complicated life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated life" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to describe a life that is complex, difficult, or full of challenges. Example: John's complicated life was a result of his tumultuous childhood and constantly changing career path.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Women supposedly complicated life.

The New York Times

But he too had a complicated life.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're not going to talk about complicated life forms.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They go through a series of complicated life stages.

Yale University

Couples's choice has complicated life for the Haases.

The New York Times

Needlessly complicated, life already has more than enough petty dramas.

The New York Times

"This whole Republican political campaign has complicated life for private equity," Mr. Ross said.

The New York Times

This has complicated life for women in the region as well.

The New York Times

Some organisms have complicated life cycles and depend on more than one host.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

More significantly, it has shown which are produced during what stages of Plasmodium's fiendishly complicated life-cycle.

The Economist

We propose that this model has utility for testing new antibacterial chemotherapies to treat complicated, life-threatening Salmonella infections.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's background, use "complicated life" to convey a history filled with significant events and challenges. This suggests depth and complexity beyond a simple narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated life" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the aspects that make the life complex, such as "a complicated professional life" or "a complicated family life".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated life" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "complicated" modifies the noun "life". It describes the quality or state of someone's life. Ludwig's examples show it used to summarize a person's history or current circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.01%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Reference

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicated life" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a life filled with complexity and challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While "complicated life" is common across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation, being mindful of potential overuse or vagueness is essential. Using more specific descriptors when possible such as "complicated professional life" or "complicated family life" can provide greater precision. As shown in the examples, authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employ the phrase, making it a reliable option for conveying a sense of intricate experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Convoluted life

Replaces "complicated" with a synonym that emphasizes the intricate and confusing nature of the life.

Difficult existence

Substitutes both words with synonyms, focusing on the hardship and struggle of living.

Challenging circumstances

Shifts the focus from the life itself to the external factors making it difficult.

Intricate personal history

Highlights the complex background and experiences shaping the person's life.

Eventful journey

Emphasizes the numerous significant events and changes occurring throughout the life.

Tangled web of affairs

Uses a metaphor to describe the intertwined and confusing nature of the life's events.

Demanding lifestyle

Focuses on the pressures and requirements associated with the way the person lives.

Life full of trials

Highlights the hardships and tribulations experienced throughout the life.

Testing existence

Emphasizes the difficulties and challenges that life presents to the individual.

Complex personal narrative

Highlights the depth and multifaceted nature of the individual's life story.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicated life" to describe someone's experiences, such as, "Despite his "complicated life", he remained optimistic".

What are some alternatives to saying "complicated life"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difficult existence", "challenging circumstances", or "intricate personal history", depending on the context.

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

Both "complicated life" and "complex life" are correct, but "complicated" often implies difficulties or challenges, while "complex" simply suggests many interconnected elements. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can "complicated life" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "complicated life" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the context supports the use of this phrase and consider more specific alternatives if greater precision is needed. For instance, you can use phrases like ""difficult existence"" or ""intricate personal history"".