it looks complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

"it looks complicated" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action or situation that appears to be complex or difficult to understand. For example: "I'm trying to understand this equation, but it looks complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It looks complicated enough to be a threat to both its target and its user.

The New York Times

It looks complicated, I say, when Goold breaks for lunch.

The Guardian

"It looks complicated, but the men who designed it made it simple enough for a woman to use".

The New York Times - Arts

It looks complicated.

Nanoscale Research Letters

"Maybe, in the end, that will be the way forward, but it looks complicated," Landua says.

Science Magazine

"It looks complicated, but it's not," she said encouragingly.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The treatment of disabled passengers aboard planes is governed by the Air Carrier Access Act, a law older than the disability-rights act, but it looked complicated to me getting a batch of wheelchair passengers onto one plane.

The New York Times - Travel

It looked complicated, but everything was organized--the chairs at each computer station were even marked with the number of the station they were assigned to so they weren't used elsewhere.

Huffington Post

(It also looks complicated, of course, with Google spin-off Waymo now suing Uber for allegedly stealing its trade secrets).

TechCrunch

HTML looks complicated, but it's like listening to Shakespeare it's hard at first, but once you get the feel of it, it's not that difficult.

WikiHow

This looks complicated at first but it's amazingly simple!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it looks complicated", consider specifying why it appears that way. Adding a brief explanation can provide clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "it looks complicated" without providing any specific details. Doing so can make your writing seem vague and uninformative. Instead, elaborate on the specific aspects that contribute to the perceived complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks complicated" functions as a descriptive statement, expressing a subjective assessment of something's apparent complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, indicating its role in everyday language to convey impressions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it looks complicated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that appears complex or difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki-based content. While versatile, providing context and specific details can enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "it seems complex" or "it appears intricate" can add nuance. Avoiding overuse and ensuring contextual relevance are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears intricate

Replaces "complicated" with "intricate", suggesting detailed and complex design.

it seems complex

Substitutes "looks" with "seems" and "complicated" with "complex", indicating a perception of complexity.

it gives a complex impression

Uses a more descriptive structure, highlighting the impression of complexity.

it presents difficulties

Shifts focus to the potential challenges implied by the complexity.

it is deceptively intricate

Adds the element of potential deception, suggesting it might not be as hard as it seems.

it has a convoluted appearance

Uses "convoluted" to emphasize the winding and confusing nature of the appearance.

it strikes as labyrinthine

Implies a confusing and maze-like quality.

it suggests considerable effort

Focuses on the amount of work implied rather than the appearance of complexity.

it demands careful consideration

Highlights the need for thoroughness due to the perceived complexity.

it requires deep understanding

Emphasizes the need for thorough knowledge to comprehend or execute.

FAQs

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

You can use "it looks complicated" to describe something that appears complex or difficult to understand. For instance, "The instructions for assembling this furniture are confusing; "it looks complicated"".

What are some alternatives to saying "it looks complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems complex", "it appears intricate", or "it appears tricky" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it looks complicated" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it looks complicated" is grammatically correct. It uses the pronoun "it" with the verb "looks" and the adjective "complicated" to describe the appearance of something.

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

"It looks complicated" suggests an initial impression based on appearance, whereas "it is complicated" implies a more definitive assessment, potentially based on deeper understanding or experience.