highly complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly complicated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is very difficult and complex. For example, "The tax filing process is highly complicated and time-consuming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Infant nutrition is a highly complicated issue," said Gately.

The Guardian

The regulations are often strict, highly complicated and easily ignored.

The New York Times

The 42nd president added, however: "This is highly complicated.

The Guardian

His plots are highly complicated and carefully planned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There's no start date proposed because of the highly complicated site preparation".

The New York Times

Mr Richards added: "It's a difficult and highly complicated business and you need someone with experience".

The Guardian

Political operatives and campaign finance activists will joust over which highly complicated campaign finance rules apply.

The New York Times

She called the proposal "a dangerous and shortsighted answer to a highly complicated question".

The New York Times

It is a very exciting read but it's also highly complicated.

The Guardian - Books

This is a highly complicated process covering a hugely diverse range of sometimes interconnected regulations.

The Guardian

Such lizards propel themselves entirely by lateral undulations emanating from highly complicated ventral abdominal muscles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly complicated", ensure the context clarifies why it is so. Specific details enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "highly complicated" as a vague descriptor. Instead, provide concrete examples or reasons to support the claim of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly complicated" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to attribute a high degree of complexity to a noun, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly complicated" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that effectively conveys a significant level of complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While appropriate for various contexts, its impact is maximized when paired with specific examples or reasons to substantiate the claim of complexity. Consider synonyms such as ""extremely complex"" or ""incredibly intricate"" for stylistic variation. This phrase is especially common in scientific and news-related writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely complex

Emphasizes the level of intricacy using a different adjective.

incredibly intricate

Focuses on the detailed and interwoven nature of the complexity.

terribly convoluted

Highlights the winding and confusing aspect of the complication.

awfully sophisticated

Suggests a high level of complexity that also implies advanced design.

remarkably labyrinthine

Draws a comparison to a labyrinth, emphasizing the difficulty in navigating or understanding.

exceptionally knotty

Indicates a problem or situation that is full of complications and difficult to resolve.

unduly involved

Implies that the complication is unnecessary or excessive.

pointlessly Byzantine

Suggests the complexity is excessive and serves no real purpose.

monstrously baroque

Highlights the ornateness and excessiveness of the complication.

unusually problematic

Shifts focus from the inherent complexity to the troubles it causes.

FAQs

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

You can use "highly complicated" to describe processes, systems, or situations that are difficult to understand or deal with due to their complexity. For example, "The legal system is "highly complicated" and requires expert advice."

What are some alternatives to "highly complicated"?

Alternatives include "extremely complex", "incredibly intricate", or "terribly convoluted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very complicated" or "highly complicated"?

"Highly complicated" suggests a greater degree of complexity than "very complicated". The choice depends on the intensity of complexity you wish to emphasize.

Can "highly complicated" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "highly complicated" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though in more formal settings, consider alternatives like "extremely complex" for a more sophisticated tone.