grows in complexity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grows in complexity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, concept, or problem that becomes more intricate or difficult over time. Example: "As the project progressed, the requirements grew in complexity, making it challenging for the team to keep up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The system grows in complexity as more elements are allowed to interact.

Cornell University

The story that Adam Payne has found among those simple nouns is one that grows in complexity with each rereading.

The New York Times - Books

Just when new CEOs think they can finally stop managing upward, the need to do so grows in complexity.

Harvard Business Review

Such dependencies in a computer program often lead to bugs, especially as an app grows in complexity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(All ages) In a poem using only 56 common nouns, the illustrator has found a story that grows in complexity with each rereading as a little girl sets off on a dream journey.

The New York Times - Books

If you feel that it grows in complexity (in a good way) and you enjoy the conceit, brought home during the closing credits, of the movie's meanings being out of the filmmakers' control, you may rank it very high indeed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But as all software has grown in complexity  –  with interoperability between highly complex systems now the standard – the needs for developer support has grown".

TechCrunch

Modern health care has become extremely complex and it continues to grow in complexity because of economic pressures (new levels of efficiency and productivity), and as a result of the increasing capabilities of modern medicine [ 1].

BMC Medical Education

Computing systems are ever growing in complexity.

Procedia Computer Science

Accordingly, her job has grown in complexity and scope.

The New Yorker

Today, with the industry growing in complexity and scope, employers are scrutinizing applicants' educational bona fides.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grows in complexity" to describe processes, systems, or narratives that become more intricate over time, adding layers of detail or interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "grows in complexity" when simpler terms like "becomes more difficult" or "gets harder" would suffice. Using overly formal language in everyday contexts can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grows in complexity" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a progressive change in the state of something. It describes how a subject gradually becomes more intricate or complicated, as evidenced by the Ludwig AI examples. It is commonly used to explain processes, systems, and narratives, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grows in complexity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that effectively describes the evolution of a subject toward a more complicated or intricate state. According to Ludwig, it is common in News & Media, Science, and Academia. Its neutral-to-formal register makes it appropriate for describing processes, systems, and narratives across various fields. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you aim to convey, such as "becomes more complicated" or "increases in intricacy". Be cautious of overusing this phrase in simpler contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deepens in complexity

Emphasizes that complexity develops from deep layers and nuances.

becomes more complicated

Uses the common word "complicated" instead of "complexity".

increases in intricacy

Focuses on the quality of intricacy rather than the process of growth.

becomes increasingly elaborate

Focuses on the elaborateness of something.

evolves into intricacy

Emphasizes the evolutionary aspect of developing intricacy.

advances in complication

More formal phrasing.

escalates in sophistication

Highlights the sophistication aspect of the growth.

matures into intricacy

Emphasizes the maturity and complete development of intricacy.

expands in convolution

Uses "convolution" to emphasize the convoluted nature of the growth.

inflates in complication

Presents a negative connotation of unnecessary complication or inflation.

FAQs

How can I use "grows in complexity" in a sentence?

You can use "grows in complexity" to describe how a system, process, or narrative becomes more intricate over time. For example, "As the project developed, the design "grows in complexity"".

What are some alternatives to "grows in complexity"?

Alternatives include "becomes more complicated", "increases in intricacy", or "becomes increasingly elaborate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "grows in complexity" or "increases in complexity"?

Both "grows in complexity" and "increases in complexity" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Grows" implies a more organic, gradual process, while "increases" suggests a more quantifiable change.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "grows in complexity"?

The phrase "grows in complexity" is appropriate when describing a process, system, or idea that becomes more intricate, detailed, or multi-faceted over time. It's often used in academic, scientific, and business contexts to explain how something evolves beyond its initial simple state.