proving to be complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proving to be complex" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, problem, or concept that is becoming increasingly complicated or difficult to understand. Example: "The project started off simple, but as we delved deeper, it was proving to be complex and required more resources than anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

AQ signalling is proving to be complex, leading to many open questions that still remain unanswered.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It could be great, though – once connected, SimCity proves to be complex yet accessible, with citizens' demands on your resources proving a satisfying challenge to meet.

The Guardian - Tech

Extinction has proved to be complex and sometimes excruciatingly slow, often tantalizing conservationists with the prospect of bringing a fading species back.

The New York Times - Science

However, the consultation document warns that determining liability in the event of a collision where the driver has activated the automated vehicle technology and "disengaged from the driving task" could prove to be "complex and time-consuming".

The Guardian - Money

The trial in the courtroom of Justice Carol Berkman of State Supreme Court in Manhattan has proved to be complex and sometimes tense, as it was yesterday when Justice Berkman sustained a prosecutor's objection and told the defense lawyers: "Excuse me, I'm the judge.

The New York Times

Z-2 has proved to be complex.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Windows 2000 is one project that has certainly proved to be complex.

Forbes

The TBC model has proven to be complex enough to grasp the important reactive processes.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

The problem proved to be complex, and current research revealed a very complex flow with several flow phenomena taking place.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Dasgupta et al [10, 11] described another method, based on gravimetric, complexometric and instrumental techniques, which proved to be complex and lengthy.

Chemistry Central Journal

However, the relationship has increasingly proved to be complex, messy, and multifaceted (Alderson and Hamp-Lyons 1996; Wall and Alderson 1993; Watanabe 2004).

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proving to be complex", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is becoming complex. Provide specific details or examples to illustrate the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "proving to be complex" as a generic filler phrase. Ensure that the situation genuinely warrants such a description and that the complexity is evident to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proving to be complex" functions as a verbal phrase that typically serves as a predicate in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a situation or subject that is becoming increasingly complicated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proving to be complex" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations that are evolving into something intricate and difficult. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in both scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the complexity is evident and justified, avoiding overuse as a generic filler. For alternative expressions, consider "becoming increasingly complicated" or "demonstrating unexpected complexity" to add nuance. The choice depends on the specific shade of meaning that you want to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming increasingly complicated

Focuses on the gradual increase in complication.

turning out to be intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature.

demonstrating unexpected complexity

Highlights the element of surprise and inherent complexity.

revealing unforeseen complications

Points out the element of surprise and inherent complications.

exhibiting a convoluted nature

Stresses the confusing and intricate aspect.

presenting multifaceted challenges

Highlights that it has more than one aspect.

evolving into a sophisticated matter

Emphasizes the transformation into something refined and complex.

morphing into a labyrinthine situation

Shows an analogy between problem and something that is confusing.

unfolding as an elaborate scheme

Highlights how the problem reveals the steps little by little.

growing in sophistication

Emphasis is placed on the growth of sophistication.

FAQs

How can I use "proving to be complex" in a sentence?

You can use "proving to be complex" to describe a situation, problem, or concept that is becoming increasingly complicated or difficult to understand. For example: "The project started off simple, but as we delved deeper, it was "proving to be complex" and required more resources than anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "proving to be complex"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming increasingly complicated", "turning out to be intricate", or "demonstrating unexpected complexity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "proving to be complex" or "is complex"?

The choice depends on the context. "Is complex" describes a state, while "proving to be complex" describes a process of becoming complex over time. Use "proving to be complex" when you want to emphasize the evolving nature of the complexity.

What does it mean when something is "proving to be complex"?

When something is "proving to be complex", it means that its inherent difficulty or complicated nature is becoming increasingly apparent as time progresses or as one delves deeper into it.