it becomes complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it becomes complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or issue that is becoming more difficult or intricate over time. Example: "At first, the project seemed straightforward, but as we delved deeper, it becomes complicated with unexpected challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That's where it becomes complicated.

The New Yorker

Also, it becomes complicated because it's hard to maintain a stable group.

The New York Times

But the problem is that not every drug is the same, so it becomes complicated.

The Guardian - Film

Even though the vector identity itself has a clear intuition, when we do real calculation it becomes complicated.

University of California, Berkeley

"Where it becomes complicated is the use of that intelligence in proceedings outside basic police information exchange.

The Guardian

"It becomes complicated when their families are not in the U.S., which in a lot of instances, that is the case".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"It was only when the engineers got hold of it that it became complicated.

Independent

Her American identity wasn't something she thought a lot about until the election of Barack Obama, when it became complicated, more interesting and unsettling.

The Washington Post

Then all of a sudden, it became complicated.

Huffington Post

The underlining cause of chaos is stress: when the mind is scattered it easily becomes complicated; when it is at rest then anything is possible.

Huffington Post

Recently, as a satellite mission becomes complicated, it has been required to generate the schedule of satellite antenna movements automatically without relying upon operator's ad hoc knowledge.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it becomes complicated" to signal a shift in a narrative or explanation where the subject matter is evolving into something more complex. It prepares the reader for a deeper dive.

Common error

Avoid using "it becomes complicated" when a simpler phrase like "it's hard" or "it's difficult" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where genuine complexity is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it becomes complicated" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling a shift towards increased complexity or difficulty. It's often used to introduce new factors or challenges that add intricacy to a situation, as seen in Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it becomes complicated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a shift towards increased complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a transitional phrase, preparing the audience for a more detailed explanation. Usage is most frequent in news, science, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. To enhance writing, reserve this phrase for genuine complexity and avoid overuse in simpler scenarios. Related phrases such as "it gets complex" or "it gets tricky" can provide alternative nuances. By understanding its proper context and application, writers can effectively signal transitions to more intricate topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gets complex

Replaces "complicated" with "complex", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it gets tricky

Substitutes "complicated" with "tricky", suggesting a need for careful handling.

it gets difficult

Replaces "complicated" with "difficult", indicating a higher degree of challenge.

it becomes intricate

Substitutes "complicated" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and complex nature.

it becomes problematic

Shifts the focus to potential issues or problems arising from the situation.

it becomes challenging

Highlights the demanding and testing nature of the situation.

it escalates

Implies a rapid increase in complexity or intensity.

things get messy

Uses a more informal expression to indicate confusion and disorder.

the situation deteriorates

Focuses on the declining state and increasing issues.

the matter becomes convoluted

Uses a formal tone to suggest that the subject has become unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand.

FAQs

What does "it becomes complicated" mean?

The phrase "it becomes complicated" means that a situation or process is evolving into something more complex, intricate, or difficult to understand or manage. It suggests an increase in the number of factors or steps involved.

How can I use "it becomes complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "it becomes complicated" to describe various scenarios. For instance, "The initial plan was simple, but "it becomes complicated" when you factor in the legal requirements". Or, "Understanding the code is easy at first, but "it becomes complicated" as you delve deeper into the advanced functions".

What are some alternatives to "it becomes complicated"?

Alternatives include "it gets complex", "it gets tricky", "it gets difficult", or "it becomes intricate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it becomes complicated"?

It's appropriate to use "it becomes complicated" when you want to signal that a situation is transitioning from simple to complex. This phrase preps the listener or reader for the introduction of new, intricate details or challenging factors. It is useful in narratives, explanations, and analyses.