is complicated by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is complicated by" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to something making a situation or process more difficult. For example, you could say, "The decision process is complicated by the number of options available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This battle is complicated by national rivalries.

The Economist

The situation is complicated by the Republicans' voting rules.

The New York Times

How Buttler achieves this is complicated by the schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

Pfizer's task is complicated by its past success.

The New York Times

Addressing the issue is complicated by a regulatory tangle.

The New York Times - Travel

For athletes, the calculus is complicated by an unspoken code.

The New York Times

This view is complicated by Iran's position in regional politics.

The New Yorker

The task is complicated by Keynes's famous indifference to consistency.

The New Yorker

A Los Angeles couple's romance is complicated by their exes.

The New York Times - Books

Selecting an actual playing XI is complicated by other matters.

The Guardian - Sport

This is complicated by the insularity of her vision.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is complicated by", ensure the complicating factor is clearly identified to provide context and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is complicated by" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider rephrasing to an active voice for a more direct and engaging writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is complicated by" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective ("complicated") and a preposition ("by") to indicate that a particular situation or process is made more difficult or intricate due to a specific factor. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is complicated by" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that a situation or process is made more difficult due to a particular factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While it is generally neutral to formal in register, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider active voice alternatives for more engaging writing. The phrase serves to highlight complexities and challenges, adding depth and detail to explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is made more complex by

Focuses on the act of making something complex, emphasizing the resulting state.

is exacerbated by

Highlights the worsening of a situation due to an additional factor.

is hindered by

Emphasizes obstruction or delay caused by something.

is compounded by

Stresses the accumulation of difficulties.

is tangled up with

Implies a confusing interrelationship.

is worsened by

Focuses on the negative impact and deterioration caused.

is disrupted by

Indicates an interruption or disturbance.

is made intricate by

Highlights the detailed and complex nature introduced.

faces challenges due to

Emphasizes the obstacles encountered because of something.

is affected by

A more general term indicating influence, not necessarily negative or complicating.

FAQs

How can I use "is complicated by" in a sentence?

You can use "is complicated by" to indicate that something makes a situation or process more difficult. For example, "The negotiation process is complicated by the differing demands of each party".

What are some alternatives to "is complicated by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is made more complex by", "is exacerbated by", or "is hindered by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is complicated by" formal or informal?

"Is complicated by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might exist for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "is complicated by" and "is due to"?

"Is complicated by" indicates that something makes a situation more complex, whereas "is due to" indicates the cause of something. They are not interchangeable.