is pretty complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is complicated or difficult to understand. Example: "The mathematical concept we are studying is pretty complex, requiring a deep understanding of various theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The guy is pretty complex and difficult and there is a dark side".

The Guardian

"Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff," he observes, and the movie, which came out in August, takes this statement as both its theme and its organizing principle.

The New York Times - Magazine

the actual channel reversal potential of a mixed conductanced channel which includes divalent permeability is pretty complex and I have good literature from the Jan and (separately) Lewis modelling of the 1970s/80s.

Yale University

"American Splendor" celebrates the notion that "ordinary life is pretty complex stuff," a line that could have been written by Mr. Pekar but was, as it happens, written by Ms. Springer Berman and Mr. Pulcini.

The New York Times

"Like all social behaviors, spanking is pretty complex if you dig into it," Dr. Holden said, "and a lot of that complexity has been completely ignored by previous researchers".

The New York Times

Adopting the philosophy that "ordinary life is pretty complex stuff", his comics relayed the painful experiences of a creative-minded, penny-pinching curmudgeon at odds with the world, who floundered while working as a file clerk in a hospital, a job he held down even after his comic book success.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"These songs are pretty complex, actually.

The New York Times - Arts

It's pretty complex," explains Codacci-Pisanelli.

The Guardian

The insanity of love was pretty complex, too.

The New York Times

Some of my tics can be pretty complex: "Alexa Chung died.

The Guardian

"It's pretty complex," said Elyse Fink, a spokeswoman for the buildings department.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is pretty complex", consider your audience. While generally acceptable, in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym like "intricate" or "convoluted" to enhance clarity and precision.

Common error

While "pretty" is acceptable, avoid relying on it too frequently as an intensifier. Overuse can dilute your writing's impact. Instead, vary your language with stronger adverbs like "remarkably", "exceptionally", or "significantly" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty complex" functions as a subject complement, describing a subject as having a high degree of intricacy or difficulty. It typically follows a linking verb such as "is", providing further information about the subject's nature. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is pretty complex" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe something as intricate or difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While "pretty" adds a touch of informality, making it less suitable for highly formal writing, it effectively conveys a sense of complexity in everyday language. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "intricate" or "convoluted" for increased precision in formal settings. Being mindful of overuse and varying your language with stronger adverbs will also enhance your writing's impact. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures effective communication across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite intricate

Replaces "pretty" with "quite" and "complex" with "intricate", offering a slightly more formal tone.

is rather complicated

Substitutes "pretty" with "rather" and "complex" with "complicated", conveying a similar level of complexity.

is fairly sophisticated

Replaces "pretty" with "fairly" and "complex" with "sophisticated", suggesting a refined or advanced complexity.

is notably convoluted

Substitutes "pretty" with "notably" and "complex" with "convoluted", emphasizing the intricate and difficult-to-follow nature.

is substantially involved

Replaces "complex" with "involved", highlighting the many elements and dependencies that contribute to the complexity.

is deeply layered

Replaces "complex" with "layered", emphasizing the multiple levels of interconnectedness.

is seriously challenging

Shifts focus to the difficulty posed by the complexity, using "challenging" as a substitute.

is exceptionally demanding

Emphasizes the high level of effort required due to the complexity, using "demanding" as a replacement.

is incredibly multifaceted

Replaces "complex" with "multifaceted", highlighting the many different aspects involved.

is highly elaborate

Substitutes "complex" with "elaborate", suggesting a detailed and intricate design.

FAQs

How can I use "is pretty complex" in a sentence?

You can use "is pretty complex" to describe concepts, systems, or situations that are intricate and not easily understood. For example, "The algorithm "is pretty complex", requiring advanced mathematical knowledge to fully grasp".

What are some alternatives to "is pretty complex"?

Alternatives include "is quite intricate", "is rather complicated", or "is fairly sophisticated". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "is pretty complex" or "is very complex"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "is very complex" might be perceived as slightly more formal. "Pretty" adds a touch of informality, while "very" is more neutral. Choose based on your desired tone and audience.

Can "is pretty complex" be used in formal writing?

While acceptable, "is pretty complex" might be considered too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "is notably convoluted" or "is highly elaborate" in those contexts.