is pretty complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an event or situation that is difficult to understand. For example, you could say, "Figuring out the tax system is pretty complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The story is pretty complicated.

The New York Times

But I am oversimplifying the current situation, which is pretty complicated.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is pretty complicated for something that's generally applicable," observes Ellen MacNeil, a partner in the Washington national tax office of Deloitte Tax LLP.

Forbes

This is pretty complicated so bear with me.

Huffington Post

It turns out, Presidents Day is pretty complicated.

Huffington Post

This is pretty complicated.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The origins were pretty complicated.

The New Yorker

Running a circus must be pretty complicated.

The New York Times

"And let's face it, it was pretty complicated before".

The New York Times - Health

"It was pretty complicated at times figuring out the travel and the logistics," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Before they'd moved in together, it had all been pretty complicated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider your audience: If they prefer direct language, use a more forceful synonym like "is very complex".

Common error

While "pretty" adds a degree of informality, overuse can weaken your message. Vary your language by opting for stronger alternatives like "quite complicated" or "extremely complex" to avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty complicated" serves as a descriptive expression. It functions to attribute a characteristic of complexity to a subject, indicating that it is not straightforward or simple. Ludwig examples highlight its application across diverse topics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is pretty complicated" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is not simple and requires effort to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and demonstrates its use across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While the phrase is acceptable in most situations, it leans towards informality, making it less suitable for highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "is quite complex" or "is rather intricate" for more formal tones. Overusing "pretty" as an intensifier can dilute your writing, so vary your language for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite complex

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the matter.

is rather intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and complex nature.

is anything but simple

Highlights the lack of simplicity.

is fairly involved

Suggests a higher degree of engagement and complexity.

is notably sophisticated

Suggests a higher level of complexity and refinement.

is deeply layered

Indicates multiple levels of complexity.

is decidedly elaborate

Emphasizes the level of detail and planning that has gone into something.

is somewhat knotty

Implies an entanglement or difficulty in untangling the matter.

is no walk in the park

Idiomatic expression implying that something is challenging.

is a bit of a puzzle

Suggests that the situation needs figuring out.

FAQs

What does "is pretty complicated" mean?

The phrase "is pretty complicated" means something is not simple and involves many interconnected parts or steps that are difficult to understand or deal with. It suggests a moderate level of complexity.

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

You can use "is pretty complicated" to describe situations, systems, relationships, or processes. For example: "The tax law "is pretty complicated" and requires professional assistance to understand" or "Their relationship "is pretty complicated" due to past conflicts".

What are some alternatives to "is pretty complicated"?

Some alternatives include "is quite complex", "is rather intricate", "is fairly involved", or "is somewhat knotty". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is pretty complicated" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is pretty complicated" leans toward informal language. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "is considerably complex" or "is substantially intricate".