complicated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation in which one factor makes a situation more difficult or complex. For example, "The repair job was complicated by the fact that the necessary tools were not available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This battle is complicated by national rivalries.

The Economist

It's all compounded and complicated by time".

The New Yorker

Rescue efforts were complicated by continuing rain.

The New York Times

Any bailout would be complicated by politics.

The New York Times

The decision was complicated by gender.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rescue efforts will be complicated by darkness.

The New York Times

The situation is complicated by the Republicans' voting rules.

The New York Times

How Buttler achieves this is complicated by the schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

Pfizer's task is complicated by its past success.

The New York Times

Addressing the issue is complicated by a regulatory tangle.

The New York Times - Travel

The lobster case was further complicated by conflicting scientific opinion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complicated by", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the primary situation and the complicating factor for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated by" without specifying what exactly is causing the complication. Always clearly state the contributing factor to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating a factor that introduces complexity or difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates that it's commonly used to express how one thing makes another more intricate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complicated by" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies a factor adding difficulty or intricacy to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is particularly common in News & Media and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using "complicated by", ensure the complicating factor is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "made more difficult by" or "exacerbated by" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further complicated due to

Implies incremental effect of increasing difficulty.

compounded by

Stresses the accumulation of difficulties.

made more difficult by

Focuses specifically on the act of making something harder.

exacerbated by

Highlights the worsening effect of a factor.

encumbered by

Suggests a burden or obstacle imposed by something.

hindered by

Emphasizes the obstruction or delay caused by something.

muddied by

Emphasizes the confusion and lack of clarity introduced by a factor.

entangled with

Implies a complex and interwoven relationship causing difficulty.

affected by

Indicates a general influence, not necessarily negative, but adding a layer of complexity.

intricate due to

Shifts the focus to inherent complexity rather than an added difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "complicated by" to indicate that a specific factor adds difficulty or intricacy to a situation. For example, "The rescue mission was "complicated by" the severe weather conditions."

What are some alternatives to "complicated by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "made more difficult by", "exacerbated by", or "compounded by".

Is it better to say "complicated by" or "further complicated by"?

"Further complicated by" implies an additional layer of difficulty on top of existing complexities. Use it when adding another factor to an already intricate situation.

What's the difference between "complicated by" and "affected by"?

"Complicated by" specifically suggests that something has become more difficult or intricate. "Affected by", on the other hand, is a broader term that simply means influenced, without necessarily implying increased difficulty. For instance, a process might be "affected by" new regulations, but only "complicated by" conflicting ones.