in a complex way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a complex way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a method or manner that is intricate or not straightforward. Example: "The scientist explained the phenomenon in a complex way, making it difficult for the layperson to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are tragic in a complex way.

Independent

Self's painted colours are related in a complex way to the colours of the plants.

The Guardian - Arts

Wear performance of any tribological system can be influenced in a complex way by water contamination.

Tribology International

The hardness depends critically and in a complex way on the Si3N4 content and the TiSi2/Si3N4 ratio.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Combined shears, shuffles and interface shifts operate in a complex way to generate the (1 1 4) twin.

Acta Materialia

It is demonstrated that uncertainties of individual variables are not simply superposed but interact in a complex way.

Journal of Hydrology

The sex hormones secreted from the pituitary gland interact in a complex way to regulate the growth of the gonads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These changes in the nuclear distribution of chromatin are, in a complex way, related to transcriptional status and epigenetic modifications.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development

Choreographing for a group, as Mr. Sewell is in "Moving Works," meant that he could layer patterns and structures in a complex way.

The New York Times - Arts

It really makes you think about people and emotions in a complex way; it was strange, grotesque, explicit, but it held nothing back.

The Guardian

She bonds in a complex way with Pat by giving him a pejorative, one-minute summary of Lord of the Flies before throwing it out into the street.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a complex way", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects are complex. Avoid vague statements and provide specific details to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in a complex way" as a placeholder for actual explanation. Instead of saying "the system interacts in a complex way", specify how it interacts to give your writing more depth and informative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a complex way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a situation exists. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a complex way" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that adds nuance to writing by indicating intricate or multifaceted relationships. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, according to Ludwig, it’s crucial to avoid overgeneralization when employing this phrase; instead, offer specifics about the involved complexities for enhanced clarity. While alternatives such as "in an intricate manner" or "through a multifaceted approach" exist, the most suitable choice hinges on the specific shade of meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an intricate manner

Focuses more on the detailed and elaborate nature of the process.

with layers of complication

Highlights the stacked and interwoven nature of the complexity.

through a multifaceted approach

Emphasizes the many different aspects or angles involved.

in a sophisticated fashion

Suggests a high level of refinement and expertise.

by means of elaborate design

Emphasizes the careful and detailed planning involved.

with considerable difficulty

Highlights the challenges and effort required.

through perplexing interactions

Highlights the confusing and puzzling nature of the interactions.

by convoluted means

Implies a winding and complicated path.

in a tangled web

Suggests interconnected and confusing elements.

through a labyrinthine process

Conveys a sense of being lost in a complex system.

FAQs

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

Use "in a complex way" to describe processes or interactions that are intricate and not easily understood. For instance, "The economic factors are intertwined "in a complex way", making predictions difficult."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in a complex way"?

Alternatives include "in an intricate manner", "through a multifaceted approach", or "with considerable difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a complex way" or "in a complicated way"?

While both are acceptable, "in a complex way" often implies intricacy and interconnectedness, whereas "in a complicated way" suggests difficulty and confusion. The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended emphasis.

How can I avoid overuse of the phrase "in a complex way" in my writing?

To avoid overuse, try to replace it with more specific language that describes the nature of the complexity. For example, instead of saying "the data is related "in a complex way"", specify the type of relationship such as "the data exhibits a nonlinear correlation".