fewer complications

USAGE SUMMARY

'fewer complications' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has become simpler or more straightforward. Here is an example sentence: The new procedure has fewer complications than the old one, making it easier to complete.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It means a smaller surgery and fewer complications.

The New York Times - Health

Acquiring Quaker also presents fewer complications for Pepsi than it would have for Coke.

The New York Times

They were persuaded by a small study showing that TMR seemed to produce fewer complications in hospitalized patients.

The New York Times

Medical literature has demonstrated that with a qualified doula, a mother is likely to have a shorter labor with fewer complications, including a lower chance of Caesarean section.

The New York Times

Proponents claim that the procedure results in less pain and fewer complications for patients than standard hip replacement.

The New York Times

The patients receiving the hair treatment reported half as much pain, were treated in one third the time and had far less scarring and fewer complications.

The New York Times - Health

Families would face far fewer complications and fuller equality by living in states that recognize their unions.

The New York Times

The ADC indeed triggered fewer complications than the standard treatment did, though it failed to eliminate them completely.

The Economist

But it does involve fewer complications.

Forbes

Besides fewer complications, the approach seems to be cost effective.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

A novel agent with fewer complications would be desirable.

The Spine Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the benefits of a new medical procedure or treatment, use "fewer complications" to highlight the improved safety profile.

Common error

While generally appropriate, avoid using "fewer complications" in very informal settings where simpler language like "easier" or "less trouble" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer complications" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun, typically used to describe a situation or process that has been simplified or made less prone to problems. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fewer complications" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to highlight the simplification or improvement of a process, situation, or product. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently used across scientific, news, and business contexts, emphasizing reduced risks and increased manageability. While direct alternatives like "reduced difficulties" or "less problematic" exist, the key is to ensure the language aligns with the tone and audience of the intended message. Using "fewer complications" effectively communicates a sense of enhanced safety and efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced difficulties

Focuses on the reduction of general difficulties, rather than specifically complications.

less problematic

Emphasizes that something is less likely to cause problems.

decreased risks

Highlights the reduction of potential dangers or hazards.

minimized issues

Focuses on reducing the number and impact of issues.

simplified process

Highlights the simplification of a process, implying fewer potential problems.

smoother execution

Emphasizes the smoother nature of a task or process, suggesting fewer hitches.

less complex

Highlights a reduction in complexity, which often leads to fewer complications.

more straightforward

Indicates increased simplicity and directness, reducing the likelihood of problems.

easier to manage

Focuses on manageability, implying a reduction in potential complications.

less intricate

Indicates a reduction in intricacy, suggesting fewer points of potential failure or complication.

FAQs

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

You can use "fewer complications" to describe something that has become simpler or more straightforward. For instance: "The new surgical technique results in "fewer complications" and faster recovery times".

What's a good alternative to "fewer complications"?

Alternatives to "fewer complications" include "reduced difficulties", "less problematic", or "decreased risks" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "fewer complications" or "less complications"?

While "less complications" is sometimes used, "fewer complications" is grammatically more correct because "complications" is a countable noun.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "fewer complications"?

The phrase "fewer complications" is particularly suitable in professional contexts, such as medical, technical, or business settings, where a precise and somewhat formal tone is required.