is more complex than

USAGE SUMMARY

"is more complex than" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two or more things and indicate that one of them is more complex than the other(s). For example: "Designing a new website is more complex than writing a blog post."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The picture is more complex than that.

The Economist

Mud season is more complex than that.

The New York Times

It is more complex than this.

Independent

But the world, of course, is more complex than that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Actually, life is more complex than Bhutto's or Bush's rhetoric.

The New York Times - Books

But interpreting the SAT is more complex than it seems.

The New York Times

The truth, however, is more complex than the union line.

The Guardian - Books

The truth is more complex than her stereotype.

The New York Times

But the metaphor is more complex than that.

The New York Times

"Our society is more complex than those in other countries".

The New York Times

Arguably, The Price of Salt is more complex than that.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "is more complex than" in close proximity within your writing; vary your language with synonyms such as "is more intricate than" or "is more sophisticated than" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Don't assume that "is more complex than" inherently implies superiority. Complexity doesn't always equate to better; it simply means having more interconnected parts or a higher degree of intricacy. Ensure that the complexity you highlight serves a purpose in your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is more complex than" functions as a comparative expression. It's used to establish a relationship between two subjects, highlighting that one possesses a greater degree of intricacy or multifaceted nature than the other. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is more complex than" is a versatile comparative expression used to indicate a greater degree of intricacy or multifaceted nature between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and broadly accepted. Its primary function is to convey a comparative assessment, often observed in neutral and formal registers like news, science, and business. When writing, it's useful to remember that complexity doesn't always equate to superiority, and to avoid overuse by employing synonyms such as "is more intricate than" or "is more sophisticated than". Finally, the frequency of this phrase is very common, making it an integral part of expressing comparative ideas in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more sophisticated than

This alternative suggests a higher degree of refinement or advancement, rather than just complexity.

is more intricate than

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

is more involved than

This alternative highlights the numerous elements or steps required.

is more elaborate than

This alternative suggests a higher degree of detail and ornamentation.

is more convoluted than

This alternative implies a confusing and unnecessarily complicated structure.

is more challenging than

This alternative focuses on the difficulty and effort required.

is more demanding than

This alternative emphasizes the high requirements and expectations.

is harder than

This alternative offers a simpler, more direct way to express greater difficulty.

is more multifaceted than

This alternative emphasizes the many different aspects or features involved.

surpasses in complexity

This alternative uses a verb to express exceeding a level of complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "is more complex than" in a sentence?

You can use "is more complex than" to compare two subjects and indicate that one has more intricate details or is more difficult to understand. For example, "Quantum physics "is more complex than" classical mechanics".

What are some alternatives to "is more complex than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is more intricate than", "is more sophisticated than", or "is more involved than".

Is it always better for something to be "is more complex than" something else?

Not necessarily. Complexity doesn't always equal superiority. Sometimes, simplicity is more effective. "Is more complex than" simply indicates a greater degree of intricacy, not inherent value.

What is the difference between "is more complex than" and "is more complicated than"?

While similar, "is more complex than" often implies a rich interconnection of elements, while "is more complicated than" may suggest unnecessary difficulty or confusion. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize intricacy or difficulty.