looks complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears to be intricate or complicated in nature. Example: "At first glance, the mathematical equation looks complex, but with some practice, it becomes easier to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Any deal still looks complex.

The New York Times

But if it's coming out of Wall Street and looks complex, look out below.

The New York Times

Even though the numerical solution looks complex for even N > 30 node points, Maple handles it very well.

Boundary Value Problems

The Typhoon H controller looks complex at first but there's not much to worry about when you're taking the drone through its paces.

TechCrunch

She compares her digital lace to Brazil's Northeastern lace".Lace looks complex, but it is actually simple details that together amplify the view and bring a complexity, startling the viewer.

Vice

While the ascertainment process looks complex, the principle is quite simple, i.e. we try to ascertain 'balanced' samples, where the balance is determined by the ORs and regression coefficients that are observed in the full data.

Behavior Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We shrugged and made ourselves look complex.

The Guardian

All the things about the "Fatalism" paper that appeared maddeningly simple started to look complex and thorny.

The New York Times - Magazine

This machine may look complex but is, he insists, relatively simple even if it is "not well understood".

The Economist

The moves may look complex, but instructors say that even the most coordination-challenged are welcome and that most students have never danced.

The New York Times

Barnes calls himself Pat's principal rememberer and this is a memorial to her, a book that may, in outline, look complex but is at some level incredibly simple.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looks complex", consider if there's a simpler way to describe the specific type of complexity involved. For example, instead of "the system looks complex", specify "the system has many interconnected components".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "looks complex" as a catch-all description. While it conveys a general sense of intricacy, it lacks precision. Replace it with more specific adjectives that pinpoint the nature of the complexity, such as "intricate", "convoluted", or "multifaceted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks complex" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the perceived level of intricacy or complication of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks complex" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes something appearing intricate or complicated. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase is most often found in news and science-related sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad application. To enhance clarity and precision, consider using more specific descriptors or rephrasing based on the precise nature of the complexity involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears complicated

Focuses on the appearance of being intricate or difficult, similar to the original phrase.

seems intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature that gives the impression of complexity.

gives a complicated impression

Highlights the overall impression of being complex, rather than a direct assessment.

seems convoluted

Highlights the confusing and intricate aspect of complexity.

presents challenges

Shifts the focus to the difficulty and obstacles implied by the complexity.

exhibits intricacy

Highlights intricacy as the main attribute that looks complex.

projects difficulty

Focuses on how the complexity affects its difficulty.

suggests difficulty

Similar to projects difficulty.

has a complex facade

Focuses on the outward appearance or superficial complexity that might not reflect the inner workings.

appears sophisticated

Conveys a sense of complexity, but with a positive connotation of refinement and advanced design.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "looks complex" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "appears intricate", "presents significant challenges", or "exhibits a high degree of intricacy" to replace "looks complex".

What's the difference between "looks complex" and "is complex"?

"Looks complex" implies an appearance of complexity, while "is complex" states complexity as a fact. Something that "looks complex" might actually be simple to understand with proper explanation, while something that "is complex" inherently possesses intricate and interconnected elements.

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

Use "looks complex" when you want to convey the initial impression or superficial appearance of intricacy, without necessarily confirming whether the subject is truly complex upon closer examination. It's appropriate when describing something from a visual or preliminary perspective.

Are there synonyms for "looks complex" that carry a more positive connotation?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "appears sophisticated" or "exhibits advanced design" to suggest complexity combined with elegance or high quality, rather than difficulty or confusion.