sometimes more complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes more complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, concepts, or problems that can vary in complexity depending on certain conditions or contexts. Example: "The process of learning a new language can be straightforward, but it is sometimes more complex when dealing with idiomatic expressions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Sometimes more complex models are better, unless it can be argued convincingly that all additional complexity does not impact the model behaviour significantly.

BMC Systems Biology

Some Active Minds chapters are at community colleges, which have different, and sometimes more complex, mental-health issues.

The Washington Post

Sometimes it is as simple as his windmilling arms in the 1975 "Gestures in Red"; sometimes more complex, like the controlled and dreamlike movement of an extract from the 1987 "Peepstone," beautifully performed by Mr. Williams.

The New York Times - Arts

Cycling through a series of grooves with the Greg Spero Trio, laying down rhythms that were sometimes more complex than they could collectively enunciate, the dancers arranged themselves in lines and circles and periodically broke out into solos that were consistently more engaging than the group activity.

The New York Times - Arts

These gestures used space to represent simple abstract relations (e.g., increase) and sometimes more complex relational structures (e.g., negative feedback).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

There are some opportunities for funding care from the local council or the health authority, so experts say these need to be exhausted before getting into other, sometimes more complex, financial arrangements.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Alkali metal stannides are mostly ionic, sometimes with the stannide ion (Sn4−), and sometimes with more complex Zintl ions such as, which appears in tetrapotassium nonastannide (K4Sn9).

Wikipedia

In calcareous rocks the minerals found include plagioclase, diopside, grossularite, vesuvianite, wollastonite, and sometimes the more complex calcium silicates monticellite, melilite, spurrite, tilleyite, and clinohumite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I don't just mean in the sense Derek Bailey talks about — the ephemeral-moment-sadly-frozen-in-time problem — I mean in the sense of the recorded sound itself being the primary trace of sometimes a more complex moment, structurally, socially, sculpturally, etc.

The New Yorker

Following this, Poppie (who is 20) administers medication, which is usually paracetamol or Laxido but sometimes involves more complex pain-control drugs such as BuTrans patches.

Vice

Each image in the recently published "Early Warner Bros. Studios" is accompanied by richly detailed captions that answer simple questions but sometimes raise more complex ones.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometimes more complex" to indicate that complexity isn't constant, but varies depending on circumstances. This adds nuance to your description, avoiding generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes more complex" when the subject is consistently intricate. In such cases, simply state that it is "complex" to maintain clarity and avoid downplaying inherent intricacies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes more complex" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a degree of variability in complexity. It describes situations, processes, or systems that are not consistently intricate but exhibit increased complexity under certain conditions. As per Ludwig, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

47%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sometimes more complex" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates variability in complexity. It's most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Ludwig confirms its correctness and utility in describing situations that are not consistently intricate. When employing this phrase, remember to consider the specific context and avoid overgeneralizing complexity. Alternatives like "occasionally more intricate" or "at times more complicated" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally more intricate

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", implying a finer level of detail and artistry, while retaining the occasional nature.

at times more complicated

Substitutes "complex" with "complicated", suggesting difficulty in understanding or dealing with something at certain moments.

now and then more elaborate

Replaces "sometimes" with "now and then" and "complex" with "elaborate", implying more detail and richness intermittently.

sporadically more sophisticated

Uses "sporadically" instead of "sometimes" and "sophisticated" for "complex", suggesting occasional refinement and advanced features.

intermittently more convoluted

Replaces "sometimes" with "intermittently" and "complex" with "convoluted", implying occasional difficulty due to intricacy.

certain times more knotty

Replaces "sometimes" with "certain times" and "complex" with "knotty", which signifies a tangled or complicated situation.

on occasion more labyrinthine

Replaces "sometimes" with "on occasion" and uses "labyrinthine" instead of "complex", suggesting an intricate and confusing structure at specific times.

from time to time more involved

Replaces "sometimes" with "from time to time" and "complex" with "involved", implying that something requires more participation or attention at intervals.

periodically more tricky

Replaces "sometimes" with "periodically" and "complex" with "tricky", indicating that something poses difficulties at specific intervals.

every so often more challenging

Replaces "sometimes" with "every so often" and "complex" with "challenging", suggesting that something presents difficulties occasionally.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "sometimes more complex" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases such as "occasionally more intricate" or "at times more complicated" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sometimes more complex"?

Yes, the phrase "sometimes more complex" is grammatically correct. It's used to indicate that something is not always complex, but becomes so under certain circumstances, as validated by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "sometimes complex" and "sometimes more complex"?

"Sometimes complex" indicates that something is only complex occasionally, while "sometimes more complex" implies that it varies in complexity, being simpler at other times.

When should I use "sometimes more complex" in my writing?

Use "sometimes more complex" when describing situations, processes, or systems that have varying levels of complexity. This shows an understanding of the nuance and variability involved.