it gets complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when describing a situation that becomes increasingly difficult to comprehend or understand. For example: "The taxation system in the United States is complex, but when you add in the different state regulations, it gets complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It gets complicated, though.

Harvard University

"It gets complicated very quickly".

The New York Times

Now it gets complicated.

The New York Times

But then it gets complicated.

The Washington Post

After this it gets complicated.

The Guardian

And that's where it gets complicated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here is where it got complicated.

The New York Times

"It got complicated with 'Newjack,' "he says.

The New York Times - Books

"It got complicated, backs of envelopes were used and everything".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It got complicated and it was a lot to think about," Dr. Clagnaz said.

The New York Times

Generally, Gilligan was the architect and Cranston the builder, but it got complicated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it gets complicated" to signal a shift in a narrative or explanation where the subject matter is about to become more intricate or challenging to understand. It's effective as a transition to prepare your audience for more complex information.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it gets complicated" as a crutch. While useful, overuse can make your writing seem less precise. Aim to follow it with clear, specific details about what makes the situation complex rather than using it as a vague placeholder.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets complicated" functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a transitional device to signal an upcoming increase in complexity or difficulty within a narrative or explanation. Ludwig examples show it often precedes more detailed and nuanced information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it gets complicated" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to signal increasing complexity in a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It functions as a transitional device to prepare the audience for more intricate details. Although suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you follow up with specific information to clarify what makes the situation complex. This is a good practice to avoid overuse and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it becomes complex

Replaces "gets complicated" with "becomes complex", maintaining a similar meaning but emphasizing the evolving nature of the complexity.

it turns intricate

Substitutes "gets complicated" with "turns intricate", suggesting a more detailed and elaborate level of difficulty.

it takes a complex turn

Rephrases the idea to emphasize a change or shift towards complexity, using "takes a complex turn".

it gets rather involved

Uses "rather involved" as a more sophisticated substitute for "complicated", emphasizing the degree of complexity.

matters become involved

Replaces "gets complicated" with "become involved", which indicates a deeper and more entangled situation.

things start to tangle

Uses a more metaphorical expression, implying a messy and confusing situation.

the plot thickens

Employs a common idiom, suggesting the situation is becoming more mysterious and difficult to understand.

it's not as simple as it seems

Implies the difficulty by contrasting the apparent simplicity with the underlying complexity.

a can of worms opens

Introduces an idiomatic expression that highlights unforeseen complications.

the devil is in the details

This idiom suggests that the complications arise from the small, often overlooked aspects.

FAQs

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

Use "it gets complicated" to indicate that a situation or topic is becoming more intricate or difficult to understand. For example, "Explaining quantum physics is straightforward at first, but "it gets complicated" when you delve into superposition and entanglement".

What can I say instead of "it gets complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "it becomes complex", "it turns intricate", or "the plot thickens" depending on the context.

Is "it gets complicated" formal or informal?

"It gets complicated" is generally considered neutral to informal and is appropriate for most everyday conversations. In very formal or academic writing, more precise language may be preferred.

What's the difference between "it gets complicated" and "it is complicated"?

"It is complicated" describes a state of being, implying the situation is inherently complex. "It gets complicated" suggests a process or transition where the situation becomes increasingly complex over time.