possible complications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible complications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential issues or difficulties that may arise in a particular situation, such as medical procedures, projects, or plans. Example: "Before proceeding with the surgery, the doctor explained the possible complications that could occur during the operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As mentioned, incontinence is a possible complications.

The New York Times - Science

Possible complications include infection, scarring and perforated intestines.

The New York Times

Egypt, obviously, highlighted the possible complications for travelers.

The New York Times

We asked about possible complications and learned postsurgical bleeding was a rare risk.

The New York Times - Health

You cannot frame a law that will wriggle like an eel around all the possible complications of the question.

The Guardian - Opinion

I often get so carried away by new and exciting things and ideas that I never think of possible complications.

The New York Times - Health

Among the possible complications in the operation are excess bleeding, infection and ulceration and occasional permanent damage to the penis.

The New York Times

Possible complications of the surgery include blood clots, infection, fracture and a change in leg length.

The New York Times - Health

She had been admitted for kidney stones, one of many possible complications of diabetes.

The New York Times - Health

Possible Complications: Heart failure.

Forbes

Possible Complications: Bleeding, skin rash, death.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project planning, include a section outlining "possible complications" to proactively address potential roadblocks and develop contingency plans.

Common error

Avoid simply listing "possible complications" without suggesting mitigation strategies or alternative approaches. Providing context and potential solutions adds value and demonstrates foresight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible complications" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to denote potential negative outcomes or difficulties. It allows writers to talk about potential problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possible complications" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote potential negative outcomes or difficulties. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase appears most often in scientific and news contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral communication. When using this phrase, consider providing context and potential mitigation strategies rather than simply listing the potential issues. Alternatives such as "potential risks" or "adverse effects" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential difficulties

Replaces "complications" with "difficulties", focusing on the challenges that may arise.

potential problems

Replaces "complications" with "problems", offering a more general term for potential issues.

potential risks

Replaces "complications" with "risks", highlighting the element of danger or uncertainty.

conceivable issues

Replaces both words to suggest that there are some issues that can be imagined to happen.

foreseeable challenges

Emphasizes the ability to predict potential difficulties in advance.

likely drawbacks

Focuses on the disadvantages that are likely to occur.

negative consequences

Highlights the adverse outcomes that may result.

adverse effects

Highlights the unfavorable or harmful outcomes that may result.

unwanted outcomes

Focuses on the undesirable results that could occur.

possible pitfalls

Replaces "complications" with "pitfalls", suggesting hidden dangers or traps.

FAQs

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

You can use "possible complications" to discuss potential issues in various contexts. For example, "The doctor explained the "possible complications" of the surgery" or "We need to consider the "possible complications" of this new policy."

What's a more formal alternative to "possible complications"?

In more formal settings, you might use phrases like "potential risks" or "adverse effects" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it better to say "potential complications" or "possible complications"?

"Potential complications" and ""possible complications"" are often interchangeable. "Potential" emphasizes the possibility of something developing, while "possible" simply indicates something that could happen. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What are some examples of "possible complications" in medical procedures?

Some "possible complications" in medical procedures include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and nerve damage. The specific complications vary depending on the procedure.