complicated relationships

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated relationships" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe relationships that are intricate, difficult, or involve many factors, often in personal, social, or professional contexts. Example: "The novel explores the theme of complicated relationships between family members and their struggles to understand one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fathers and sons can have complicated relationships.

The New York Times

Partnering with the Saudi government has long produced complicated relationships for American firms.

The Guardian - Tech

Even nonobservant Jews can have complicated relationships with shrimp and pork.

The New York Times

Wednesday's link with Air China further tangles Cathay Pacific's already complicated relationships on the mainland.

The New York Times

We still have complicated relationships, friendships, and different types of love in our lives.

The New Yorker

"A lot of people have complicated relationships with Robin," he told me.

The New Yorker

It's often suggested that we have better – or less complicated – relationships with our grandparents than we do with our parents.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For all the arialike speeches in the play, Joe really went to work on understanding its intricately complicated relationships".

The New York Times

But part of the fear for me was that my parents each had complicated relationships with being parents.

The New York Times

There aren't really complicated relationships going on".

Science Magazine

Banks and FinTech companies have complicated relationships.

Financial Innovation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships in formal writing, consider using "complicated relationships" to convey a sense of intricate dynamics that may not be easily understood or resolved. This phrase works well in academic papers, reports, and analyses where nuanced descriptions are necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated relationships" as a vague descriptor. Instead, provide context or details about what makes the relationships complicated, such as conflicting interests, emotional baggage, or external pressures. This specificity adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated relationships" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It typically modifies a subject to indicate the nature of the relationships involved, highlighting their intricate or problematic aspects. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicated relationships" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe intricate or difficult connections between individuals or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While highly versatile, remember to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "intricate relationships" or "difficult relationships" may be used to nuance the meaning further. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate relationships

Replaces "complicated" with "intricate", suggesting a detailed and complex structure.

complex interpersonal dynamics

Substitutes "relationships" with "interpersonal dynamics", focusing on the interactive processes between people and replacing "complicated" with "complex".

difficult relationships

Replaces "complicated" with "difficult", highlighting the challenging nature of the relationships.

strained relationships

Indicates relationships under pressure or tension, implying a specific type of complexity.

problematic relationships

Suggests relationships that involve specific issues or troubles.

challenging relationships

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the relationships.

tenuous relationships

Highlights the fragility and instability of the relationships.

tangled web of relationships

Uses a metaphor to describe the intertwined and confusing nature of the relationships.

dysfunctional relationships

Suggests relationships that deviate from healthy or normal patterns of interaction.

tortuous relationships

Replaces "complicated" with "tortuous", indicating a painful and convoluted experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicated relationships" to describe intricate or difficult connections between people or entities. For example, "The novel explores the /s/complicated+relationships between the siblings" or "The company has /s/complicated+relationships with its suppliers".

What are some alternatives to "complicated relationships"?

Some alternatives include "intricate relationships", "complex interpersonal dynamics", or "difficult relationships" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "complicated relationships"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that the relationships involve many factors, are difficult to understand, or involve some level of conflict or tension. It suits both personal and professional contexts.

What makes "complicated relationships" different from "complex relationships"?

"Complicated relationships" often suggest a higher degree of difficulty or emotional involvement, while "complex relationships" might simply imply a multifaceted structure without necessarily being problematic.