complicated explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is difficult to understand due to its complexity or the details involved. Example: "The professor provided a complicated explanation of the theory, which left many students confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

For example, physicists saw no evidence of the particle decaying into the other combinations of standard model particles that the Higgs decays into, so it could not simply be a heavier version of the Higgs; instead, it would require a much more complicated explanation.

Science Magazine

Lindh said, "That requires a really long and complicated explanation.

The New Yorker

Carlson did not seem convinced by this rather complicated explanation.

The New Yorker

People were able to follow it and understand it without any complicated explanation.

Stanford University

Bob Knight did not offer a complicated explanation for his worst defeat in four years.

The New York Times - Sports

If that sounds like a complicated explanation to the layperson, it makes perfect sense to the professionals.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Others had more complicated explanations.

The New Yorker

But a mind that is "fertilized" by the first satisfying interpretation is closed to the more subtle and complicated explanations that are often better.

Harvard Business Review

Any reader familiar with Lawrence Block's whimsical whodunits featuring Bernie Rhodenbarr, an amiable Greenwich Village bookseller who moonlights as a burglar, already knows that the shaggy dog plots rely heavily on coincidence and require absurdly complicated explanations.

The New York Times - Books

It's just that I see them for what they are – overly complicated explanations to appear smart and inability to simplify a message.

TechCrunch

"I didn't think it was appropriate to make complicated explanations or to blame someone else, but I do understand how angry passengers were.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, break down a "complicated explanation" into smaller, more digestible parts. Use examples and analogies to aid understanding.

Common error

Avoid using a "complicated explanation" when a simpler one suffices. Overcomplicating matters can confuse your audience and undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated explanation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'complicated' modifies the noun 'explanation'. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicated explanation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an explanation that is complex or difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used across a range of contexts, including news media, scientific publications, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether the complexity is necessary or if a simpler explanation would suffice. If complexity is required, aim to break it down into smaller, more manageable parts for better comprehension. Alternatives include "complex rationale" or "intricate elucidation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex rationale

Substitutes "explanation" with "rationale", suggesting a reason or justification that is intricate.

convoluted account

Emphasizes the winding or confusing nature of the explanation.

intricate elucidation

Replaces common words with more formal or sophisticated synonyms.

detailed exposition

Focuses on the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the explanation.

elaborate justification

Highlights the detailed and perhaps excessive nature of the explanation.

sophisticated interpretation

Highlights the high level of understanding and nuance required.

lengthy and involved account

Stresses the extended length and complexity of the explanation.

overly detailed description

Implies that the level of detail is excessive and unnecessary.

Byzantine reasoning

Refers to extremely complicated and typically secretive and devious reasoning.

obtuse clarification

Refers to a clarification that's hard to comprehend.

FAQs

How can I simplify a "complicated explanation"?

Break it down into smaller steps, use analogies, and avoid jargon. Focus on the core concepts and gradually introduce more complex details.

When is it appropriate to use a "complicated explanation"?

Use a "complicated explanation" when the subject matter genuinely requires a high level of detail, but always consider your audience's understanding.

What are some alternatives to "complicated explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "complex rationale", "intricate elucidation", or "convoluted account", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I know if my "complicated explanation" is too complex?

Gauge your audience's understanding. If they are struggling to follow, it may be necessary to simplify your explanation or provide additional context.