complicated operation

USAGE SUMMARY

"complicated operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process or procedure that is intricate, difficult, or involved. Example: The doctor performed a complicated operation on the patient's brain, requiring hours of precise and delicate movements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He suddenly found himself in excruciating pain, and a scan revealed pieces of bone floating around in the joint, requiring a complicated operation.

The New York Times

"This was an incredibly complicated operation," said Daniel Benjamin, a terrorism expert who served until this year on the National Security Council.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the next time your doctor recommends an expensive drug or complicated operation to relieve everyday symptoms, it may pay to ask him a simple question.

Forbes

Therefore, we intend to solve these issues by building a SNS site as its users are not required complicated operation to share, can easily view own posts, and can write comments on others' posts.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

These guys are pros at the highest level and make an incredibly complicated operation look remarkably easy.

Huffington Post

He said that drilling a relief well is a logistically complicated operation, and that he thinks the ability to be able to drill a second relief well is important, because there's no guarantee that the first relief well will succeed.

Vice

"It's a large budget and a very complicated operation".

The New York Times

"It would be a complicated operation," she said.

The Guardian

The penetration of Israeli defenses was a complicated operation.

The New York Times

But Ms. Radke's store is also a front for a more complicated operation.

The New York Times

Investors are right to be confident that Sky can handle a bigger and more complicated operation.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or process, use "complicated operation" to emphasize its intricacy and the level of skill required for its successful completion.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated operation" as a generic descriptor for any difficult task. Reserve it for scenarios where the complexity is a key characteristic and contributes significantly to the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated operation" functions as a noun phrase, where "complicated" modifies the noun "operation". It is used to describe a specific kind of operation characterized by its intricacy and difficulty. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

31%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicated operation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe tasks or procedures that are intricate and challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science, denoting a neutral to professional register. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where complexity is a key characteristic. While alternatives like "intricate procedure" or "difficult undertaking" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase's widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate procedure

Focuses on the detailed and complex nature of the process.

difficult undertaking

Emphasizes the challenge and effort involved.

complex task

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the work.

involved process

Stresses the numerous steps and components.

elaborate scheme

Suggests a carefully planned and detailed arrangement.

sophisticated maneuver

Implies a high degree of skill and expertise.

laborious activity

Highlights the extensive effort and time required.

challenging endeavor

Focuses on the demanding and testing aspects.

demanding exercise

Emphasizes the rigorous nature and high standards.

problematic manipulation

Suggests difficulties in controlling or executing the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicated operation" to describe intricate tasks, for example: "The surgery was a "complicated operation" requiring multiple specialists".

What are some alternatives to "complicated operation"?

Alternatives include "intricate procedure", "difficult undertaking", or "complex task", depending on the specific context.

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

While both are acceptable, "complicated operation" often implies a higher degree of intricacy and potential difficulty than "complex operation". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What makes an operation "complicated"?

An operation can be considered "complicated" due to factors such as the involvement of multiple steps, the need for specialized skills, or the presence of potential risks and uncertainties.