make it complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

"make it complicated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you wish to imply that something has become more complex than it needs to be. For example: "He insisted on making the project more complicated than it needed to be; he really should have just kept it simple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

We make it complicated, like it's surgery or something.

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't want to make it complicated at this moment," Mr. Simons said after the show.

The New York Times

They can put things into perspective and simplify things when you make it complicated.

The Guardian - Sport

Tax rules make it complicated to calculate the values if the amount is split, so those rules are being relaxed.

The New York Times

Edwards says he does not like to make it complicated, but even his beloved defense will be a trial for the Jets.

The New York Times - Sports

One look at the leggy models at Michael Kors's show yesterday, at their tweed miniskirts, their luxe urban parkas, crocodile bags and swinging clean hair, and you sort of felt the designer was saying: "Oh, let's not make it complicated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

This makes it complicated.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the police come round it makes it complicated.

The Guardian - Film

Although it makes it complicated for us, we are not about restricting".

The Guardian

"What makes it complicated is that Facebook is for lots of different things — and different people use it for different subsets of those things.

The New Yorker

"It is a multibuilding site where the buildings are of different ages, some 100 years old, which makes it complicated to redevelop," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make it complicated" when you want to suggest that a process or situation is being unnecessarily complex, suggesting it could be simpler.

Common error

Avoid trying to sound overly intelligent by using unnecessarily complex words in place of "make it complicated". Sometimes, simple language is more effective and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it complicated" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its use in expressing the act of unnecessarily complicating something. The 'it' refers to a situation, process, or task.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig's analysis reveals that "make it complicated" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that something is being unnecessarily complex. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase serves to criticize or disapprove of overcomplicated processes or situations. The phrase has a neutral register and, as Ludwig AI confirms, is a valid and widely understood expression in English. Related phrases include "overcomplicate matters" and "muddy the waters", which offer similar, nuanced ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcomplicate matters

This alternative implies adding more complexity than necessary, shifting the focus to 'matters' rather than a general 'it'.

unnecessarily complicate things

Adds the adverb 'unnecessarily', underscoring that the complication is avoidable or unwarranted.

add layers of complexity

Highlights the process of adding successive levels of complication, emphasizing the gradual increase in difficulty.

make it intricate

Shifts the focus to detailed and elaborate complexity, suggesting a delicate and involved process.

make it involved

Implies that something requires much effort or attention because it is complex.

make it convoluted

Suggests something is complex and difficult to follow due to being intricately folded or twisted.

muddy the waters

This idiomatic expression means to make something less clear and more confused. It uses a metaphor.

obfuscate the issue

Focuses on intentionally making something unclear or difficult to understand, adding a layer of intent.

make it thorny

Uses a metaphor to indicate the introduction of problematic or controversial elements.

make it Byzantine

Implies excessive complexity and intricacy, often associated with secretiveness and a devious nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "make it complicated" to express that someone or something is causing unnecessary complexity. For example, "The new regulations "make it complicated" to start a business."

What is a synonym for "make it complicated"?

Synonyms for "make it complicated" include "overcomplicate matters", "muddy the waters", or "obfuscate the issue" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "make it complicated" or "keep it simple"?

In most cases, keeping things simple is preferable. Only "make it complicated" if there's a genuine need for added complexity, and simplicity won't suffice.

What's the difference between "make it complicated" and "make it difficult"?

"Make it complicated" refers to adding unnecessary steps or elements, whereas "make it difficult" simply means making something hard to do. You can "make it complicated" without necessarily making it more difficult, and vice versa.