past complications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past complications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to difficulties or issues that have occurred in the past, often in a context discussing experiences or events. Example: "The team learned valuable lessons from past complications that helped them improve their processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The experience of past complications after an URTI was associated with a greater expectation for antibiotic treatment (58% vs. 33%, p = 0.04).

BMC Family Practice

On the other hand, problems during previous pregnancies (past stillbirth and neonatal deaths and past complications of pregnancy), abnormality during pregnancy and premature birth (<38 weeks) were more frequent in the elective caesarean delivery group.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Bush spoke with the firmness of a man determined to step past the complications of the election and validate his hold on the office with pledges of high purpose.

The New York Times

Mr. Havel, 63, has come close to death in the past from complications of lung cancer, pneumonia and a perforated colon, but since he was hospitalized last May for a viral infection he has been healthy.

The New York Times

Tremain has always taken the risk of following her imagination wherever it takes her, whether into the loneliness of the transgendered, the corridors of the past, the complications of other countries (Denmark, New Zealand, France); or some combination of the above.

The Guardian - Books

1 7 10 23 36 Other variables included in the analysis as possible confounders were parity, multiple pregnancy and past pregnancy complications.

BMJ Open

Odds of severe maternal morbidity by socioeconomic group, independent of ethnicity, maternal age, smoking, pre-existing medical condition, body mass index (BMI), multiple pregnancy and past pregnancy complications.

BMJ Open

Odds of morbidity related to ethnic group, maternal age, smoking, pre-existing medical condition, BMI, multiple pregnancy and past pregnancy complications.

BMJ Open

To estimate the risk of severe morbidity by socioeconomic group, independent of ethnicity, maternal age, smoking, pre-existing medical condition, body mass index (BMI), multiple pregnancy and past pregnancy complications.

BMJ Open

While previous antibiotic treatment (p < 0.001), past perceived complications (p = 0.05) and the thought that antibiotics help in URTI (p < 0.001) were associated with a greater expectation for antibiotics.

BMC Family Practice

Women of non-white ethnicity, older maternal age (≥35 years), BMI ≥25 kg/m and those with pre-existing medical condition/s, multiple pregnancy or past pregnancy complications were shown to have a significantly increased odds of severe maternal morbidity.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical histories or patient records, use "past complications" to clearly denote previous health issues relevant to current care or treatment decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "complexities" when you specifically mean negative outcomes or difficulties. "Complications" directly implies problems arising from a situation or procedure, while "complexities" refers to intricate or involved elements that may not necessarily be negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past complications" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to difficulties or adverse events that have occurred at some prior time. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from medical and general contexts, such as discussions of medical history or project management.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "past complications" is a noun phrase used to refer to previous difficulties or adverse events. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and can be effectively used in both scientific/medical and general contexts. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it is most frequently found in scientific and news-related articles. When using this phrase, be mindful to differentiate it from similar terms like "complexities" and ensure the context clearly indicates previous problems rather than potential future issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous difficulties

Replaces "complications" with a more general term, maintaining the reference to past events.

prior issues

Substitutes both "past" and "complications" with synonyms, keeping the core meaning.

historical problems

Replaces "past" with "historical" to emphasize the time element and "complications" with "problems".

earlier difficulties

Uses "earlier" to indicate a time before the present and "difficulties" to mean problems.

past setbacks

Replaces "complications" with "setbacks" for a slightly different nuance, focusing on impediments.

prior adversities

Changes both words to more formal synonyms, conveying a sense of hardship.

old challenges

Uses a simpler term "old" and replaces "complications" with "challenges".

former complexities

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the past difficulties.

previous entanglements

Conveys past complications as complex or awkward situations.

bygone difficulties

Replaces "past" with a more archaic term, giving a sense of distance.

FAQs

How can I use "past complications" in a sentence?

You can use "past complications" to refer to previous difficulties or issues that have arisen. For example: "The doctor reviewed the patient's medical history, noting any "past complications" that might affect the current treatment plan."

What are some alternatives to saying "past complications"?

Some alternatives include "previous difficulties", "prior issues", or "historical problems". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it correct to say "complications in the past" instead of "past complications"?

While "complications in the past" is grammatically correct, "past complications" is more concise and commonly used. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence. "Past complications" functions as a noun phrase, while "complications in the past" is a noun modified by a prepositional phrase.

How does "past complications" differ from "potential complications"?

"Past complications" refers to issues that have already occurred, while "potential complications" refers to possible issues that could arise in the future. Understanding the difference is crucial in contexts like medical planning or risk assessment.