fairly complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairly complicated" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is somewhat complex or difficult to understand. Example: "The instructions for assembling the bookshelf were fairly complicated, but with some patience, I was able to complete it successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's fairly complicated," she said.

The New York Times

Now, this is a fairly complicated system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The journey to Jura is fairly complicated.

The Guardian - Books

So, this structure is actually fairly complicated for a vitamin.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So this is a large and fairly complicated team.

University of California, Berkeley

I think that Yemen is a fairly complicated situation.

The New Yorker

As they stand now, they are fairly complicated.

The New York Times

In fact, wardrobe requirements turn out to be fairly complicated.

The New York Times

Obviousness is rarely transcended, but it can become fairly complicated.

The New York Times - Arts

So the simple, nearest neighbor, k nearest neighbor can actually be made fairly complicated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Now in detail this is a fairly complicated and elaborate topic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, follow "fairly complicated" with a brief explanation of why it is so, offering context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly complicated" as a vague descriptor. Always provide specific details or examples to illustrate the complexity you're describing, making your writing more precise and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly complicated" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically modifying nouns to indicate a certain degree of complexity. It qualifies the noun by specifying that it is not simple, but also not excessively difficult to understand or deal with. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fairly complicated" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that has a moderate level of complexity. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from academic discussions to news reports. When using "fairly complicated", ensure that you provide enough context to clarify the nature of the complexity you're describing. Alternative phrases, such as "moderately complex" or "reasonably involved", can add nuance to your writing and help avoid repetition. Remember, while "fairly complicated" is versatile, providing specific examples of the complexity enhances clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately complex

Substitutes "complicated" with "complex" and "fairly" with "moderately", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

somewhat intricate

Replaces "complicated" with "intricate" and "fairly" with "somewhat", emphasizing the detailed nature of the complexity.

not straightforward

Provides a negation to imply complexity, suggesting something deviates from the simple or easy path.

reasonably involved

Replaces "complicated" with "involved" and "fairly" with "reasonably", suggesting a degree of complexity that requires some effort to understand.

rather challenging

Replaces "complicated" with "challenging" and "fairly" with "rather", emphasizing the difficulty and the effort required.

quite elaborate

Uses "elaborate" to convey complexity and "quite" as an intensifier, implying a detailed and intricate nature.

slightly convoluted

Replaces "complicated" with "convoluted" and "fairly" with "slightly", suggesting a twisted or complex structure that is difficult to follow.

somewhat knotty

Using "knotty" to replace "complicated" gives the nuance of something with many problems and "somewhat" instead of "fairly".

a bit difficult

Simplifies the phrase, replacing "fairly complicated" with a more straightforward expression of difficulty.

kind of tricky

Offers a more informal alternative, suggesting something requires careful handling or skill.

FAQs

What does "fairly complicated" mean?

The phrase "fairly complicated" means that something is moderately complex or intricate. It suggests that while it's not extremely difficult, it's also not simple or straightforward.

How can I use "fairly complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "fairly complicated" to describe tasks, systems, or ideas that have multiple steps or aspects that make them somewhat difficult to understand or execute. For instance, "The instructions were "somewhat intricate", making the assembly process fairly complicated."

What are some alternatives to "fairly complicated"?

Alternatives to "fairly complicated" include "moderately complex", "reasonably involved", or "not straightforward". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fairly complicated" or "very complicated"?

The choice between "fairly complicated" and "very complicated" depends on the degree of complexity you want to emphasize. "Fairly complicated" suggests a moderate level of difficulty, while "very complicated" indicates a higher degree of intricacy and difficulty.