substantively complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantively complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has significant depth or intricacy in its content or structure. Example: "The report was substantively complex, requiring careful analysis to fully understand its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Over an extended period of time, the Trial Chamber displayed a willingness to engage with the Prosecution and Serbia and Montenegro in a series of procedurally and substantively complex circumstances surrounding a multitude of documents.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, an analysis with the more complex model did not substantively change the result (not shown). 1 number remaining after ambiguously aligned sites removed 2 base composition heterogeneity based on variable sites only 3 2nd position P = 0.94 (NS) ADH5 shares many of the desirable properties of FGB7, such as even base composition and relatively uniform rates among sites (Table 2).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

If a study provided data on multiple predator-prey pairs, or on the same predator-prey interaction in substantively different conditions (high versus low nutrient levels, complex versus simple environments, etc)., we treated these studies as independent data points in our analyses in order to address the range of possible conditions in which NCE might be important [e.g., 14,54,55].

Plosone

It is important in discussions of context to concentrate substantively on what matters (i.e. whether to map genre as an emergently complex pattern of field, tenor and mode configurations or not), and not to dwell terminologically on what does not.

Functional Linguistics

However, the relationship between hypoglycemia risk and treatment intensity differs substantively from the relationship between hypoglycemia risk and achieved HbA1c level, the latter being more complex.

Diabetes Care

Although these networks share similar complex network topologies – they are scale-free, small-world, and modular – they are nonetheless different in substantively important ways.

Social Networks

And substantively at times".

The Guardian

"Substantively, the bill is abysmal.

The New Yorker

This makes little sense, substantively.

The New York Times

Ideologically and substantively, it is centrist.

The New Yorker

It does – descriptively, substantively and symbolically.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantively complex" when you want to emphasize that the complexity is not superficial but goes to the core of the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "substantively complex" when describing something that is merely complicated. Reserve it for situations where the complexity is fundamental and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantively complex" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses a significant and deep level of complexity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantively complex" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe something with significant depth or intricacy. While not frequently used, it's well-suited for formal, academic, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its appropriateness for describing situations requiring careful analysis. When considering alternatives, options like "intrinsically complicated" or "fundamentally intricate" can provide similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrinsically complicated

Focuses on the inherent nature of the complexity.

fundamentally intricate

Emphasizes the deep-rooted and detailed nature of the complexity.

deeply convoluted

Highlights the elaborate and intricate nature of the complexity.

materially intricate

Emphasizes the significant and detailed nature of the complexity.

genuinely multifaceted

Highlights the many aspects and dimensions contributing to the complexity.

significantly elaborate

Emphasizes the considerable detail and intricacy involved.

essentially sophisticated

Focuses on the advanced and refined nature of the complexity.

profoundly involved

Highlights the deep level of engagement and complexity.

inherently multifaceted

Focuses on the innate multi-dimensional characteristic.

critically elaborate

Emphasizes the crucial and detailed construction.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantively complex" to describe situations, ideas, or systems that are deeply and fundamentally intricate. For example, "The legal case was "substantively complex", requiring extensive research and analysis".

What are some alternatives to "substantively complex"?

Alternatives include "intrinsically complicated", "fundamentally intricate", or "deeply convoluted" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "substantively complex" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "substantively complex" is more suited to formal, academic, or professional contexts. In informal writing, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "substantively complex" and "simply complex"?

"Substantively complex" implies a deeper, more fundamental level of intricacy, whereas "simply complex" suggests complexity without necessarily implying depth or significance. The former is about the core nature of something, while the latter is a general observation about its complicated nature.