complications arise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complications arise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where unexpected issues or difficulties occur in a situation or process. Example: "While planning the event, we anticipated that complications arise, but we were prepared to handle them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When life is complicated then many complications arise.

Huffington Post

There complications arise.

The New Yorker

Other complications arise.

The New York Times - Arts

What's your policy if complications arise?

The New York Times

Complications arise when he has to make the introductions.

The New Yorker

Complications arise when Olivia decides that Cesario is the man of her dreams.

The New York Times

When dealing with a corporate behemoth like eBay, though, complications arise.

The New Yorker

As Coron prepares for his sacrifice, complications arise that will affect the 'new world'…….

The Guardian

Inevitably, complications arise – some predictable, some not – and Ockrent reveals an undoubted gift for comedy.

The Guardian

Further complications arise – spies, betrayal, dark matter, time travel, that sort of thing.

The Guardian - Film

This pot of money can then be used if complications arise during pregnancy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complications arise" to signal the emergence of unforeseen difficulties in a process, situation, or plan. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight that the problems are a natural consequence of the context.

Common error

Avoid using "complications arise" in contexts where simpler language suffices. Overusing the phrase in everyday situations can make your writing sound overly formal or unnecessarily dramatic. Opt for more direct language like "problems occur" or "issues come up" for minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complications arise" functions as a verb phrase indicating the emergence or occurrence of problems. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness. Examples show its use in describing unforeseen difficulties in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complications arise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the emergence of unexpected difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of overuse in simple situations, and consider alternatives like "difficulties emerge" or "problems crop up" for variety. Its widespread adoption across diverse sources reinforces its acceptance and effectiveness in conveying the presence of emerging issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulties emerge

Replaces "complications" with "difficulties" and "arise" with "emerge", focusing on the appearance of problems.

unexpected problems arise

Adds "unexpected" to emphasize the element of surprise in the emergence of difficulties.

problems crop up

Substitutes "complications" with "problems" and uses the phrasal verb "crop up" to indicate sudden appearance.

unforeseen difficulties occur

Similar to the previous, but uses "unforeseen" for a more formal tone.

issues surface

Replaces "complications" with "issues" and "arise" with "surface", emphasizing the revelation of underlying problems.

challenges present themselves

Replaces "complications" with "challenges" and uses a more formal structure, suggesting difficulties that need to be addressed.

obstacles emerge

Highlights the hindering nature of the problems by using "obstacles" instead of "complications".

setbacks occur

Focuses on the negative impact of the problems by using "setbacks" instead of "complications", highlighting delays or impediments.

roadblocks develop

Uses a metaphor of "roadblocks" to convey the sense of progress being impeded by the arising problems.

snags develop

Uses the informal term "snags" to refer to small, unexpected problems that can cause delays.

FAQs

How can I use "complications arise" in a sentence?

You can use "complications arise" to indicate the emergence of unexpected difficulties. For example: "During the project, "complications arise" due to unforeseen circumstances", or "If "complications arise", we have a backup plan".

What are some alternatives to "complications arise"?

Alternatives include "difficulties emerge", "problems crop up", or "issues surface". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "complications arise" in formal writing?

Yes, "complications arise" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in academic, business, and professional contexts to describe the development of problems.

What is the difference between "complications arise" and "difficulties arise"?

While similar, "complications arise" often implies a more intricate or complex set of problems, whereas "difficulties arise" can refer to simpler challenges. The choice depends on the nature and severity of the problems being described.