is rather complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is intricate or not easily understood, often in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The theory behind quantum mechanics is rather complex, requiring a deep understanding of physics and mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although all countries have declared primary instruction to be free and compulsory, the situation in reality is rather complex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The way forward from now is rather complex: a new president has been elected, but his duties are not fully outlined and constitution remains to be written.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pulverizing process of a ball mill is rather complex.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

As we have seen above, the relationship between theory and evidence is rather complex.

SEP

As the MCDC coverage preservation criterion is rather complex, we derive them in two steps.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The recent volcanic history of Nakadake is rather complex due to the variability of unrest episodes.

Earth, Planets and Space

For a notch filter designing, the hardware implementation is rather complex.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As Dr. Tatiana explains, on the whole, the situation is rather complex.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Unfortunately, the evaluation of the integral (20) is rather complex for the domain D u ′ 1.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In fact, the detailed mechanism is rather complex and remains a further discussion to materials chemists.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The organization of the Colombian palm oil sector along the commodity chain is rather complex.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is rather complex", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the nature of the complexity. Avoid vague statements; be specific about what aspects are complex.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather complex" as a substitute for detailed explanation. Instead of simply stating that something is complex, briefly outline the key factors contributing to that complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather complex" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun or concept by indicating that it possesses a significant degree of intricacy or is not easily understood. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is commonly used to denote a level of difficulty or elaboration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rather complex" serves as a common and acceptable way to describe intricate or challenging subjects across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase enjoys broad usage, particularly within scientific and academic writing, but also in news and media. While grammatically sound, it is important to use this phrase judiciously, backing it up with specific details about the nature of the complexity. Alternatives like "is quite intricate" or "is fairly complicated" offer nuanced options for varying your language. By being mindful of these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey the complexity of a topic in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite intricate

This emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature, moving away from general complexity.

is fairly complicated

This phrase focuses on the difficulty in understanding or dealing with something.

is significantly involved

This highlights the level of engagement and number of elements.

is particularly knotty

This alternative emphasizes difficulty in solving or understanding.

is notably convoluted

Convoluted indicates a winding or intricate form, suggesting difficulty in following or understanding.

is exceedingly labyrinthine

This intensifies the complexity, comparing it to a labyrinth.

is unusually sophisticated

This suggests complexity stemming from advanced design or technique.

is remarkably elaborate

Focuses on the extensive detail and thoroughness.

is extremely problematic

Shifts the focus to the difficulties and potential issues caused by the complexity.

is exceptionally challenging

This highlights the difficulty and demands required to deal with the subject.

FAQs

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

Use "is rather complex" to describe something that has many interconnected parts or isn't easy to understand. For example: "The process of photosynthesis is rather complex."

What are some alternatives to saying "is rather complex"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite intricate", "is fairly complicated", or "is significantly involved" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "is rather complex" in formal writing?

Yes, "is rather complex" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that you provide sufficient context to explain the complexity. If you need a more formal alternative, consider "is considerably intricate".

What's the difference between "is rather complex" and "is very complex"?

"Is rather complex" implies a moderate level of complexity, whereas "is very complex" indicates a higher degree. The choice depends on the extent of the complexity you want to convey.