complicated text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated text" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a piece of writing that is difficult to understand due to its complexity or intricate language. Example: "The professor assigned a complicated text that required multiple readings to fully grasp the concepts presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"But it's a much more complicated text".

The New York Times - Books

"I know what it is to try and control a complicated text, and spent years learning my trade.

The Guardian - Books

The Common Core is not an attempt to pack kids' heads with an officially sanctioned list of facts, but to assure that they are able to read a complicated text and understand it, to recognize a problem and know how to solve it.

The New York Times

"The focus on the audience was something that really struck me". Learning to organize information visually was also key: "In the Technical Communication II course, I made mini-posters to explain scientific concepts visually, to make them easier to understand than a whole block of complicated text, and I really liked that.

University of California, Berkeley

However, given that his audience is likely to spend the next few days, and possibly nights as well, working through every comma of a complicated text, the minister could also have cashed in on some Issa alternatives.

BBC

I am not a Constitutional scholar by any means but it's not a complicated text: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But not everyone can read, or read complicated texts.

Harvard University

"I sing because I enjoy singing, not simply because I need to sing complicated texts".

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Larmore is a first-rate practitioner: cheerful, poised, rich of voice and unfazed by Rossini's complicated texts.

The New York Times - Arts

The two professors faced skepticism from colleagues who admired their ambition but doubted whether this population could handle such complicated texts.

Princeton University

Recently, however, it has been argued convincingly that Marchia's admittedly complicated texts could be read in a different, less radical way.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use visual aids like diagrams or mind maps to simplify the information presented in a "complicated text".

Common error

Avoid trying to explain a "complicated text" with overly complex language. Strive for clarity and simplicity in your explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated text" functions as a noun phrase, where 'complicated' modifies the noun 'text'. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase identifies a piece of writing characterized by its complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complicated text" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe written material that is difficult to understand due to its complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news, academic, and general contexts. When encountering or referring to a "complicated text", it's helpful to break it down into smaller parts or use visual aids to improve comprehension. While alternatives like "complex text" or "difficult text" exist, "complicated text" serves as a straightforward and widely recognized descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex text

Uses 'complex' instead of 'complicated', implying a similar level of intricacy.

difficult text

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding the text.

intricate text

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the text.

dense text

Emphasizes the high concentration of information within the text.

convoluted text

Suggests the text is unnecessarily complex and hard to follow.

challenging text

Emphasizes the intellectual challenge posed by the text.

problematic text

Indicates there are issues or difficulties associated with the text.

technical text

Specifically refers to text involving technical or specialized knowledge.

obscure text

Implies the text is not easily understood due to its vagueness or ambiguity.

impenetrable text

Suggests the text is impossible to understand.

FAQs

How can I improve my understanding of a "complicated text"?

Try breaking the text into smaller sections, summarizing each part, and looking up unfamiliar terms. Consider using visual aids to map out complex relationships.

What are some alternatives to saying "complicated text"?

You can use alternatives such as "complex text", "difficult text", or "intricate text" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "complicated text" or "complex text"?

Both "complicated text" and "complex text" are generally interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference, although "complex" might sound slightly more formal.

In what situations is it best to describe something as a "complicated text"?

It is suitable when the text requires significant effort to understand due to its structure, language, or content. It is also helpful to signal to readers that extra time and effort may be needed.