it gets complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or topic that becomes intricate or difficult to understand. Example: "At first, the project seemed straightforward, but as we delved deeper, it gets complex with all the variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It gets complex very quickly," he said.

The New York Times - Science

The flipside is that it gets complex, fast.

The Guardian - Tech

But when it gets complex, he seems to turn to prayer or God rather than digging in and thinking things through.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Then it gets complex really quickly.

TechCrunch

It gets complex sometimes, and doctors may not listen to what a sufferer says.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Bin Laden's rhetorical arsenal also includes casuistic logic (while he claims not to approve of killing innocents, when asked about killing Americans he reasons that, since Americans pay taxes, there's no such thing as an American innocent) and metonymy ("Oh, God. It really gets complex when he uses a phrase like 'Al Jazeera,' which literally means 'peninsula,' but is taken to mean 'Saudi Arabia' ").

The New Yorker

RP: You know, absolutely, because it does get complex, not only technologically it's complex for me but it's also legally complex.

TechCrunch

It's true that non­-monogamy presents some unique challenges (is it possible to maintain a friendship with your partner's partner after they've broken up? Is it ever ethical to sleep with your partner's partner's partner? It can get complex!), but I mostly found it a refreshing break from the way I, as a woman, had previously been told to operate in relationships.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's getting complex, but I know they can handle it.

Huffington Post

That gets complex.

Science Magazine

It's got complex putting design in the boardroom".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it gets complex" when you want to signal a shift from a simple state to one involving multiple interacting elements or difficulties. For example, "The initial plan was straightforward, but as we gathered more data, "it gets complex" due to the numerous variables."

Common error

Avoid using "it gets complex" for situations that are only mildly complicated. Reserve it for scenarios with a genuinely high degree of intricacy; otherwise, the phrase can sound exaggerated or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets complex" functions as a predicate, describing a change in state. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates a transition from simplicity to intricacy, highlighting a development or evolution in the subject being discussed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it gets complex" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a shift toward intricacy or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and even informal communication. Its primary function is to signal an increasing level of sophistication or complication, setting the stage for a more detailed explanation. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations genuinely deserving of the description, and as examples from Ludwig show it frequently appears in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it becomes intricate

Replaces "gets complex" with a more formal synonym, "becomes intricate".

it turns complicated

Uses "turns complicated" to convey a similar sense of increasing difficulty.

it takes a complicated turn

Highlights a shift towards complexity.

things escalate quickly

Implies a rapid increase in complexity or intensity.

the situation intensifies

Focuses on the situation becoming more severe or involved.

it is getting sophisticated

Suggests a rise in refinement and complexity.

it involves many layers

Highlights the multi-faceted nature of something complex.

the plot thickens

An idiomatic expression for increasing complexity in a narrative.

it presents unforeseen challenges

Emphasizes the unexpected difficulties that arise.

it is not as simple as it seems

Highlights that the initial perception of simplicity is misleading.

FAQs

How can I use "it gets complex" in a sentence?

Use "it gets complex" to indicate that a situation or process is becoming more intricate or difficult to understand. For example, "The theory seems simple at first, but "it gets complex" when you consider all the variables involved."

What are some alternatives to "it gets complex"?

Alternatives include "it becomes complicated", "it turns intricate", or "it becomes sophisticated", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is complex" or "it gets complex"?

"It is complex" describes a static state, while "it gets complex" describes a process of becoming complex. Use "it gets complex" when something starts simple but evolves into something more complicated.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it gets complex"?

Use "it gets complex" when explaining a concept, situation, or process that starts simply but evolves into something more intricate and challenging to understand. Avoid using it in contexts that are already inherently complex.