discovered a complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discovered a complication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to finding an unexpected issue or problem, often in a medical or technical context. Example: "During the examination, the doctor discovered a complication that required immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In turn, Brasher et al (2003) discovered a complication rate amongst the preoperative physiotherapy group of 4.3%, compared to 2.6% in the case of the control group that did not receive preoperative physiotherapy [ 22].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As a result of these complications, the man who discovered a prostate-specific antigen, Dr. Richard J. Ablin, has called its widespread use a "public health disaster".

The New York Times

As a result of these complications, Richard J. Ablin, who in 1970 discovered a prostate-specific antigen, has called its widespread use a "public health disaster".

The New York Times

He had discovered a market.

The New Yorker

They also discovered a handgun.

The New York Times - Sports

Discovered a new protocol?

Science Magazine

Discovered a disease?

Science Magazine

I discovered a divided country.

BBC

Complications arise with the arrival of Phyllida Spotte-Hume, a Nellie Bly-like adventuress who has discovered an unknown tribe in Pahatlabong.

Huffington Post

They discovered an interesting pattern.

The New York Times

Johnston has been expected to retire since early last season, when doctors discovered complications related to a 1997 surgery on a herniated disk.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discovered a complication", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being examined or investigated when the complication was found. Provide specific details about the nature of the complication.

Common error

Avoid using "discovered a complication" in everyday situations where simpler phrases like "found a problem" or "noticed an issue" would suffice. This phrase is more appropriate for technical, medical, or complex scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovered a complication" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically describing the act of finding an unforeseen issue. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. It indicates that some process led to the unearthing of a problem.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discovered a complication" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the finding of an unexpected problem, particularly in technical or medical contexts. While considered rare, as indicated by Ludwig, it's suitable for formal writing and conveys a sense of careful investigation. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage, suggesting it effectively communicates the uncovering of an issue that adds complexity. Consider alternative phrases like "identified an issue" or "uncovered a problem" depending on the desired nuance. While not a common phrase, it is useful in specific scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified an issue

Focuses on identifying a problem rather than just discovering it.

uncovered a problem

Implies a problem was hidden or not easily apparent.

found a difficulty

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the finding.

detected an anomaly

Suggests a deviation from the norm was discovered.

revealed a snag

Indicates a small, unexpected problem was brought to light.

encountered an obstacle

Highlights the hindrance caused by the discovered issue.

recognized a setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the discovery.

diagnosed a problem

Suggests the problem was formally identified, often in a medical context.

ascertained a challenge

Implies a careful and thorough discovery of a difficult situation.

unearthed a hitch

Suggests digging or searching to find an unexpected problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "discovered a complication" in simpler terms?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "found a problem", "noticed an issue", or "identified a difficulty".

Is it appropriate to use "discovered a complication" in formal writing?

Yes, "discovered a complication" is suitable for formal writing, especially in technical, medical, or scientific contexts. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What's the difference between "discovered a complication" and "encountered a complication"?

"Discovered a complication" implies finding a problem through investigation or examination, while "encountered a complication" suggests facing a problem unexpectedly. The choice depends on whether the problem was actively sought or passively experienced.

In what situations is "discovered a complication" most appropriate?

Use "discovered a complication" when describing the process of identifying an unexpected problem or issue, particularly in fields like medicine, engineering, or research, where careful analysis is involved.