from simple to complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'from simple to complex' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something increases in complexity or becomes more intricate over time. For example, "The software design went from simple to complex as the project progressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Furthermore, their perceived series often proceeds from simple to complex and often equates highest perceived complexity with most human-like.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The method is applied to Quickbird images for various urban complexity levels, extending from simple to complex urban patterns.

International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation

This model involves gradually increasing complexity, evolving in a linear series from simple to complex eyes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

A change from simple to complex gills is also possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I loved the physical nature of it, prepping, seeing how things change from simple to complex.

The New York Times - Food

Faunal succession occurs because evolution generally progresses from simple to complex in a nonrepetitive and orderly manner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the names people choose for their children vary from simple to complex, and that decision determines some of their outcomes later in life.

The New Yorker

As it builds from simple to complex, you hear metric units within metric units, and then, dizzyingly, yet faster units within those smaller ones.

The New York Times - Arts

This was in line with his epigenetic idea basic to embryology ever since that development proceeds from simple to complex, from homogeneous to heterogeneous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What resulted are 250 drawings, considered one work by the artist, that range from simple to complex images: among them water, mazes, clocks, houses, abstract doodles, personal comments and fragments of texts.

The New York Times - Arts

What has resulted are 250 drawings, considered one work by the artist, that range from simple to complex images: among them water, mazes, clocks, houses, abstract doodles, personal comments and fragments of texts.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a learning curve or process, use "from simple to complex" to illustrate the incremental increase in sophistication or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "from simple to complex" when describing a change that isn't necessarily about increasing complexity but rather a lateral shift or transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from simple to complex" functions as an adverbial phrase describing a direction or progression. It modifies verbs or clauses to indicate how something changes or develops over time. As seen in Ludwig, it is commonly used in various academic and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from simple to complex" is a versatile expression used to describe progressions across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It indicates a developmental process where intricacy increases incrementally. Appropriate across scientific, journalistic, and general contexts, it clearly conveys a movement towards greater sophistication. While predominantly found in Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias, its application is wide-ranging. When writing, remember to reserve it for situations truly reflecting an increase in complexity, and avoid substituting it for changes of a different nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from uncomplicated to intricate

Focuses on the degree of detail and elaboration involved.

from basic to advanced

Emphasizes the level of skill or knowledge required.

from rudimentary to sophisticated

Highlights the level of refinement or elegance achieved.

from easy to difficult

Changes the focus from complexity to the level of difficulty.

from plain to elaborate

Stresses the amount of ornamentation or decoration added.

from minimal to comprehensive

Highlights the degree of completeness or thoroughness.

from immature to mature

Shifts the focus to a development process through time.

from primitive to modern

Emphasizes the historical development over time.

from initial to final

Focuses on the progression from beginning to the end.

from small to large-scale

Stresses the increase in magnitude or scope.

FAQs

How can I use "from simple to complex" in a sentence?

You can use "from simple to complex" to describe a progression in various fields. For example, "The curriculum is designed to guide students "from simple to complex" concepts in mathematics."

What are some alternatives to "from simple to complex"?

Alternatives include "from basic to advanced", "from rudimentary to sophisticated", or "from easy to difficult", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe evolution as "from simple to complex"?

While it is often portrayed that way, evolution isn't always a direct progression "from simple to complex". Convergences and reversals are common, meaning complexity can sometimes be lost or simplified in certain lineages.

In what contexts is the phrase "from simple to complex" most appropriate?

This phrase is most appropriate when describing a gradual increase in intricacy, such as in the development of skills, the design of systems, or the progression of ideas. It's applicable across many domains, including science, education, and technology.