it was complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is intricate, complicated, or not easily understood. Example: "The project was challenging because it was complex, requiring extensive research and collaboration among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He had complained it was complex and expensive for OWS to accommodate LibreSignal on its servers.

TechCrunch

"It was complex," he told me.

The New Yorker

It was complex, it was crazy".

The New York Times - Sports

It was complex, unconscious and emotional.

The New York Times

"What's it like?" "I think you'd say it was complex".

The New Yorker

It was complex, involving several different financial institutions and transactions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is complex beyond reckoning.

The New York Times

It is complex and unsettling.

The New York Times

It is complex".

The New York Times

"It's complex chemistry".

The New York Times

SW: It's complex.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was complex" to describe systems, processes, or relationships that involve many interacting parts and are not easily understood. This can add depth and precision to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "it was complex" when a simpler word like "difficult" or "intricate" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was complex" functions as a descriptive statement. It ascribes the quality of complexity to a subject, indicating that the subject is intricate, multifaceted, or difficult to understand. Examples on Ludwig shows how this phrase is deployed across multiple domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was complex" is a versatile phrase used to describe something intricate or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While effective, writers should consider context and avoid overuse, opting for synonyms like "intricate" or "complicated" for greater precision. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "it was complex" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was intricate

Replaces "complex" with a synonym emphasizing detailed structure.

it was complicated

Substitutes "complex" with a common synonym denoting difficulty in understanding or dealing with.

it was sophisticated

Replaces "complex" suggesting advanced design or function.

it was sophisticated

Substitutes "complex" suggesting advanced design or function.

it was convoluted

Conveys a sense of being excessively complicated and difficult to follow.

it was elaborate

Implies a high level of detail and complexity in design or execution.

it was multifaceted

Highlights the many aspects and layers contributing to the complexity.

it was challenging

Focuses on the difficulty and demands posed by the complexity.

it was demanding

Similar to "challenging", emphasizing the effort required due to complexity.

it was not straightforward

Expresses complexity by stating the absence of simplicity.

FAQs

What does "it was complex" mean?

The phrase "it was complex" indicates that something was intricate, complicated, or difficult to understand due to having many interconnected parts or aspects.

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

You can use "it was complex" to describe anything from a mathematical equation to a personal relationship. For example: "The negotiation process "it was complex", involving multiple stakeholders and conflicting interests."

What are some alternatives to "it was complex"?

Some alternatives include "it was intricate", "it was complicated", or "it was sophisticated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was complex" formal or informal?

"It was complex" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more precise synonyms depending on the nature of the complexity.