slightly more complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly more complex" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not overly complicated, but still has some level of difficulty or complexity. Example: "The instructions for this recipe are slightly more complex than your average dish, but with a little bit of practice, you'll be able to master it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kiros's recipe is just slightly more complex.

The New York Times

Here are some slightly more complex interface sketches.

Stanford University

Then there is the slightly more complex "double marginalization" theory.

The New York Times

Continental has a slightly more complex, but less costly formula.

The New York Times

As for scarcity, the logic is only slightly more complex.

The New York Times

The case for One57 is slightly more complex.

The New York Times

I think you'll find the correct terminology is slightly more complex and involving.

The Guardian - Sport

The aged is slightly more complex in flavor, and slightly more expensive.

The New York Times - Food

I'll be sure to be "slightly more complex and involving" in the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Close up, it's slightly more complex, though some of my preconceptions were reinforced.

The Guardian

Finding equilibria for even slightly more complex games can be enormously difficult.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly more complex" when you want to indicate that something has a moderate increase in intricacy or difficulty compared to something else, without implying it is overly complicated. For instance, "This engine design is "slightly more complex" than the previous model, offering enhanced performance".

Common error

Avoid using "slightly more complex" when describing something that is truly very complex or difficult. This can mislead your audience and undermine the clarity of your communication. Instead, opt for more descriptive phrases like "significantly more intricate" or "substantially more challenging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly more complex" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that something possesses a degree of complexity greater than something else, yet not to a great extent. Ludwig confirms this usage through its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly more complex" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a moderate increase in intricacy or difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across diverse contexts, notably in science, news, and academic writing. The phrase is best employed when a speaker or writer aims to acknowledge added complexity without exaggerating it. To avoid miscommunication, use caution in contexts that require a more emphatic indication of intricacy. Some possible alternatives are "a bit more intricate", "somewhat more involved", and "marginally more sophisticated". Overall, "slightly more complex" presents itself as a useful and accurate addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit more intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the complexity.

somewhat more involved

Highlights the level of participation or engagement required.

marginally more sophisticated

Suggests a subtle improvement in refinement and advancement.

a shade more complicated

Indicates a minor increase in difficulty or intricacy.

moderately more advanced

Focuses on the progression to a higher level of skill or knowledge.

incrementally more elaborate

Stresses the gradual addition of details and complexity.

fractionally more demanding

Highlights the increased effort or requirements involved.

subtly more challenging

Emphasizes the understated nature of the increased difficulty.

scarcely more convoluted

Indicates that the increased complexity is minimal and potentially confusing.

minimally more puzzling

Highlights a slight increase in the level of confusion or mystery.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly more complex" to compare the intricacy of two or more things. For example, "This new algorithm is "slightly more complex" than the previous one, but it yields more accurate results".

What can I say instead of "slightly more complex"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit more intricate", "somewhat more involved", or "marginally more sophisticated" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly more complex"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a moderate increase in difficulty or intricacy, without implying that something is overly complicated or daunting. It's useful for providing a balanced perspective.

What's the difference between "slightly more complex" and "significantly more complex"?

"Slightly more complex" indicates a minor increase in intricacy, whereas "significantly more complex" suggests a substantial and noticeable difference in complexity.