complicated proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a statement or idea that is complex and may require careful consideration or analysis. Example: "The author's argument presents a complicated proposition that challenges traditional views on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This, he said, gets to be a complicated proposition.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Mr. Martelly is demanding an entirely new election next month — an expensive and complicated proposition.

The New York Times

But on Monday, Mr. Van Duzer found that fame can be a complicated proposition.

The New York Times

"The Monitor," a glorious, rambunctious, unsettling album, has a more complicated proposition.

The New York Times

But for an island nation, adaptation is a more complicated proposition.

The New Yorker

He didn't fancy embarking on another complicated proposition unlikely to make it to the multiplex.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Both are complicated propositions given that large-scale, in-country manufacturing experience remains the exception rather than the rule among Afghan entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

With complicated  propositions that are all about frilly features and less about a core purpose, modern consoles are meatball sundaes.

TechCrunch

All ocean waves are too complex to predict in any detail, even in laboratory conditions, but beach breaks are, among surf spots, an especially unpredictable species, and Ocean Beach, which receives an unusual amount of groundswell, mainly from the North Pacific, and is also raked daily by great tidal currents, is as complicated a proposition as any surf spot I've seen.

The New Yorker

Developers ask for new applications inside Firefox all the time but the early Mozilla Suite of 2003 – which wrapped up a browser, email client, HMTL editor and IRC all in one – showed that it was often too complicated a proposition for the Internet user".

TechCrunch

But then, intentionally or not, he dedicates the better part of this fascinating book to complicating that proposition.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complicated proposition", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the proposition complex. Provide sufficient background information to allow the reader to understand the intricacies involved.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated proposition" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the aspects of the proposition that are complex, such as the number of variables, the potential for unintended consequences, or the lack of clear data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated proposition" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object. It describes a plan, idea, or statement that involves many parts and is not simple to understand or deal with. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicated proposition" is a valid and useful expression for describing something that is intricate and not easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media and Science contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, "complicated proposition" serves as a clear signal that a topic requires careful analysis and consideration. To avoid ambiguity, it's best practice to specify what makes the proposition complex. Alternatives such as "complex matter" or "intricate problem" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex matter

Replaces 'proposition' with 'matter' to focus on the issue itself.

intricate problem

Substitutes both 'complicated' and 'proposition' for a more direct emphasis on a difficult problem.

challenging situation

Focuses on the difficulty of the situation rather than the idea or proposal itself.

complex scenario

Replaces 'proposition' with 'scenario', suggesting a more detailed and unfolding situation.

difficult undertaking

Emphasizes the challenging nature of a project or task.

knotty issue

Uses a more figurative term 'knotty' to describe the complexity of the issue.

tangled web

Implies a convoluted and confusing situation.

convoluted affair

Highlights the intricate and perhaps unnecessarily complex nature of an event or situation.

problematic issue

Emphasizes that the issue is causing trouble or difficulties.

delicate situation

Focuses on the sensitivity and potential risk associated with the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicated proposition" to describe a plan, idea, or situation that involves many inter-related elements and is not easy to understand or resolve. For example, "The proposed tax reform is a "complicated proposition" due to its numerous clauses and potential impacts on different income brackets."

What are some alternatives to "complicated proposition"?

Alternatives include "complex matter", "intricate problem", or "challenging situation depending on the specific context".

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

Both "complex proposition" and "complicated proposition" are grammatically correct. "Complex" often implies intricate and detailed, while "complicated" suggests something is difficult to understand or deal with. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the intricacy or the difficulty.

What makes a proposition "complicated"?

A proposition can be considered "complicated" if it involves numerous factors, dependencies, or steps that make it difficult to understand, implement, or predict its outcome. It often requires careful analysis and consideration of various perspectives.