far too complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively complicated or intricate, often in a negative context. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were far too complex for me to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's far too complex.

The Guardian

The situation is far too complex.

The Economist

SALT theory is far too complex.

The New Yorker

The current arrangements are far too complex.

The Economist

The world is far too complex, far too interconnected.

The Guardian

At first the procedure was far too complex.

The Guardian - Tech

The man he develops into is far too complex for a single name to control.

The New York Times

But Dodd-Frank is far too complex, and becoming more so.

The Economist

"This is far too complex a matter," Mr. Wyda said, "for a layperson to represent themselves".

The New York Times

The astronomer Patrick Moore said: "They've made it far too complex.

The Guardian

Again, life is far too complex to be predicted with any consistency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far too complex", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described and why its complexity is problematic. Be specific about the consequences or implications of this complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "far too complex" as a generic criticism without explaining the specific complexities. Instead of simply stating something is "far too complex", identify the key elements that contribute to its complexity and explain why they are problematic or unmanageable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too complex" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the adjective "complex", indicating a degree of complexity that is excessive or problematic, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far too complex" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something is excessively complicated. According to Ludwig, it's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it carries an implicit negative connotation, suggesting that the complexity is problematic. To avoid vagueness, it's best to specify the exact reasons for the complexity when using this phrase. You can also use alternatives such as "excessively complicated" or "overly intricate", depending on the specific shade of meaning you're trying to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively complicated

Emphasizes the high degree of complication, often more formal.

overly intricate

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the complexity.

exceedingly convoluted

Suggests the complexity is confusing and difficult to follow.

too difficult to grasp

Focuses on the cognitive challenge posed by the complexity.

beyond comprehension

Highlights that the complexity is insurmountable, making understanding impossible.

inordinately knotty

Implies the complexity is tangled and hard to resolve.

unnecessarily labyrinthine

Draws an analogy to a maze, indicating confusing and indirect complexity.

a Gordian knot

Evokes the image of an impossibly complex knot that must be cut rather than untied.

impossibly Byzantine

Refers to the historical Byzantine Empire, known for its intricate bureaucracy.

quite unfathomable

Emphasizes the inability to fully explore or understand the complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "far too complex" in a sentence?

You can use "far too complex" to describe something that is excessively complicated and difficult to understand or manage. For example, "The instructions were "far too complex" for me to assemble the furniture."

What are some alternatives to saying "far too complex"?

Alternatives include "excessively complicated", "overly intricate", or "too difficult to understand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "far too complex" in formal writing?

Yes, "far too complex" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure that your usage is precise and that you provide sufficient context. More formal alternatives like "exceedingly convoluted" may also be considered.

What's the difference between "far too complex" and "very complex"?

"Far too complex" implies that something is not only complex but excessively so, making it unmanageable or problematic. "Very complex" simply indicates a high degree of complexity without necessarily implying a negative consequence.