island complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "island complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a geographical area consisting of multiple islands or a specific development or facility located on an island or group of islands. Example: "The island complex is known for its diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife, attracting researchers and tourists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

What remained was the largest island complex in the world: the Indonesian archipelago.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It will, of course, be the largest manufactured island complex in the world, visible even -- its promoters promise -- from space.

The New York Times

Lying to the west of the Boundary Ranges on the mainland is the rugged and scenic island complex of the Alexander Archipelago.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city has had a fire training center of some kind since 1869, the mayor noted, but the Randalls Island complex, which was built in 1975, was designed to handle only 150 trainees, while twice that number are now routinely sent there.

The New York Times

One guest who watched the presentation with particular interest was Elizabeth Glazer, the director of the New York City Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, which is overseeing the closure of the notorious Rikers Island complex and the restoration of jails in several boroughs.

The New Yorker

Thrillingly, this only enhances the sense that the Treasure Island complex, with its ship-shaped climbing frames and timbered crazy golf course, was some kind of marauding vessel that had simply grapple-hooked itself to the front one stormy night, never to set sail again.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

According to various authors e.g. [ 2- 6], during the Pleistocene glaciations, the Philippine islands were less fragmented than today; groups of islands formed composite Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complexes (PAICs) [ 5], that were isolated from one another by deep-water channels.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The nine-island complex protrudes from the Atlantic midway between America and Portugal, to which the islands belong.

The Guardian - Travel

The descendants of Arab traders, Malay immigrants and African peoples contribute to the islands' complex ethnic mix.

BBC

The central-island complex of Grasshills, Kodaikanal and High-Wavies form a single large population (phylogenetic tree topology, haplotype Network, AMOVA) although they were on two different islands.

Plosone

The archaeological record of tree islands is complex as both island formation and site formation processes are likely intertwined and as yet poorly understood.

Journal of Archaeological Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific terms like "archipelago" if the context emphasizes the island chain formation, or "island group" when simply referring to a collection of islands.

Common error

Avoid using "island complex" to refer to a single island. The phrase inherently implies multiple islands and using it for a singular location is grammatically incorrect. In such cases, simply use "island".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "island complex" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing that the phrase effectively names a geographical feature or a specific location composed of multiple islands.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "island complex" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun phrase used to describe a group of interconnected islands. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers suitable alternatives like "archipelago" or "island group", depending on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the interconnected nature of the islands and avoid using it to refer to a single island.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex of islands

Reverses the structure while keeping the meaning.

archipelago

Refers specifically to a group or chain of islands.

group of islands

A simpler and more common way to express the same idea.

island group

A general term for a collection of islands.

collection of islands

Similar to "group of islands" but slightly more formal.

island chain

Implies a linear arrangement of islands.

island cluster

Suggests a grouping of islands in close proximity.

island system

Highlights the interconnectedness of the islands.

island network

Emphasizes the interrelation and dependencies among the islands.

island agglomeration

More formal term for a collection of islands.

FAQs

What does "island complex" mean?

The term "island complex" refers to a group of islands that are closely related geographically or ecologically, often forming an interconnected system.

Is "island complex" the same as an archipelago?

While both terms describe groups of islands, "archipelago" refers specifically to a chain or cluster of islands. "Island complex" is a broader term that can include various arrangements and emphasize the interconnectedness of the islands.

What are some alternatives to "island complex"?

Depending on the context, you can use "archipelago", "island group", or "island chain" as alternatives to "island complex".

How do I use "island complex" in a sentence?

You might say, "The Indonesian archipelago is the largest "island complex" in the world" or "The research team studied the biodiversity of the remote "island complex"".