conceptually complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceptually complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea, theory, or subject that involves multiple layers of meaning or requires deep understanding. Example: "The concept of time travel is conceptually complex, involving intricate theories of physics and philosophy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

John F. Simon Jr. creates visually absorbing, conceptually complex software programs for laptop and television screens.

The New York Times - Arts

Her art, mostly in film, is essentially quiet, observational, and conceptually complex.

The Guardian - Arts

Vivas can appear friendly and then suddenly go very conceptually complex.

The Guardian

It involves lots of penetrating questions, conceptually complex debates and is infamously terrifying.

The Guardian

While the original version of MMC is mathematically elegant, it is conceptually complex and evaluation of model coefficients is difficult.

Combustion and Flame

Theories of communication predict a relationship between length and meaning, however: Longer descriptions should be more conceptually complex.

Cognition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Among these innovations, the increased secondary knapping of flakes points to conceptually more complex production sequences.

Quaternary International

It's hugely ambitious, musically and conceptually extremely complex, yet as ever with Dillon's music packing a huge emotional punch, too.

The Guardian - Music

Conceptually more complex than a theme in Western music, the raga consists of a particular scale pattern, various melodic formulas, and melodic relationships and fragments peculiar to this raga.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Functional analyses of systems conceptually decompose complex activities of whole systems into the activities of their contributing parts.

SEP

Collaboration is theoretically and conceptually a complex organisational characteristic [ 16- 21].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceptually complex" when you want to emphasize the difficulty in understanding the underlying ideas rather than just the details.

Common error

Avoid pairing "conceptually complex" with overly technical jargon. Instead, explain the concept in simpler terms before labeling it as complex to ensure your audience can follow your reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceptually complex" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as intricate and difficult to grasp. As Ludwig AI states, it is a valid and usable phrase in written English. Examples show its use in describing software programs, artistic endeavors, and theoretical frameworks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conceptually complex" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively describes ideas or subjects that are intricate and require deep understanding. Predominantly found in scientific, academic, and news contexts, the phrase signals a high degree of intricacy and abstraction. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to provide specific examples when using "conceptually complex", avoiding overuse of jargon. Alternatives like "intellectually challenging" or "theoretically intricate" can be used to fine-tune the emphasis. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its validity and utility in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually challenging

Focuses on the intellectual demand rather than the conceptual structure.

theoretically intricate

Highlights the complexity within a theoretical framework.

deeply nuanced

Emphasizes the subtle and layered aspects of a concept.

highly sophisticated

Indicates advanced development and intricacy of a concept.

abstract and multifaceted

Highlights the abstract nature and many aspects of a concept.

densely constructed

Focuses on the tightly packed and layered nature of a concept.

complicated in theory

Specifically points out theoretical complications.

multifaceted and abstract

Highlights the multiple facets and abstract nature of the subject.

analytically complex

Emphasizes the analytical challenges presented by the concept.

intrinsically perplexing

Highlights the inherent difficulty in understanding the concept.

FAQs

How can I use "conceptually complex" in a sentence?

You can use "conceptually complex" to describe intricate ideas or subjects, such as "The theory of relativity is a "conceptually complex" subject that requires deep understanding".

What are some alternatives to "conceptually complex"?

Alternatives include "intellectually challenging", "theoretically intricate", or "deeply nuanced", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "conceptually complex" or "complicated"?

"Conceptually complex" emphasizes the difficulty in grasping the underlying ideas, while "complicated" suggests intricacy in the details or structure. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight understanding or structural intricacy.

What makes something "conceptually complex"?

A concept is "conceptually complex" when it involves multiple layers of meaning, abstract ideas, and intricate relationships that require deep thought and analysis to understand fully.