is slightly complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is slightly complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, concept, or problem that has some complexity but is not overwhelmingly difficult to understand. Example: "The process of applying for a visa is slightly complicated, but with the right guidance, it can be managed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Here the picture is slightly complicated.

The Economist

A selection of 17 new and notable apps for you today: This is slightly complicated.

The Guardian - Tech

I would like to return the favor, but vengeance is slightly complicated because I'm a lame mixologist.

The New York Times - Tech

This distinction is slightly complicated by the fact that, even though knowledge by description is in part based upon knowledge of truths, it is still knowledge of things, and not of truths.

SEP

Their search is slightly complicated as the club have to appoint someone out of work as they are not able to pay compensation because of the terms of their agreement with the Football League for coming out of administration.

BBC

Nevertheless, although the ATDOA system signaling is slightly complicated and the performance is poorer, it worths the effort to relax the more difficult clock synchronization requirement and therefore provides great potential for practical use.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Tennessee — 58 delegates The delegate math: Here, 27 delegates are awarded by Congressional district; but the rules are slightly complicated.

The New York Times

"It was slightly complicated, because you have a lot of people involved, and obviously a lot of other agencies involved," Armstrong said of the delay.

The New York Times - Sports

Although it was nothing like the smallest space I've ever gotten into, it was slightly complicated by the motorcycle that was at the back end.

The New York Times

"It's going to be slightly complicated because the jockeys will need to work out between them who's coming, how many of them are coming and when it is suitable for them to attend.

The Guardian - Sport

But that of the corner symbols are slightly complicated and can be represented by a combination of vertical, horizontal, and lines.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, follow up with specific details to clarify what makes the subject "slightly complicated". Providing concrete examples helps the reader understand the nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "is slightly complicated" as a vague placeholder. If something requires more than a cursory explanation, elaborate on the specific aspects that make it complex. Otherwise, the phrase becomes meaningless filler.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is slightly complicated" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or situation to indicate a degree of complexity. It acknowledges that something is not entirely straightforward, but also avoids portraying it as overwhelmingly difficult. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is slightly complicated" serves as a useful qualifier to acknowledge a moderate level of complexity without being overly negative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to provide further clarification to avoid vagueness. Consider using synonyms like "is somewhat intricate" or "is a bit complex" for variety. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. Overall, "is slightly complicated" is a common and acceptable way to introduce moderately complex topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat intricate

Replaces "slightly complicated" with synonyms suggesting a refined complexity.

is a bit complex

Uses "a bit" for a less formal tone than "slightly", while "complex" is a direct synonym.

is moderately involved

Employs "moderately" and "involved" to imply a task or situation requires more attention than a simple one.

is a tad tricky

Substitutes "slightly complicated" with a more informal expression for something that requires careful handling.

presents some challenges

Shifts the focus from inherent complexity to the difficulties it poses.

is not entirely straightforward

Highlights the lack of simplicity, indirectly pointing to some level of complexity.

requires careful consideration

Suggests the situation demands thoughtful analysis due to underlying complexities.

involves several factors

Indicates complexity through the presence of multiple contributing elements.

has a few layers

Metaphorically expresses complexity by suggesting multiple levels of understanding are needed.

demands a nuanced approach

Implies that a simple or direct method is insufficient due to the complexity of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "is slightly complicated" to introduce a topic that requires more than a simple explanation. For example: "The tax code "is slightly complicated", so it's best to consult with a professional."

What's the difference between "is slightly complicated" and "is very complicated"?

"Is slightly complicated" suggests a moderate level of complexity that can be understood with some effort. "Is very complicated" implies a higher level of difficulty, potentially requiring expert knowledge to comprehend.

Are there synonyms for "is slightly complicated" that are less formal?

Yes, you can use phrases like "is a bit complex" or "is a tad tricky" for a more casual tone.

Can I use "is slightly complicated" to describe a person's personality?

While grammatically correct, using "is slightly complicated" to describe a person's personality may sound clinical or detached. Consider using more nuanced adjectives like "intricate", "complex", or "multifaceted" to describe a person's character.