it was very complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is intricate or difficult to understand. Example: "The project was challenging because it was very complex, involving multiple layers of data analysis and interpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, an enterprise is a market actor and we needed to take this into account, so it was very complex situation.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

With Dostum, it was very complex because he's so multilayered in every given circumstance.

Huffington Post

That is, well, it's been difficult for me... ........ -...At first, I thought it was very complex too... Then you start to get the hang of things and then you do go quicker... ........ (FG1) "-...I think we skipped the steps that should have been done before the workshop... -...as an instrument, I consider it to unfortunately be not very user-friendly" (FG2).

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It is very complex.

The New York Times

It's very complex".

The New York Times - Food

It's very complex to operate it.

The New York Times

"It's very complex," he said.

The New York Times

"But artistically it's very complex.

The New York Times - Travel

"It is very complex," she says.

Independent

"It is very complex," he said.

The New York Times

I think it's very complex.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was very complex", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was very complex" as a standalone statement without providing any context or explanation. Always follow up with specific details to illustrate the complexity to the reader.

Linguistic Context

It was very complex functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize a situation, problem, or concept as intricate and not easily understood. It is used to convey a sense of difficulty in comprehension or execution, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very complex" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe something as intricate and difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize the level of difficulty and often prefaces a more detailed explanation. While versatile, it's important to provide context and specifics when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""it was highly complicated"" or ""it was exceedingly intricate"" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts and maintains a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was highly complicated

Substitutes "complex" with "complicated" and "very" with "highly" for similar meaning.

it was exceedingly intricate

Replaces "very complex" with a more formal and emphatic expression of intricacy.

it was exceptionally involved

Highlights the many parts and dependencies making it complex.

it was remarkably convoluted

Emphasizes the winding and confusing nature of the subject.

it was profoundly elaborate

Replaces "complex" with "elaborate" and "very" with "profoundly" to highlight the extensive detailing.

it was extremely sophisticated

Highlights the advanced and intricate nature of the subject.

it was dauntingly intricate

Focuses on the intimidating aspect of the complexity.

it presented a labyrinthine challenge

Uses a metaphorical description to convey the complexity and difficulty.

it was particularly knotty

Uses a more informal term "knotty" to describe a complex situation or problem.

it was nothing short of Byzantine

Uses "Byzantine" as a synonym for something excessively complicated and difficult.

FAQs

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

Use "it was very complex" to describe something intricate, multifaceted, or difficult to understand. For instance: "The negotiation process was very complex, involving several international stakeholders."

What phrases can I use instead of "it was very complex"?

Alternatives include "it was highly complicated", "it was exceedingly intricate", or "it was remarkably convoluted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it was complex" or "it was very complex"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "it was very complex" adds emphasis. The choice depends on the degree of complexity you want to express. For more impactful writing, consider providing specific details instead of just stating complexity.

What does it mean when someone says, "it was very complex"?

It generally means that the subject matter being discussed involves many interconnected parts, is difficult to understand, and requires significant effort to grasp fully.