complicated circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"complicated circumstances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any situation in which a situation is difficult to understand or untangle because of its complexity. For example, "Due to the complicated circumstances of the case, it took the court several months to create a ruling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

They say they cannot ensure the safety of such products, which, they say, can involve complicated circumstances.

The New York Times

Complicated circumstances lead Ali back home, where the film concludes in a quiet, ruminative mood, touching on questions of memory, identity and the pull of home.

The New York Times

The precision required for this minimalist storytelling, in which only essential frames and dialogue are used to convey complicated circumstances and emotions, is what converted me to comics as an adult reader.

Vice

Prime minister Bahah announced his resignation on his Facebook page, lamenting his "very complicated circumstances" in office.

The Guardian

Earlier, Prime Minister Khaled Baha posted his resignation on his official Facebook page, saying he had held office in "very complicated circumstances".

Independent

This is not a fable of assimilation or alienation, but rather the keenly observed story of two people seeking guidance in painful and complicated circumstances.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But negotiations with publishers were complicated, and circumstances – the first world war, among other things – intervened.

The Guardian - Books

His moral universe certainly has room for obvious heroes and villains, but in his best films he undermines his Manichean soapbox tendencies by attending to gray areas and focusing on characters whose essential decency is challenged and complicated by circumstances.

The New York Times

A lawyer in general practice is not expected to accept the same low fee he gets for writing a simple will when he writes one that involves complicated business circumstances.

The New York Times

But Amazon's staffing shortage is complicated by circumstances beyond these factors.

Forbes

Under the complicated electromagnetism circumstance, the model of data fusion control and guidance of surface-to-air missile weapon systems is established.

Journal of Systems Engineering and Electronics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complicated circumstances", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspects of the circumstances are complex. Provide specific details to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated circumstances" as a generic way to gloss over details you don't want to explain. If possible, briefly outline the specific complexities involved, or select a more descriptive alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes a situation or set of conditions that are complex and challenging to understand or deal with.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicated circumstances" is a valid and frequently used phrase to describe intricate or challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While its usage is common across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines the complexities involved to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "complex situation" or "intricate circumstances" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate circumstances

Similar to "complicated circumstances" but emphasizes the interwoven and detailed nature of the events.

complex situation

Focuses on the intricate nature of the situation rather than the surrounding events.

convoluted circumstances

Emphasizes the confusing and unnecessarily complex nature of the events.

difficult situation

Emphasizes the hardship or trouble caused by the situation.

challenging situation

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation, requiring effort and skill to overcome.

complex set of affairs

A more formal way to describe a complicated situation or series of events.

problematic scenario

Indicates that the situation presents issues or potential problems.

tricky situation

Suggests a situation that requires careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

delicate situation

Highlights the sensitivity and potential for instability in the situation.

sensitive situation

Highlights the need for discretion and careful handling due to potential emotional or ethical concerns.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "complicated circumstances"?

Alternatives include "complex situation", "difficult situation", or "intricate circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "complicated circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations that are difficult to understand or resolve due to their complexity. For example, "The investigation was prolonged due to the "complicated circumstances" surrounding the event."

Is it ever better to use a more specific phrase than "complicated circumstances"?

Yes, when you can identify the specific nature of the complication. Instead of "complicated circumstances", consider phrases like "financial constraints", "legal complexities", or "ethical dilemmas" if they accurately describe the situation.

What's the difference between "complicated circumstances" and "extenuating circumstances"?

"Complicated circumstances" refers to general complexities, while "extenuating circumstances" implies factors that lessen the blame or severity of an action. For example, extenuating circumstances might explain a crime, while "complicated circumstances" might simply describe a difficult business deal.