highly complex

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly complex" is correct English and can be used in written English.
For example: "The process of creating a budget is highly complex and requires a great deal of analysis and research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet autism is highly complex.

The New York Times

This entity is highly complex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Housing benefit is highly complex.

The Guardian

The situation is highly complex.

The Guardian

The Trans-Alai subzone is highly complex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Government payment rules are highly complex.

The New York Times

A deal would nevertheless be highly complex.

The New York Times

"That is a highly complex cognitive process".

The New York Times

Some can become highly complex and surreal.

The Guardian - Tech

This is a highly complex conflict".

The Guardian

You enter on a highly complex traffic gyratory system.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "highly complex", provide specific examples to illustrate the nature and extent of the complexity. Avoid vague statements that lack concrete details.

Common error

Avoid using "highly complex" as a default descriptor. Ensure the subject truly warrants such a description. If it's only moderately intricate, consider using less emphatic terms such as "somewhat complex" or "moderately intricate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly complex" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the significant level of intricacy or complication associated with the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly complex" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something with a high degree of intricacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-accepted in written English. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "highly complex", it is best practice to provide specific examples to illustrate the complexity. Alternatives include "distinctly complex" and "extraordinarily complex". Remember that redundancy can occur if using the term "very" before the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctly complex

This alternative shares a similar meaning, but places a stronger emphasis on the clarity and recognizability of the complexity.

extraordinarily complex

This alternative emphasizes the exceptional degree of complexity involved.

exceedingly complex

This alternative emphasizes the degree to which something is complex, suggesting it's beyond the norm.

highly multifaceted

This alternative highlights the multiple aspects and dimensions that contribute to the complexity.

highly intricate

This alternative emphasizes the detailed and interwoven nature of the complexity.

quite complex

This alternative softens the emphasis, portraying the complexity as considerable but perhaps not overwhelming.

highly sophisticated

This alternative suggests that the complexity arises from advanced design or development.

incredibly convoluted

This alternative emphasizes the confusing and tangled nature of the complexity.

remarkably involved

This alternative highlights the numerous elements and dependencies contributing to the complexity.

terribly tangled

This alternative is used to define something particularly complex and difficult to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "highly complex" in a sentence?

You can use "highly complex" to describe systems, processes, or concepts that have many interconnected parts and are difficult to understand. For example, "The human brain is a "highly complex" organ" or "The tax code is "highly complex" and requires expert advice".

What are some alternatives to "highly complex"?

Alternatives to "highly complex" include "distinctly complex", "extraordinarily complex", or "highly intricate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very highly complex"?

Yes, using "very" before "highly complex" is generally redundant. The word "highly" already intensifies the complexity. Stick with ""highly complex"" for a clear and concise expression.

What's the difference between "highly complex" and "complicated"?

While both terms indicate intricacy, ""highly complex"" often implies a deep, interwoven structure, whereas "complicated" suggests difficulty in understanding or resolving something, potentially due to excessive elements or steps.