sounds complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sounds complicated" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express that something seems difficult or confusing. Here are a few examples: - "I read through the instructions, but it still sounds complicated." - "Can you explain that again? It sounds complicated." - "I'm not sure if I can do it. It sounds too complicated for me." - "The process of setting up the new system sounds complicated." - "I don't understand all the technical terms. It all sounds complicated to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If that sounds complicated, it's way more complicated than that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sounds complicated; looked beautiful.

The New York Times

It sounds complicated.

The New York Times

(Sounds complicated? It is).

The New York Times - Books

This sounds complicated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It sounds complicated, I hazard.

The Guardian

If it sounds complicated, it also works.

The New York Times

If it sounds complicated, it is.

The New York Times

Because . . . it sounds complicated, but it's an ordinary story.

The New Yorker

This all probably sounds complicated, but it wasn't.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Does this sound complicated?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sounds complicated", follow up with a clarifying statement to reassure the audience that it may not be as difficult as it seems, or to offer simplification.

Common error

Avoid using "sounds complicated" without providing context or reassurance. Failing to address the perceived complexity can discourage your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sounds complicated" functions as a comment or reaction to something that has been described or explained. It expresses a perception of complexity or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sounds complicated" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something appears difficult or intricate based on its description. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from reputable sources. While it's versatile and can be used in various contexts, it's often helpful to follow up with clarifying statements or offer simplification to avoid discouraging your audience. Alternatives like "appears complex" or "seems intricate" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears complex

Highlights the visual or perceived complexity, suggesting that something looks difficult to understand or handle.

is quite convoluted

Stresses the complicated and difficult-to-follow nature of something, often implying unnecessary complexity.

seems intricate

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature, implying a complex design or structure.

is rather involved

Suggests that something requires a lot of attention, time, or effort due to its complexity.

looks challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty and the potential effort required to deal with something.

has many layers

Implies complexity by suggesting multiple levels or aspects that need to be considered.

presents difficulties

Indicates that something poses problems or obstacles, focusing on the challenges involved.

poses a puzzle

Suggests that something is challenging and requires careful thought and effort to resolve.

seems problematic

Focuses on the potential issues or complications that might arise from something.

is a maze

Uses a metaphor to describe something as confusing and difficult to navigate or understand.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "sounds complicated"?

When something "sounds complicated", it means it appears difficult, intricate, or hard to understand based on a description or explanation. It suggests a level of complexity that might be daunting.

What can I say instead of "sounds complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "appears complex", "seems intricate", or "looks challenging" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "sounds complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "sounds complicated" to react to a description. For example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture sounds complicated" or "That new policy sounds complicated to implement".

Is it always negative to say something "sounds complicated"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a potential difficulty, it can also be an observation that acknowledges the intricacy of a subject. The context and follow-up determine whether it's perceived negatively or neutrally.