has been complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been complex" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to something that has been complicated or difficult to understand over a period of time. Example: "The issue of climate change has been complex and ongoing, with scientists and politicians still struggling to find effective solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He complains that the government approach to empowering local economic communities has been complex and piecemeal.

The Guardian

The mayor's role regarding the rescue plan has been complex from the start.

The New York Times

The response to the coup from the international community has been complex.

The Guardian

The execution of affirmative action in India has been complex, messy and overarchingly politically motivated.

The Guardian - Opinion

The effect of the economic crisis on the labour market has been complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

As always with E.U. jobs, there has been complex horse-trading.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Polyamide 66 (PA66) has been complexed with the Lewis acid GaCl3 for the purpose of disrupting the interchain hydrogen bonded network.

Polymer

Reactions to the crime have been complex, partly because so many questions remain.

The New York Times

Compared with Bush's simplicities, Kerry's views have been complex.

The New Yorker

One no-trump might or might not have made; the play would have been complex.

The New York Times

For expediency, I wasn't going to have one acquire the other, it would have been complex.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been complex", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspects are complex. For example, specify whether it's a process, relationship, or situation that has been complex.

Common error

Avoid using "has been complex" as a vague descriptor. Instead, provide concrete details about the nature of the complexity. For example, instead of saying "The project has been complex", specify "The project has been complex due to multiple stakeholders and conflicting requirements."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been complex" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that something has involved intricacy, difficulty, or a multitude of interconnected elements over time. Ludwig AI validates its common use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been complex" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that has involved intricacies and difficulties over a period of time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, notably in news, science, and business domains. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key. Instead of vaguely stating that something "has been complex", provide details to illustrate the nature of the complexity. Alternatives such as "has been intricate" or "has been challenging" can be used to fine-tune the intended nuance. Overall, "has been complex" is a versatile phrase that, when used thoughtfully, effectively communicates the intricate nature of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been intricate

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of something.

has been complicated

Substitutes "complex" with "complicated", highlighting the confusing and difficult aspects.

has been challenging

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of something, using "challenging" as a replacement.

has been difficult to understand

Expands on the meaning of "complex" by specifying that something is hard to comprehend.

has been problematic

Replaces "complex" by signaling that something presents problems or difficulties.

has been convoluted

Uses "convoluted" to describe something that is twisted and difficult to follow.

has been multifaceted

Emphasizes the many aspects or dimensions that contribute to the complexity.

has been anything but straightforward

Highlights the lack of simplicity and directness, implying complexity.

has involved many complications

Shifts the focus to the numerous complications that have arisen.

has proven to be an enigma

Presents the subject as a puzzle or mystery, rather than simply complex.

FAQs

What does "has been complex" mean?

The phrase "has been complex" means that something has been difficult to understand or deal with over a period of time, often involving many different parts or aspects.

How can I use "has been complex" in a sentence?

You can use "has been complex" to describe a situation, process, relationship, or anything else that has involved complications. For example: "The negotiation process "has been complex" due to differing interests."

What are some alternatives to "has been complex"?

Some alternatives to "has been complex" include "has been intricate", "has been complicated", or "has been challenging" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has been complex" or "is complex"?

The choice between "has been complex" and "is complex" depends on whether you are referring to something that has been complex over a period of time ("has been complex") or something that is currently complex ("is complex").