it's complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's complicated" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when the situation or subject being discussed is difficult to explain or understand. For example: - "I tried to explain the plot of the movie to my friend, but it's so complicated that it's hard to summarize it in just a few sentences." - "I asked my boss for time off, but it's complicated because the project deadline is coming up and we're short-staffed." - "The instructions for assembling the furniture were so complicated that I had to call the company's customer service for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's complicated.

Yale University

Now it's complicated, now it's complicated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's complicated but promising.

Harvard University

It's complicated," said Naidu.

Cornell University

It's complicated, like paintings.

Columbia University

It's complicated, really".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's complicating.

The New York Times - Books

It was complicated.

The New Yorker

But it is complicated.

The Economist

It is complicated, however.

University of California, Berkeley

It is complicated now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's complicated" when you want to acknowledge the complexity of a situation without going into exhaustive detail. It's a good way to signal that a simple answer isn't possible.

Common error

Avoid using "it's complicated" as a way to dismiss further inquiry or avoid explaining a situation altogether. Instead, offer a brief summary of the key factors contributing to the complexity, even if you can't provide a complete explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's complicated" functions as a statement acknowledging that a situation or topic is not simple or straightforward. Ludwig confirms this is grammatically correct and commonly used. It serves to preface or conclude a discussion where a simple explanation is inadequate, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

20%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's complicated" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase to indicate that a situation is not simple and requires deeper consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a useful way to acknowledge complexity without necessarily providing all the details. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "it's complicated", be mindful of overusing it as a cop-out and try to offer at least a brief overview of the complexities involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not straightforward

Emphasizes the lack of a simple or easy explanation.

it's multifaceted

Highlights the many different aspects or dimensions involved.

it's a tangled web

Suggests a confusing and interconnected situation.

there's more to it than meets the eye

Implies hidden complexities and underlying factors.

it involves many considerations

Focuses on the numerous factors that need to be taken into account.

it's a gray area

Highlights the lack of clear-cut answers or distinctions.

it's subject to interpretation

Suggests that understanding depends on individual perspective.

the situation is nuanced

Focuses on the subtle distinctions and complexities involved.

it's open to debate

Highlights conflicting viewpoints or unresolved questions.

it's not as simple as it seems

Implies a deceptive appearance of simplicity.

FAQs

What does "it's complicated" really mean?

When someone says "it's complicated", it means that the situation or topic is not easily explained or understood due to multiple factors, nuances, or conflicting information. It signals that a simple answer is insufficient.

How can I use "it's complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "it's complicated" to acknowledge the complexity of a situation before offering further explanation, or as a standalone statement to indicate that a full explanation is impractical. For example, "Explaining the political situation in that country? Well, "it's complicated"."

What can I say instead of "it's complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "it's not straightforward", "it's multifaceted", or "there's more to it than meets the eye" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it's complicated"?

Yes, "it's complicated" is grammatically correct. "It's" is a contraction of "it is", and "complicated" is an adjective describing the subject. Ludwig AI also confirms this.