complicated matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"complicated matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or issue that requires a long, difficult, or detailed explanation. For example, "The attempt to solve this complicated matter will require the knowledge of a professional in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is a slightly complicated matter.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr. Mitchell's litigation is another, very complicated, matter.

The New York Times

The conquest of Canaan according to tradition, a united national undertaking led by Moses' successor, Joshua was a rather drawn out and complicated matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stabilizing the sequins is a particularly complicated matter.

Vice

"It's a complicated matter the way the human is complicated.

Huffington Post

It's a complicated matter.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a very complicated matter".

The New York Times

That's a more complicated matter in this melancholy romantic comedy.

The New York Times

It's a complicated matter and should be treated as such.

The New York Times

Of course, the Great Patriotic War is a complicated matter.

The New York Times

Then, when pressed, he said it was a "complicated" matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complicated matter", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the specific complexities involved. Avoid using it as a vague placeholder; be prepared to elaborate.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated matter" as a generic phrase to describe any difficulty. If something is simply difficult but not truly complex, choose a more precise descriptor. Always provide specific details to justify the use of "complicated matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated matter" functions as a noun phrase, where "complicated" modifies "matter". It serves to characterize a subject, situation, or issue as intricate and not easily understood or resolved. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as evidenced by the numerous examples available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicated matter" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe something that is intricate and not easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias contexts, indicating its versatility across different types of writing. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the specific complexities involved, avoiding vague or generic applications. Consider alternatives like "complex issue" or "intricate problem" depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. The sources from which Ludwig has collected the phrase are highly authoritative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex issue

Focuses more on the issue itself being complex, rather than the overall situation.

intricate problem

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect and the detailed nature of the challenge.

thorny question

Highlights the difficulty and potential for conflict associated with the question.

delicate situation

Implies the need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity or fragility.

challenging circumstance

Focuses on the difficulty posed by the set of conditions surrounding the situation.

difficult proposition

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or suggestion being considered.

knotty affair

Suggests a convoluted and tangled situation that is hard to resolve.

problematic situation

Indicates that the situation is causing difficulties or problems.

complex state of affairs

Refers to a complicated or confusing situation, often on a larger scale.

convoluted situation

Emphasizes the tangled and confusing nature of the circumstances.

FAQs

What does "complicated matter" mean?

The phrase "complicated matter" refers to a situation, issue, or topic that is not simple and involves many interconnected aspects, making it difficult to understand or resolve.

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

You can use "complicated matter" to describe a wide range of situations. For example, "The legal proceedings turned out to be a more "complicated matter" than we initially anticipated."

What can I say instead of "complicated matter"?

Alternatives include "complex issue", "intricate problem", or "delicate situation", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "complex matter" and "complicated matter" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. "Complicated matter" might emphasize the difficulty in understanding or resolving the issue, while "complex matter" highlights the many interconnected parts.