more complex than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more complex than" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things to show that one is more complex than the other. For example, "The task required more complex skills than I currently have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, organizational complexity is, in fact, more complex than that.

Huffington Post

It's more complex than that.

The New York Times - Books

The picture is more complex than that.

The Economist

Mud season is more complex than that.

The New York Times

It is more complex than this.

Independent

Surely we're more complex than that.

The New Yorker

New Kingdom dress was more complex than theretofore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's more complex than I thought.

The Guardian - Arts

Again, it's clearly more complex than this.

The Guardian

Education is much more complex than that.

The Guardian

He's more complex than he lets on".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more complex than" to introduce a deeper understanding of a topic that is often oversimplified. This can add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "more complex than" without providing context. Saying something is "more complex than" something else without explaining how it is more complex can leave the reader confused and detract from your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more complex than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one subject possesses a greater degree of complexity compared to another. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is commonly used in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more complex than" serves as a powerful comparative tool, used to highlight the differences in intricacy between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, appearing in a range of contexts from news and media to science. The analysis reveals its function as a comparative adjective phrase, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of intricate subjects. When employing "more complex than", clarity is key; provide specific examples to illustrate how something exhibits greater complexity. While alternatives like "more intricate than" or "more sophisticated than" exist, the core purpose remains the same: to guide your audience toward a more nuanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more intricate than

Emphasizes a greater level of detail and interwoven parts.

more sophisticated than

Highlights a higher level of refinement and advanced design.

more elaborate than

Focuses on the increased detail and intricacy of the subject.

more convoluted than

Indicates a higher level of difficulty and tangled elements.

more nuanced than

Suggests a higher level of subtlety and finer distinctions.

more multifaceted than

Highlights the greater variety of aspects and elements involved.

more challenging than

Emphasizes that something presents greater difficulties.

more difficult than

Highlights the increase in hardships.

more compound than

Indicates the composition of more elements compared to something else.

more tricky than

Emphasizes that something involves more cunning or skillful deception.

FAQs

How can I use "more complex than" in a sentence?

You can use "more complex than" to compare the intricacies of two different subjects, for example: "The human brain is "more complex than" a computer in its ability to adapt and learn".

What phrases are similar to "more complex than"?

Alternatives to "more complex than" include "more intricate than", "more sophisticated than", or "more elaborate than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "more complex than" in writing?

Use "more complex than" when you want to emphasize that a subject requires deeper analysis or involves more interrelated factors than another. It's especially useful when challenging oversimplified explanations.

What's the difference between "more complex than" and "more complicated than"?

While often used interchangeably, "more complex than" suggests a higher degree of intricate design and interconnectedness, whereas "more complicated than" might imply unnecessary difficulty or confusion. Something can be "more complex than" without being "more complicated than", and vice versa.