated business," began Trump to raucous chants of "U-S-A, U-S-A" from his excited supporters.

The Guardian

Complicated business.

The Guardian

But it is a far more complicated business than that.

The Guardian

"Diet is an incredibly complicated business," Dr. Alderman said.

The New York Times - Food

And caution aside, joining the EU is a vastly complicated business.

The Economist

"Starting a magazine is an intensely complicated business, with many factors in play.

The New York Times

Considerations like these make assigning a rating to Larchmont Avenue Oyster House a complicated business.

The New York Times

But the demands of scientists have made it an increasingly complicated business.

The New York Times

But modelling the exact impacts on a global scale is a fiendishly complicated business.

BBC

Complicated business, complicated.

Huffington Post

Parenting is a difficult, complicated business.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as a "complicated business", provide specific examples or details to illustrate the complexity. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated business" as a generic descriptor without providing any context. This can make your writing seem vague and lacking in substance. Always follow up with specific details to justify the complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated business" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complicated" modifies the noun "business". It is used to describe something (an activity, situation, process) as being complex or difficult to deal with. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicated business" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations or tasks characterized by complexity and difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news, business, and academic contexts. While it's generally acceptable, providing specific details to illustrate the complexity can enhance clarity. Alternative phrases such as "complex matter" or "intricate affair" can be used to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuances you wish to highlight. When writing, avoid overusing the phrase without providing specific context, as it can make your writing seem vague.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex matter

Replaces "business" with "matter", focusing on the subject being discussed.

complex project

Replaces "business" with "project", framing it as a planned set of activities.

complex undertaking

Replaces "business" with "undertaking", emphasizing the effort and planning required.

complex operation

Focuses on the process or activity, suggesting multiple steps and considerations.

intricate affair

Substitutes "complicated" with "intricate" and "business" with "affair", highlighting the delicate and interconnected nature of the matter.

challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved, replacing "business" with "endeavor".

involved process

Highlights the intricate and detailed nature of the procedure.

difficult situation

Shifts the focus to the challenging nature of the circumstances.

knotty problem

Uses a more figurative expression to emphasize the difficulty in resolving the issue.

elaborate scheme

Suggests a detailed and carefully planned, potentially deceptive, undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "complicated business" in a sentence?

You can use "complicated business" to describe any activity, situation, or process that involves multiple complex factors. For example: "Negotiating international trade agreements is a "complicated business"."

What are some alternatives to saying "complicated business"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "complex matter", "intricate affair", or "challenging endeavor" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "complicated business"?

While the phrase is generally acceptable, consider your audience and the specific context. In more formal settings, a more precise or technical term might be preferable. In casual conversations is perfectly acceptable.

What makes something qualify as a "complicated business"?

A "complicated business" typically involves multiple interconnected parts, requires careful planning and execution, and may have a high degree of uncertainty or risk. It often requires specialized knowledge or expertise to manage effectively.