complications

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'complications' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations or projects which are more difficult or complex than originally anticipated. Example sentence: The project had unexpected complications which made it more difficult than originally planned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also offered medication; social work support to help people deal with defaulted bills, missed rent and other such complications that so often accompany a serious mental breakdown; and an occupational therapy programme, including walking groups and art groups.

The Guardian

Her daughter-in-law tells me they just got her a prosthetic leg – her left leg was amputated due to complications of diabetes – and they're waiting till they can afford the cataract surgery, which after all is not essential.

The Guardian

But we got to hospital too late for an epidural, and then there were complications.

The Guardian - Opinion

The outcome for the baby is the same in different settings except in the case of first-time mothers giving birth at home, where there is a "small increase" in risk of serious complications – nine in every 1,000 compared with five in every 1,000 in the other settings – which the guidance says mothers should be advised about.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mother of two requires four and a half hours dialysis every other day and is also suffering from complications caused by anaemia.

The Guardian

It is important to be assessed as being fit for a home birth – any medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy as well as any previous complications in a pregnancy such as a caesarean section, high blood pressure or haemorrhage may result in being recommended to opt for a planned birth at an obstetric unit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The authoritative study also identifies four hospital trusts where an unexpectedly high number of patients died after developing complications following routine operations.

The Guardian

In Italy, Spero, who has died aged 83 of respiratory complications, discovered the vigour and immediacy of ancient Etruscan art; in Paris, where she and Golub settled in 1959, she discovered the troubled art and writings of the manic-depressive artist and inventor of the so-called theatre of cruelty, Antonin Artaud.

The Guardian - Arts

It is suspected that Jandyra suffered fatal complications during the abortion, with prosecutors alleging the gang then disfigured her body to protect themselves by preventing her from being identified.

The Guardian

The CIA in the first half of 2003 interrogated four detainees described as having "medical complications in their lower extremities": two had a broken foot, one had a sprained ankle and one a prosthetic leg.

The Guardian

According to figures from the Chilean Institute of Reproductive Medicine, the number of women entering hospitals between 1990-2000 as a result of complications from attempted abortions decreased from 36 to 29 per 100,000 women.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "difficulties", "challenges", or "complexities" to add variety to your writing and to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "complications" excessively in formal documents. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "challenges" or "complexities", which may be more suitable depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The noun "complications" functions primarily as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting the presence of difficulties or problems. As Ludwig AI states, this word is correct and usable in written English, frequently describing projects or situations that are more complex or difficult than expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Opinion

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complications" is a commonly used noun that denotes difficulties or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, particularly when describing situations that become more challenging than initially anticipated. While its register is generally neutral, remember that context matters. As per the linguistic analysis, it functions as a subject or object, informing about challenges. The primary contexts where you'll find "complications" are news, lifestyle articles, and sports reports. For alternative phrasing, consider "difficulties", "complexities", or "problems", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulties

Focuses more generally on the presence of trouble or challenges.

problems

Highlights specific issues that need to be addressed.

complexities

Emphasizes the intricate or involved nature of a situation.

difficulties encountered

Specifies that the problems were actually experienced.

challenges

Implies that the situation requires effort and determination to overcome.

issues

A more general term for points of concern or debate.

setbacks

Indicates a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

obstacles

Emphasizes the barriers that hinder progress.

hiccups

Suggests minor, temporary disruptions.

snags

Implies unexpected, often minor, problems.

FAQs

How to use "complications" in a sentence?

"Complications" is a noun typically used to refer to difficulties or problems that arise, often unexpectedly. For example: "The surgery went well, but there were some post-operative "complications"." or "The project faced numerous "complications" due to lack of funding."

What can I say instead of "complications"?

You can use alternatives like "difficulties", "problems", "complexities", or "challenges" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "complications arise" or "complications raises"?

"Complications arise" is correct. "Complications" is plural, so it requires the plural form of the verb "arise". The phrase "complications raise" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "complications" and "implications"?

"Complications" refer to difficulties or problems that arise in a situation, while "implications" refer to the potential consequences or effects of a decision or action. "Complications" are hindrances; "implications" are results or outcomes.