it is complex to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is complex to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or task that involves multiple factors or difficulties, making it challenging to accomplish. Example: "It is complex to navigate the regulations surrounding international trade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The UT-Dallas research suggests that it is complex to pinpoint an optimal return policy.

The Washington Post

"It is complex to the point where my administration is going to spend a lot of time on resolving that type of question.

The New York Times

However, using the method by Yamada et al., it is complex to specify the low-pass filters in the internal model for the periodic reference input of which the role is to specify the input-output characteristic.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

If the concept behind the book – a Mumbai towerblock slated for demolition in favour of luxury flats, and the residents' efforts to resist – is a little schematic, this "painful tragicomedy" succeeds in "shining a light on the changing face of India, bringing us a picture that is as compelling as it is complex to decipher".

The Guardian - Books

Therefore, it is complex to estimate driver performance.

European Transport Research Review

Empirically, it is complex to disentangle all these mechanisms.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It's complex to run a big company".

The Economist

It is still to do with class but it's complex to unpick.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People would like to preserve a lot of what's going right and so it's complex to gauge the undecideds.

The New York Times

"It was complex to work out definitions.

Forbes

Chat makes apps more sticky, but it's complex to build.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is complex to", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what specific aspect is complex. Providing context helps the reader understand the nature and scope of the complexity involved.

Common error

Avoid using "it is complex to" as a vague statement without specifying the area of complexity. Instead of saying "It is complex to manage", be more specific: "It is complex to manage a project with numerous stakeholders and dependencies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is complex to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It serves to describe the inherent difficulty or intricate nature of a subsequent action or concept. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is complex to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey the intricate and challenging nature of a task, situation, or concept. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific discourse to news reporting, though primarily seen in Science and News & Media. When using this phrase, be specific about the aspect that makes it complex, and be mindful of the register to align with your audience. Considering alternatives like "it is difficult to" or "it is challenging to" can also enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is challenging to

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, implying a need for effort and skill.

it is difficult to

Emphasizes the degree of effort required, suggesting a high level of complication.

it is hard to

Similar to "difficult", but less formal and more direct.

it is intricate to

Highlights the detailed and complicated nature of the task or situation.

it is complicated to

Focuses on the multiple interconnected parts that make something hard to understand or deal with.

it is involved to

Suggests that something requires many steps or elements.

it is elaborate to

Highlights the careful arrangement and detail, often implying complexity.

it is sophisticated to

Indicates a high degree of complexity and refinement.

it is problematic to

Focuses on the troublesome or unfavorable aspects of something.

it is troublesome to

Highlights the inconveniences and difficulties associated with something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is complex to" in a sentence?

Use "it is complex to" to describe tasks or situations that involve multiple interconnected elements, making them difficult to understand or execute. For example, "it is complex to predict consumer behavior accurately".

What are some alternatives to "it is complex to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is difficult to", "it is challenging to", or "it is hard to" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "it is complex to" in writing?

Use "it is complex to" when you want to convey that a task or situation is not straightforward and involves numerous interdependent factors. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the complexity is relevant to the discussion.

What makes "it is complex to" different from "it is complicated to"?

While both phrases are similar, "it is complex to" often implies a deeper, more intricate level of difficulty, while "it is complicated to" can refer to something that has many parts but isn't necessarily deeply intricate.