slightly more complex than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly more complex than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the complexity of two subjects, indicating that one is a bit more complicated than the other. Example: "The new software update is slightly more complex than the previous version, requiring additional training for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The deals are slightly more complex than those found in the United States; interest rates and down payments are higher, too.

The New York Times

The answer is yes, many times in the past four decades, even though the current picture is slightly more complex than the bald headlines suggest.

The Guardian - Business

(Donating bone marrow is only slightly more complex than donating blood, though it requires multiple visits). Some people's contact information simply falls out of the system, especially the case with college-age donors who frequently change addresses.

Stanford University

Although this new technique for designing artificial bones is slightly more complex than the conventional methods, and the status of soft tissue should also be considered for an optimal aesthetic outcome, the results suggest that this method better meets the requirements of individual patients.

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The solar collector is actually slightly more complex than a uniform slab of silicon.

Science Magazine

Things are, however, slightly more complex than this and we shall look at these three elements in more detail.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

However, by choosing appropriate λ and a, elastic-net enables us to have balanced estimates, producing a slightly more complex model than LASSO but far simpler model than ridge.

BioMed Research International

As he lives in Europe, this was an export order that entailed a slightly more complex procedure than shipping a copy to a U.S. address.

Forbes

The fourth strategy will be more effective, but requires learning a slightly more complex rule than the first three strategies.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

However, the network figures are quite complicated for a large HOPS. Figure 3 shows a slightly more complex network than Figure 2c.

BMC Systems Biology

Being slightly more complex to create than a photo doesn't need to be the downfall of the GIF though, it can be a strength.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly more complex than", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This avoids ambiguity and clarifies the degree of complexity being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly more complex than" when the difference in complexity is actually significant. Choose a more appropriate phrase like "considerably more complex" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly more complex than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase by indicating that it possesses a degree of complexity that is marginally greater than something else. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples to illustrate its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly more complex than" is a valuable tool for expressing subtle differences in complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. While conveying a nuanced comparison, it's important to ensure that the stated difference is truly slight, avoiding overstatements. Consider alternatives like "somewhat more intricate than" or "a bit more involved than" to achieve the desired level of precision. By mastering the use of "slightly more complex than", writers can accurately and effectively convey comparative degrees of complexity in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally more intricate than

Emphasizes a smaller degree of increased intricacy.

somewhat more involved than

Highlights the increase in the number of elements or steps.

a bit more elaborate than

Focuses on the addition of details or ornamentation.

relatively more sophisticated than

Indicates an advancement in refinement or technique.

moderately more complicated than

Suggests a manageable level of added difficulty.

just a tad more convoluted than

Emphasizes the winding or confusing nature of the complexity.

a shade more advanced than

Highlights the higher level of skill or knowledge required.

ever so slightly more demanding than

Focuses on increased effort or skill needed.

notably more intricate than

Emphasizes that the phrase is significantly more intricate.

distinctly more sophisticated than

Emphasizes a clear and noticeable difference in sophistication.

FAQs

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

Use "slightly more complex than" to compare two things where one is a bit more complicated. For instance, "The advanced algorithm is "slightly more complex than" the basic one".

What are some alternatives to "slightly more complex than"?

Alternatives include "somewhat more intricate than", "a bit more involved than", or "marginally more complicated than" depending on the degree of complexity you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "slightly more complex than"?

It's inappropriate when the difference is not slight. For instance, if the subject is significantly harder to understand or implement, use a phrase like "much more complex than".

What is the difference between "slightly more complex than" and "more complex than"?

"Slightly more complex than" indicates a small difference in difficulty or intricacy, while "more complex than" implies a general difference without specifying the degree. Therefore, "slightly more complex than" is more precise.