is relatively complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is relatively complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has a moderate level of complexity compared to other things. Example: "The mathematical problem is relatively complex, requiring advanced knowledge to solve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the math is relatively complex".

The New York Times - Science

"It is a company that is relatively complex to value.

The Guardian - Business

"Mindwheel" is relatively complex, requiring Pinsky to write elaborate verb-implementation tables, which he adored.

The New Yorker

It was puzzling, he said, that a monk would know how to operate what is relatively complex machinery.

The New York Times

One reason publishers might have trouble in moving advertisers from the printed page or the television screen to the Web is that singling out consumers is relatively complex.

The New York Times

The cloaca is relatively complex in more derived groups, with a spermatheca in females and several sets of cloacal glands in both sexes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recent high gas prices could encourage companies to move into regions like the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, where gas pools are deep, the geology is relatively complex and production costs are correspondingly higher.

The New York Times

Thus, the operative procedure is relatively complex.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Between the two regulatory requirements one is relatively simple and the other is relatively complex.

Visualization in Engineering

Although the cyclone geometries are quite simple, the flow behavior inside the cyclones is relatively complex.

Petroleum Science

Due to the number of different chemicals involved, the bioreduction process is relatively complex.

International Nano Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is relatively complex" to accurately convey a moderate level of complexity without exaggeration, ensuring your writing remains precise and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "is relatively complex" when the subject is clearly simple or easily understood, as this can undermine your credibility. Instead, reserve it for situations genuinely possessing a notable degree of intricacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relatively complex" functions as a descriptive qualifier, adding detail to a subject by indicating its level of complexity. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and widely usable. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying various nouns like "math", "company", and "machinery".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is relatively complex" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something that possesses a moderate level of complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. Primarily found in scientific and news media sources, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase serves to inform the audience about the level of intricacy without overstating it. Using alternatives such as "is fairly complicated" or "is moderately intricate" can provide nuance, but it's essential to avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fairly complicated

Replaces "complex" with "complicated" and "relatively" with "fairly", suggesting a minor variation in intensity.

is moderately intricate

Substitutes "complex" with "intricate" and "relatively" with "moderately", implying a slightly more refined complexity.

is somewhat convoluted

Replaces "complex" with "convoluted" and "relatively" with "somewhat", indicating complexity involving twists and turns.

is reasonably sophisticated

Uses "sophisticated" instead of "complex" and "reasonably" for "relatively", suggesting a higher degree of refinement.

is a bit involved

Replaces "relatively complex" with a more informal expression, "a bit involved", reducing the formality.

is rather elaborate

Substitutes "complex" with "elaborate" and "relatively" with "rather", focusing on detailed and intricate design.

presents some challenges

Shifts from describing the thing itself to describing the challenges it poses, a more indirect way of indicating complexity.

is not straightforward

Uses a negative construction to convey complexity by stating that it is not simple or easy.

requires careful consideration

Focuses on the attention needed due to complexity, implying that it is not simple or easily understood.

has layers of meaning

Emphasizes the depth and multiple levels contributing to the complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "is relatively complex" to describe a topic, process, or system that has a moderate degree of intricacy. For example: "The algorithm "is relatively complex", requiring specialized knowledge to understand."

What are some alternatives to "is relatively complex"?

Alternatives include "is fairly complicated", "is moderately intricate", or "is somewhat convoluted", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is relatively complex"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is not simple, but also not exceedingly difficult to grasp. It indicates a middle ground between simplicity and extreme complexity.

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

"Is relatively complex" implies a moderate level of complexity, while "is very complex" suggests a much higher, potentially daunting, degree of difficulty. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the actual level of intricacy.