somewhat complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not entirely straightforward or simple, indicating a moderate level of complexity. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were somewhat complex, requiring careful attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The terms of the deal are somewhat complex.

The New York Times

"This makes preparing for the World Cup somewhat complex".

The New York Times

So, I prepare the somewhat complex operation of making the journey to parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

The method is somewhat complex; it involves the comparison of climate observations with the output of climate models.

The Guardian

To be born an Indian at such a time involved being part of a somewhat complex and contradictory society.

The Guardian - Books

But given that it's safe to assume that this isn't going to happen, then the answer to the specific question you ask becomes somewhat complex.

The Guardian

The details are intentionally hazy, but the over-all project, as McAfee explains it, is somewhat complex because of its decentralized nature.

The New Yorker

The system itself is somewhat complex.

TechCrunch

However, the numerators are somewhat complex.

Advances in Difference Equations

Saga is a somewhat complex product to describe.

TechCrunch

The experimental results showed a somewhat complex dependency of entrainment on liquid physical properties.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat complex", be prepared to offer some level of clarification or simplification for your audience. While it acknowledges difficulty, it doesn't excuse a lack of explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat complex" as a substitute for actually explaining the complexity. Provide specific details rather than relying on vague descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat complex" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate a moderate degree of complexity. As Ludwig AI tells us, it is commonly used to describe something that is not entirely straightforward or simple.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat complex" is a commonly used adjective phrase to describe something with a moderate level of complexity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears frequently in science, news, and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're prepared to provide some degree of clarification and avoid relying on it as a vague placeholder. Consider alternatives like "a bit intricate" or "moderately complicated" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit intricate

Indicates a slight increase in detail and elaborateness.

moderately complicated

Emphasizes a medium level of difficulty to understand or deal with.

fairly involved

Suggests a moderate level of engagement and detail.

reasonably convoluted

Implies a level of complexity that can be confusing, but not extremely so.

slightly knotty

Describes something with a minor problem or complication.

not entirely straightforward

Highlights that the matter at hand is not simple, but also not exceedingly difficult.

a little perplexing

Suggests a mild level of confusion or difficulty in understanding.

rather labyrinthine

Implies a confusing structure, but less intense than using "labyrinthine" alone.

somewhat Byzantine

Draws a parallel to the excessive complexity often associated with Byzantine bureaucracy.

kind of tortuous

Indicates something that is complex and difficult to follow.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat complex" in a sentence?

Use "somewhat complex" to describe something that has a moderate level of intricacy or difficulty, such as "The algorithm is "somewhat complex", but manageable with the right tools."

What can I say instead of "somewhat complex"?

You can use alternatives like "moderately complicated", "fairly involved", or "a bit intricate" depending on the context.

When should I use "somewhat complex" versus "very complex"?

"Somewhat complex" indicates a moderate level of difficulty, whereas "very complex" implies a high level of difficulty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of complexity you are describing.

Is it redundant to use "somewhat complex" with terms that already imply complexity?

While not strictly redundant, using "somewhat complex" with terms like "algorithm" or "equation" might be unnecessary. Consider whether the added emphasis is needed, or if the inherent complexity is already understood.