rather complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

"rather complicated" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is more involved or difficult than expected. For example, "I thought attending the tax seminar would just cover basic concepts, but it was actually rather complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This makes communication rather complicated.

The Guardian

"It's a rather complicated way of observing".

The Guardian

All rather complicated things, unlikely to stir up populism.

The Economist

But you have to remember, he's a rather complicated gentleman.

Independent

"The situation is rather complicated," said Interior Minister Edmundo Pérez.

The New York Times

Carlson did not seem convinced by this rather complicated explanation.

The New Yorker

rather complicated.

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

It's rather complicated.

TechCrunch

It is a rather complicated construction.

SEP

This makes the calculation rather complicated.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

This results in rather complicated fluid distributions within the products.

Solar Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather complicated" to signal that an explanation may require additional details or a simplified breakdown to ensure clarity for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "rather complicated" repeatedly in the same text. Diversify your language with synonyms like "complex", "intricate", or "involved" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather complicated" functions as an intensifier (rather) modifying an adjective (complicated). This combination serves to emphasize the degree of complexity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly valid and common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather complicated" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that something is more complex than expected. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "intricate" or "involved" for variety. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, from scientific discussions to news articles, signaling to the audience that the topic at hand may require a detailed explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat complex

Indicates a moderate level of complexity, less intense than "rather complicated".

moderately intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and interwoven nature, akin to "rather complicated".

fairly involved

Suggests that something requires significant effort or understanding, similar to "rather complicated".

a bit knotty

Implies that the subject has many problems and is difficult to solve; it's more informal.

slightly convoluted

Conveys that something is unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow, mirroring "rather complicated".

reasonably sophisticated

Highlights the advanced and refined nature of something, akin to the more challenging aspects of "rather complicated".

quite elaborate

Suggests a high level of detail and complexity, in line with "rather complicated".

somewhat perplexing

Emphasizes the confusing and baffling nature, which can be a result of something being "rather complicated".

a little tricky

Indicates a need for caution and skill, as things that are "rather complicated" can be tricky to handle.

not entirely straightforward

Highlights that something is indirect or complex, akin to "rather complicated".

FAQs

How can I use "rather complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "rather complicated" to describe processes, situations, or explanations that are not simple. For example, "The instructions were "rather complicated", so I had to watch a tutorial video."

What can I say instead of "rather complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat complex", "moderately intricate", or "fairly involved" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "rather complicated" in formal writing?

Yes, "rather complicated" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "reasonably sophisticated" or "not entirely straightforward".

What's the difference between "complicated" and "rather complicated"?

Adding "rather" before "complicated" intensifies the degree of complexity. "Rather complicated" implies a noticeable level of intricacy beyond simply being complicated.