complicated to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complicated to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to maintain or manage over time. Example: "The project became complicated to keep on track due to constant changes in requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Of course, I'm in favour of a more developed dialogue between critic and practitioner; but, as someone who is lucky enough to earn a living as a critic, it's less compromising and complicated to keep my creative life and my critical lives separate.

The Guardian

However, the vast selection of classes made it a bit complicated to keep my goal--getting a degree in physics or math or both--in mind.

Science Magazine

It's much less complicated to keep the current tenants happy than to spend time looking for another, paying for advertisements and arranging tours of the property.

Forbes

With the amount of managed service descriptions the response time increases and it becomes increasingly complicated to keep users patient if the search is executed directly on the descriptions.

Journal of Cloud Computing

"We are currently in the process of developing the framework for a viable sustainability project and anticipate we will be in a position to progress soon". The industry has been relatively slow on the take-up of cleaner fish which are expensive and complicated to keep.

BBC

Those promises proved complicated to keep, and Trump has since turned to U.S. taxpayers (at least initially) to finance the wall's construction.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As one participant stated: … it's complicated to try to keep that patient safe (Hospital 5- Medical/Surgical Charge Nurse).

BMC Health Services Research

It's complicated trying to keep both work and play balanced along with keeping up her age charade, but Liza rises to every challenge.

Huffington Post

The combination of companies involved — Google, the mobile device makers and the wireless carriers — has complicated efforts to keep updates flowing, according to those within the industry.

The Washington Post

The rules are complicated enough to keep the game interesting, but the skill is simple enough to require no athletic ability.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Wimmer has constructed a puzzle just complicated enough to keep you alert while Mr. Noyce, a protean Australian craftsman whose other credits include "Patriot Games" and "Rabbit-Proof Fence," throws the pieces in the air and watches them collide, explode and crash to the ground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complicated to keep", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being maintained and why it presents challenges. This provides clarity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated to keep" when simpler alternatives like "hard to maintain" suffice. Overusing complex language can obscure your message rather than clarify it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated to keep" functions as an infinitive phrase. It often acts as an adjective modifying a noun, describing something that presents challenges in maintenance or preservation. As Ludwig explains, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complicated to keep" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes something that is difficult to maintain or manage over time. While not exceptionally common, it appears in various reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its acceptability in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Consider alternatives like "difficult to maintain" or "challenging to sustain" for nuanced expression. Always ensure clarity regarding what is being maintained to maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to maintain

Focuses on the effort required for upkeep.

difficult to preserve

Emphasizes safeguarding something from decay or damage.

challenging to sustain

Highlights the ongoing effort to support something.

complex to manage

Shifts focus to the intricacies of control.

intricate to handle

Highlights the delicacy of dealing with something.

awkward to retain

Emphasizes the clumsy or ungainly nature of keeping something.

laborious to uphold

Focuses on the strenuous effort required.

cumbersome to safeguard

Highlights the unwieldy nature of protecting something.

problematic to conserve

Emphasizes the issues involved in preserving something.

unwieldy to control

Focuses on the difficulty of managing something due to its size or complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "complicated to keep" in a sentence?

You can use "complicated to keep" when describing something that requires significant effort or expertise to maintain in its current state. For example, "The data structure became "complicated to keep" consistent as the project grew."

What are some alternatives to "complicated to keep"?

Alternatives include "difficult to maintain", "hard to manage", or "challenging to sustain", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "complicated to keep" and "complex to maintain"?

While similar, "complicated to keep" suggests ongoing difficulty in preserving something, whereas "complex to maintain" emphasizes the intricate nature of the maintenance process itself. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific challenge.

In what situations should I avoid using "complicated to keep"?

Avoid using "complicated to keep" in informal contexts where simpler language is preferred. Also, if the task of keeping something is not particularly difficult, a less emphatic phrase would be more appropriate.