is progressively more complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is progressively more complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, process, or concept that becomes increasingly complicated over time or with additional layers of detail. Example: "As we delve deeper into the subject, we find that the theory is progressively more complex than we initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chains are progressively more pervasive in older primates.

Experimental Neurology

"Progressively smaller fibres are progressively more supple," Fossey says, "so you get a fibre that is very strong but more comfortable".

The Guardian

Eigenvectors outside the gray region are progressively more delocalized.

eLife

Each one will be progressively more difficult.

WikiHow

One intuitive suggestion, that is consistent with the current data, is that progressively more complex representations or associations are built up in a hierarchy as information is passed through the cortical inputs to the hippocampus culminating in episodic-like memory in the hippocampus.

Hippocampus

Consequently, calibration is becoming progressively more complex where the issue is most acute with diesel engines.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

"The seed and trade business is becoming progressively more complex, so you have to spend more to play," explains Credit Agricole analyst Mark Connelly.

Forbes

A square stepping exercise was performed on a thin mat with the instruction to step from one end of the mat to the other according to a step pattern provided, which could be made progressively more complex.

BMC Geriatrics

Monometallic sulphate solutions like Al2 SO4 3 H2SO4, MgSO4 H2SO4, NiSO4 H2SO4, Fe2O3 H2SO4 were used to fit new thermodynamic parameters which were verified on progressively more complex solution mixtures.

Hydrometallurgy

But if Mr. Hare sensed something dependably generous in her earlier work, then that attribute has been transformed into something deeper now, an evolution that can be detected in the progressively more complex stage performances she has been providing.

The New York Times

Single-molecule bioscience is still coming of age, and given recent technical and conceptual advances, it is poised to tackle progressively more complex and physiologically relevant problems.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is progressively more complex" to describe processes or systems that evolve in complexity over time. This phrase clearly communicates a gradual increase in intricacy.

Common error

Avoid using "is progressively more complex" when simpler alternatives like "is becoming complex" would suffice. Reserve this phrase for situations where the progressive increase is significant and worth emphasizing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is progressively more complex" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the evolving state of a noun. Ludwig shows it is used to indicate a gradual increase in intricacy or difficulty. For example, describing a process or a system that becomes more intricate over time.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is progressively more complex" is grammatically correct and used to describe the gradual increase in intricacy of something. Ludwig indicates that it's most commonly found in formal and scientific contexts. Given its descriptive function and emphasis on gradual change, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where highlighting the progressive nature of increasing complexity is important. While perfectly acceptable, consider more concise alternatives like "becomes increasingly complicated" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes increasingly complicated

Replaces "progressively more complex" with synonyms for both "progressively" and "complex".

grows progressively intricate

Substitutes "complex" with "intricate" and maintains the progressive nature of the change.

evolves into greater sophistication

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of increasing complexity, emphasizing sophistication.

develops into higher complexity

Highlights the development aspect, indicating a gradual increase in complexity.

gradually becomes more elaborate

Replaces "progressively" with "gradually" and "complex" with "elaborate", both indicating increasing detail.

transitions to advanced intricacy

Emphasizes the transition from a simpler state to a more intricate one.

transforms into deepened intricacy

Focuses on transformation leading to a state of deepened complexity.

escalates in sophistication

Implies a rapid or marked increase in complexity and sophistication.

expands into greater sophistication

Suggests an increase in scope and complexity, emphasizing sophistication.

ascends in complexity

Conveys an upward movement or progression in terms of complexity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is progressively more complex" to sound more concise?

Consider using alternatives such as "becomes increasingly complicated" or "grows more intricate" for a shorter and more direct expression.

What's the difference between "is progressively more complex" and "is increasingly complex"?

While similar, "is progressively more complex" emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the increase in complexity, whereas "is increasingly complex" simply indicates a continuous increase. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the gradual progression.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is progressively more complex"?

Yes, "is progressively more complex" is grammatically correct. The adverb "progressively" modifies the comparative phrase "more complex", indicating a gradual increase in complexity.

When is it best to use "is progressively more complex" in writing?

Use "is progressively more complex" when you want to highlight the gradual and incremental nature of increasing complexity in a process, system, or concept. For instance, "As technology evolves, the security protocols "become progressively more complex" to combat emerging threats".