substantial complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial complication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable difficulty or issue that arises in a situation or process. Example: "The project faced a substantial complication when the main supplier went out of business unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A substantial complication is introduced by changes in the geographic classification of areas in the CPS.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Conclusions: Although the stomal/wound complication rate was significantly higher in group I, both groups had very substantial complication rates, emphasizing the vulnerability of this infant population.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

PM, however, is a drastic and irreversible intervention, and in case of breast reconstruction (BR), is accompanied by a substantial complication rate.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

Further, we found a substantial complication rate after breast reconstruction, which mainly concerned late cosmetic issues, almost always leading to additional surgery.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Your May 11 editorial "Substantial Complications" calls into question the rigor of the Food and Drug Administration's premarket oversight of medical devices and may inadvertently cause patients to question the safety and reliability of medical devices reviewed by the agency.

The New York Times

In such a case, when closed-form solutions are still available, the results reported in Proposition 1 continue to hold in spite of substantial complications.

IZA Journal of Migration

51 53 This is concerning as the procedure has been associated with substantial complications among survivors.

BMJ Open

We hypothesized that topical ESWT would result in rapid pain relief and functional improvement without substantial complications.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

It can also result in substantial complications and morbidity in the mother and her offspring (Duley 2009, Kuklina et al 2009).

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Although we did not have any substantial complications associated with the gynecologic surgery in our series, there is a potential risk in adding the gynecologic procedure to prophylactic surgery, especially in the setting of autologous reconstructive surgery.

BMC Cancer

Infrabony defects in the alveolus pose a substantial treatment complication for restorative dentists.

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial complication", ensure the context clearly indicates the area affected and the impact of the complication. For instance, specify whether it's a "substantial complication" in a medical procedure, a business deal, or a research project.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial complication" for minor or easily resolved issues. Reserve this phrase for situations where the complication genuinely poses a significant challenge or risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial complication" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies "complication". It describes a complication of considerable importance or magnitude. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial complication" effectively conveys the significance of a problem or difficulty. While not extremely common, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for formal contexts, particularly in scientific and technical domains. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is affected by the complication, and avoid using it for minor issues. Alternatives include "significant difficulty" or "major setback" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant difficulty

Focuses on the level of difficulty presented.

major setback

Highlights the idea of a reversal or delay in progress.

serious problem

Emphasizes the gravity or severity of the issue.

considerable challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

notable impediment

Emphasizes the obstacle-like nature of the complication.

grave issue

Focuses on the serious and concerning nature of the problem.

critical obstacle

Highlights the severity and obstructiveness of the issue.

pronounced adversity

Emphasizes the challenging or unfavorable condition.

large-scale predicament

Focuses on the extensive or widespread nature of the problem.

consequential problem

Highlights the important results or effects of an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial complication" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial complication" to describe significant difficulties or issues. For example, "The project faced a "substantial complication" when the main supplier went out of business".

What are some alternatives to "substantial complication"?

Alternatives include "significant difficulty", "major setback", or "serious problem", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial complication" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial complication" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, business, or academic contexts where precision is important.

What makes a complication "substantial"?

A "substantial" complication is one that significantly impacts progress, outcomes, or resources, and requires significant effort or resources to address.