it was very complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, concept, or task that is difficult to understand or deal with. Example: "The project took longer than expected because it was very complicated, involving multiple stakeholders and intricate details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It was very complicated".

The New York Times - Science

"It was very complicated," Dr. Dong said.

The New York Times

In a way it was very complicated.

University of California, Berkeley

It was very complicated to serve sometimes".

BBC

It was very complicated and time-consuming to understand everything.

TechCrunch

It was very complicated, and I decided to give it up.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It's basic in its nature, but it's very complicated from within.

Forbes

It is very complicated.

The Guardian

"And it is very complicated.

The New York Times

But it is very complicated.

The Economist

Again, it's very complicated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was very complicated", provide specific examples or details to illustrate the nature and extent of the complexity. This helps the reader understand the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it" when describing a complex situation. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and clarity. Consider starting with the subject of the complication rather than using the pronoun "it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very complicated" primarily functions as a declarative statement, expressing the speaker's assessment of a situation or task. It serves to attribute a quality of complexity to a specific subject, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was very complicated" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation, task, or concept that is difficult to understand or manage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. To enhance clarity, it's best to provide specific examples when using this phrase. While versatile, overuse of "it" should be avoided to maintain engaging and varied sentence structures. Synonyms like "exceptionally intricate" or "presented significant challenges" can add sophistication and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved exceptionally intricate

Stresses the detailed and elaborate nature of the situation.

it presented a high degree of difficulty

Emphasizes the level of difficulty involved.

it had many layers of complexity

Implies that the complexity stems from different levels and aspects.

it was far from straightforward

Indicates that the matter was not simple or easy to understand.

it posed considerable challenges

Emphasizes the difficulty and obstacles encountered, focusing on the challenges involved.

it involved numerous intricacies

Focuses on the many detailed and complex aspects of the situation.

it entailed a labyrinthine process

Highlights the intricate and confusing nature of the process.

it was a tangled web of issues

Suggests a complex and interconnected set of problems.

it required a multifaceted approach

Highlights the need for multiple strategies to address the complexity.

it demanded extensive expertise

Focuses on the high level of skill and knowledge required.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was very complicated" to sound more formal?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "it presented significant challenges", "it involved considerable intricacy", or "it was exceptionally complex". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "it was very complicated" and "it was very complex"?

While both phrases are similar, "it was very complicated" often implies difficulties in understanding or dealing with something, whereas "it was very complex" simply indicates that something has many interconnected parts. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was very complicated"?

The phrase "it was very complicated" is appropriate when describing situations, processes, or concepts that involve numerous interconnected elements, difficulties, or challenges that make them hard to understand or manage. It works well in both informal and neutral contexts.

Are there any synonyms for "complicated" that I can use in the phrase "it was very complicated"?

Yes, you can replace "complicated" with synonyms like "intricate", "complex", "involved", or "convoluted" to add variety to your writing. For example, "it was very intricate" or "it was very involved".