is complicated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is complicated with" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when describing a situation or issue that involves complexity due to certain factors or elements. Example: "The project is complicated with various regulations and requirements that must be met."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time, the current threat picture is complicated - with hundreds of Europeans and others fighting alongside IS having absorbed the groups ideology.

BBC

But that scenario is complicated with these two clubs.

The New York Times - Sports

The Lassa disease system is complicated with links to ecosystem services and livelihoods.

The Guardian

Admittedly, anything involving World Peace is complicated, with either the real or the name-changed kind.

The New York Times

But conducting an effective e-mail campaign is complicated, with challenges ranging from basic privacy issues to technical hurdles.

The New York Times

In addition, the Eurotunnel financing structure is complicated, with varying degrees of security for different bond issues and bank loans.

The New York Times

A fabulist and sometime confidence man, Eleazer Williams is notoriously difficult to comprehend: his own record is complicated with stories he created for different audiences.

University of Pennsylvania

Igor Sutyagin, a Russian military specialist at London's Royal United Services Institute, said the standoff in the Baltics is complicated, with both sides using exercises to send messages.

The Guardian

The EAL picture in England is complicated, with huge variations in the number of EAL learners in different parts of the country.

The Guardian

The report adds: "The current proposal for tax-free childcare is complicated, with resources focused on those with the highest incomes – the wrong priority at a time austerity.

The Guardian

Right now, the health care system is complicated, with lots of different payers and ways to negotiate prices and bill for services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is complicated with", ensure that the additional factors genuinely increase the complexity of the subject. Avoid using it as a generic way to describe any association; focus on situations where understanding or resolution becomes more challenging due to these factors.

Common error

Avoid using "is complicated with" when a simpler phrase like "is associated with" or "includes" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Only use the phrase when real complication takes place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is complicated with" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject with a description of its state, indicating that the subject's complexity is increased by the presence of additional factors. As noted by Ludwig AI, while grammatically correct, this phrase can sometimes sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is complicated with" is a phrase used to indicate that a situation or subject is made more complex by additional factors. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI notes it may sound awkward, and alternatives like "is complicated by" or "is made complex by" might be preferable. The phrase appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts, signaling a formal register. To enhance clarity, ensure that using this phrase is indeed necessary and not just a wordy substitute for simpler expressions. Understanding the source and intent behind this expression will give a strong understanding of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is made complex by

This alternative focuses on the action of making something complex, highlighting the cause of the complication.

is entangled with

This suggests a more intertwined and perhaps confusing relationship between elements.

is compounded by

This highlights that something is becoming more difficult or problematic due to additional factors.

is intertwined with

This suggests a close, often inseparable, connection that adds complexity.

is burdened by

This alternative highlights the negative impact of the additional elements, suggesting they are a weight or hindrance.

is subject to

This alternative emphasizes that it is liable for or exposed to certain influences or limitations, increasing complexity.

is affected by

This indicates that something experiences change due to certain components or environmental factors, thus making it complicated.

is muddled by

This highlights that it is confused and unclear due to certain components or environmental factors, thus making it complicated.

is exacerbated by

This suggests that something is worsened by the addition of other elements, complicating the situation.

is aggravated by

This is very similar to “is exacerbated by” and indicates that a situation is worsened by added factors.

FAQs

What does "is complicated with" mean?

The phrase "is complicated with" means that something is made more complex or difficult to understand or deal with because of the presence of additional factors or elements. It suggests that these additional factors introduce challenges or intricacies that were not present before.

What are some alternatives to "is complicated with"?

Alternatives include "is made complex by", "is entangled with", or "is compounded by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "is complicated with" in a sentence?

Use "is complicated with" to indicate that a situation, process, or concept becomes more complex due to the inclusion of other elements. For example: "The issue is complicated with legal ramifications."

Is "is complicated with" grammatically correct?

While grammatically acceptable, "is complicated with" can sound awkward. It's often better to use alternatives like "is complicated by" or "is made complex by" for clearer and more natural-sounding writing. Ludwig AI also suggests this.